Manager, Shelter Partnerships

Best Friends Animal Society•Houston, TX

25d•$65,000 - $72,000•Onsite

About The Position

Shelter Partnership Managers are key leaders responsible for developing and implementing lifesaving programming, coordinating, and performing hands-on lifesaving work, with and within priority partner shelters to help them achieve no-kill status. Managers act with urgency leading teams to accomplish important tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. Managers may receive intensive assignments in a particular program, based on organizational needs. We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Requirements

Background in animal sheltering working or volunteering in an animal shelter, preferably in a municipal, government or private shelter with contractual animal control responsibilities; ability to work in an environment that is not no-kill, remaining professional, nonjudgmental, and supportive of that shelter’s staff.
Experience with and ability to drive large multi-passenger vehicles.
Experience in leading teams or managing people, including staff and volunteers, with a record of program growth highly preferred.
Excellent communications skills: comfort with public speaking and presentation experience; ability to professionally advocate Best Friends’ position on issues.
Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with a conversational adoption process.
Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn.
Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion.
Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
Valid driver’s license, meeting Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards; ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.
Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead teams, provide strategic direction, and promote lifesaving objectives
Oversee, coordinate and conduct shelter partner support activities including working directly with partner shelter staff on a day-to-day basis on sustainable lifesaving programs in accordance with partnerships, MOUs or contracts, and direct, hands-on lifesaving work
Contribute to strategies for operational efficiency, superior customer service, and increased lifesaving.
Serve as a mission ambassador, representing Best Friends’ mission and vision within partner shelters
Provide training, mentoring; and develop resources for partner shelters on proven programs support their success in achieving no-kill
Collect, maintain, and analyze statistics within targeted partners shelters.
Provide support, training, mentoring, and performance feedback
Conduct performance conversations
Participate in recruitment and hiring
Ensure teams meet expectations for Best Friends’ program requirements and procedures
Lead teams so that each person achieves their fullest potential as contributors to Best Friends’ mission and goals.
Prepare and manage the department’s operational budget, forecasting, and performance metrics
Participate in the maintenance of physical facilities or vehicles
Develop a comprehensive knowledge of Best Friends’ programs to advise teams.
Work collaboratively with and assist Best Friends’ team members in all areas of operations to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals
Participate in the development of operating procedures
Follow policies, procedures, and task lists, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.
Maintain a safe workplace, value, and model safe work practices, adhering to organizational safety practices and rules, and addressing or communicating to leadership about unsafe practices and conditions.
Responsible for recruiting and training transport volunteers.