Manager, Volunteers and Foster

ASPCA • Pawling, NY

5d • $70,100 - $75,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Volunteers and Foster at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the R&R Center’s volunteers and fosters. This role assists in the recruitment, training, and engagement of those who donate their time and talent in service of the ASPCA’s mission. The successful candidate has a genuine appreciation for those who choose to help the R&R Center accomplish its goals, enjoys working with people from a variety of backgrounds, and is an open, honest, and direct communicator with an affinity for collaboration. The Manager reports directly to the Senior Manager, Volunteers & Foster and has no direct reports.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress
• Builds strong collaborative work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand
• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others; Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others
• Proactively Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same; problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions
• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected
• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals
• Sets a high standard by leading with transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles
• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships
• Values training, coaching, and education for self, volunteers, and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities
• Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces where it may be noisy and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer
• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies
• Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience required
• 3 years of professional experience in administrative and client-facing roles required
• Language: English (Required)
• High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing paid staff or volunteers strongly preferred
• 2 years of experience working in an animal shelter preferred
• Animal shelter volunteer management preferred
• Animal first aid skills preferred
• Experience with shelter software systems a plus
• Experience with volunteer management software a plus
• Experience with Salesforce or similar software a plus
• Fear Free® Shelter Program certification (approximately 5 hours) required or completed within 60 days of hire

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day functions of the R&R Center’s Volunteer Program
• Participate in the recruitment and training of volunteers and fosters
• Provide regular touchpoints and engagement opportunities for all volunteers and fosters
• Engage and support an active pool of fosters willing to bring dogs, many with medical and/or behavioral needs, into their homes temporarily
• Work closely with volunteers and fosters to determine how their skills and experience can be best put to use, acknowledging and celebrating their unique contributions to the organization’s mission
• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers and fosters, proactively checking in to maintain engagement
• Arrange and assign volunteer tasks to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience that lessens the load for R&R Center staff and increases the R&R Center’s capacity
• Collaborate across areas to determine where, when, and how volunteers can be most helpful
• Collaborate with colleagues across all areas of the R&R Center to match animals with appropriate foster homes, based on the foster’s capacity and the animal’s needs
• Schedule volunteer shifts to meet the needs of the R&R Center, adapting quickly as the volunteer pool’s availability and the Center’s needs change
• Work alongside volunteers on their tasks, building a sense of belonging and inclusivity among volunteers and between volunteers and staff
• Oversee foster drop-off and pick-up scheduling in collaboration with colleagues across areas
• Gather and provide all needed foster supplies so that fosters and the dogs they bring home are set up for success from the outset
• Facilitate communication between fosters and appropriate staff members to maintain a steady flow of animals into foster homes, and excellent and timely communication around medical and/or behavioral issues
• Coordinate with fosters to collect photos, videos, and additional information for treatment and placement purposes
• Build trust and open communication by directly addressing performance issues and/or safety concerns as they arise, leading with kindness and coaching
• Actively listen to volunteer and foster suggestions and concerns, responding quickly and meaningfully, bringing suggestions to the Senior Manager, Volunteers & Foster, as appropriate
• Monitor and evaluate volunteer performance, providing kind and clear feedback when appropriate
• Provide structured and equitable training opportunities for volunteers and fosters to increase their levels of responsibility as their skill and experience increases
• Provide regular training for R&R Center staff to keep them informed of volunteer policies and procedures and to provide guidance for building strong staff-volunteer relationships
• Coordinate R&R Center staff for volunteer or foster training presentations and shadowing opportunities
• Provide volunteers and fosters with plentiful opportunities to be mentored, coached, and to train in new skills or interest areas
• Seek out professional development and collaboration opportunities to continually improve and update volunteer and foster programs
• Support the coverage of the Senior Manager, Volunteers and Foster in their absence
• Ensure volunteers and fosters understand and adhere to standard operating procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements, and maintain accurate records of compliance activities
• Assist in managing the volunteer and foster databases, as well as volunteer and foster materials to ensure they are current and readily available
• Provide ongoing recognition and plan appreciation events for volunteers and fosters
• Maintain a variety of communication avenues to meet the needs of R&R Center volunteers and fosters, keeping them informed and engaged, and providing full transparency around euthanasia decisions
• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related expenses
• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets
• Transport animals and supplies as needed

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED