Foster Program Coordinator

Washington Humane Society • Washington, DC

3d • $20 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Foster Program Coordinator plays a critical role in expanding HRA’s lifesaving capacity by overseeing the day-to-day operations of our foster care program. This individual will recruit, train, and support foster caregivers, coordinate animal placements, and work closely with medical and behavior teams to ensure positive outcomes for animals in foster homes.

Requirements

• Passion for HRA’s mission, including compassion for all animals—regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species—and a commitment to public service and education without judgment or bias.
• Knowledge of animal sheltering procedures or the ability and willingness to learn; must be comfortable handling animals and open to gaining proficiency in animal-handling techniques.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer service orientation; ability to communicate in a professional, compassionate, and nonjudgmental manner with volunteers, adopters, donors, and staff.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and calm under pressure.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in an environment of shifting priorities.
• Team-oriented and also able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Technologically proficient, with experience using Microsoft Office, Outlook, internet applications, and shelter databases or CRM platforms (training provided).
• Emotionally resilient, with the ability to manage the demands and emotional aspects of working in an animal shelter with professionalism and care.

Nice To Haves

• Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Match animals with appropriate foster homes based on behavior and medical needs.
• Coordinate transport, supplies, and ongoing communication with foster families.
• Maintain timely, accurate records in shelter software systems (e.g., PetPoint).
• Recruit, screen, and onboard new Foster Caregivers.
• Recruit, screen, and onboard new Volunteer Foster Case Managers and Admin volunteers for the foster program.
• Plan and conduct orientations, trainings, and workshops for foster caregivers and case managers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for foster-related inquiries.
• Help manage the HRA foster inbox, craft templates and tools for effective and efficient responses, and provide timely follow up.
• Collaborate with veterinary, behavior, and adoption staff to monitor foster animal health, progress, and flow through.
• Track compliance with medical appointments, vaccinations, and spay/neuter procedures.
• Quickly respond to concerns, troubleshoot solutions, and propose action plans.
• Monitor animal’s length of stay in foster homes; Develop and promote adoption action plans.
• Draft a biweekly Newsletter communicating programmatic updates, training resources, instructionals (how to’s), and success stories in concert with the volunteer newsletter.
• Track program metrics and contribute to reports on foster success rates and outcomes.
• Develop and improve processes and resources to increase foster retention and program efficiency.
• Work closely with the Director of Foster and Volunteer Programs; participate in strategic planning for program growth.
• Work as part of a team to complete administrative duties.
• Collaborate with members of the public or other departments.
• Always represent HRA (Humane Rescue Alliance) in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the organization's success.
• Provide a judgement free space where patrons can feel safe and comfortable discussing difficult situations and provide helpful feedback and resources.
• Other duties as assigned within the foster program department.

Benefits

• Hourly rate, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and retirement savings.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Rewarding work with a mission-driven team making a lasting impact.
• Healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed