Puppy Program Manager

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC.•New Albany, OH

6d•$64,000 - $68,000

About The Position

The Puppy Program Manager manages the regional volunteer puppy raiser population and oversees the day-to-day operations of the puppy program, including puppy placement, raiser support, public awareness, and communication with program and development departments. The role provides direct support to puppy raisers through orientation, mentoring, follow-up, supervision of puppy classes, progress reports, and workshops. The manager recruits and screens volunteer puppy raisers, places puppies, and helps volunteers understand their responsibilities. They coordinate communications, education, records, health and behavior follow-up, puppy matriculation, and released-dog placements. The position also supports specialty puppy-raising programs and works with internal departments, volunteers, instructors, and contract trainers. This is a full-time position based in New Albany, Ohio, scheduled for 40 hours per week. Some evenings or weekends may be required. The annual salary range is $64,000–$68,000.

Requirements

Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, with time-management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage, train, and motivate staff, volunteers, and clients.
Ability to communicate and maintain confidential information.
Ability to complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines.
Experience with dog training and behavior, animal healthcare procedures, teaching, public speaking, and disability awareness and sensitivity.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in dog handling, training, and dog healthcare.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Previous experience working in a nonprofit environment that included public speaking.

Responsibilities

Maintain a wait list of screened puppy raisers, review applications, and ensure phone and home screenings meet standards.
Place puppies with approved volunteer puppy raisers and provide orientation and follow-up.
Train apprentice instructors on the puppy program, applicant screening, and interviews.
Provide puppy raisers with supplemental information through newsletters, blogs, emails, and local chapter updates.
Respond to raiser questions and concerns about puppy behavior or health through phone, video, or in-person consultation.
Coordinate communication between the puppy-raising community and training staff, and work with portal and marketing teams on email communications.
Recognize puppy raisers and classes at graduations and provide tours or demonstrations to volunteers and the public.
Coordinate and lead workshops for volunteers and specialty programs, including training, socialization, and healthcare.
Supervise and train puppy-class instructors and contract trainers; teaching puppy classes may be included.
Train apprentices on progress report reviews, database use, and graduation procedures.
Collect and review monthly progress reports and ensure appropriate follow-up and support.
Keep the portal current and maintain records of puppy placements and volunteer interactions.
Compile puppy medical and training records for matriculation and prepare files for professional training.
Organize puppy matriculation and turn-in processes, and work with research, breeding, and training departments on quarterly matriculation lists.
Monitor puppy health with volunteers, including vaccinations, feeding, and preventative care, and communicate medical or behavioral issues to relevant departments.
Oversee kennel care for pre-placed, in-heat, or boarded puppies and place puppies in foster care when needed.
Oversee placement of dogs released from the program before turn-in or during professional training.
Supervise puppies in specialty raising programs, such as prison and college programs, to ensure standards are followed; provide support and maintain records.
Coordinate shipment of puppies and released dogs to raiser homes.