Animal Program Specialist

SPCA Westchester•Village of Briarcliff Manor, NY

2d•$18 - $19

About The Position

The Animal Program Specialist helps connect shelter animals with the community and potential adopters, while supporting positive volunteer experiences. The role oversees the daily operation and growth of the Dog Day Out (DDO) program and manages engaging animal photographs, videos, biographies, adoption profiles, and in-shelter marketing materials. The specialist works with internal teams, volunteers, and community partners to increase animal visibility and adoption opportunities. The position coordinates DDO applications, volunteer onboarding and scheduling, dog assignments, daily releases and returns, safety guidance, records, equipment, and participant communications. It also creates and maintains current animal profiles and content, gathering stories and information from staff, foster families, volunteers, and DDO participants, and collaborating with the Marketing team. The schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. SPCA Westchester is a no-kill, not-for-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless, abused, and abandoned animals and protecting animals from cruelty and neglect through education and enforcement of humane laws. It is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Requirements

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write engaging animal biographies and communicate effectively with volunteers and staff.
Comfort using spreadsheets, scheduling platforms, and other computer-based systems.
Good judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to animal safety and welfare.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a variety of teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience in program coordination, volunteer management, animal care, community outreach, marketing, or a related field.
Experience with animal photography, video, or digital content creation.

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operation and continued growth of the Dog Day Out program, including applications, volunteer onboarding, scheduling, dog assignments, and follow-up.
Match dogs with appropriate volunteers based on each dog’s needs and each volunteer’s experience, abilities, and planned activities.
Coordinate daily dog releases and returns with shelter staff, ensuring volunteers receive appropriate equipment, information, and safety guidance.
Maintain accurate program records, monitor participation and outcomes, and use program data to identify opportunities for improvement.
Manage program equipment and supplies, maintain communication with participants, and develop a reliable pool of regular and advanced volunteers.
Work with behavior and medical teams to help ensure dogs are appropriate for outings and communicate relevant safety considerations.
Build relationships with volunteers and community partners to increase participation and awareness of the DDO program.
Identify opportunities to expand the program through local businesses, corporate groups, universities, and other community organizations.
Create and maintain accurate, engaging biographies and adoption profiles for shelter animals across online platforms and in-shelter materials.
Take high-quality photographs and videos that showcase each animal’s personality, strengths, and adoptability.
Keep animal profiles, biographies, photographs, and cage cards current as new information becomes available.
Gather information and content from staff, foster families, volunteers, and DDO participants to help tell each animal’s story.
Collaborate with the Marketing team to share compelling animal content and improve adoption visibility.