This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all facets of the Foster Program. The Foster Coordinator is also responsible for general health, wellness, and organization of all animals in the various foster programs. The foster program connects animals in need with generous volunteers/community members who lend their homes, hearts, and time to provide a safe space for pets, pending placement in a permanent home.
Work Location
This position currently works on-site only.
This is a grant funded position that ends on January 31st, 2025.

• Conduct needs assessments, evaluate foster programs, and develop plans to expand and diversify foster base.
• Design and implement a detailed plan for year-round recruitment of all segments of the community
• Actively promote, support, and provide guidance to foster volunteers to move animals out of MACC with an emphasis on length of stay (LOS).
• Manage a system for marketing pets from foster homes, and ensure that it is working efficiently for all involved.
• Recruit, interview, and match fosters with program opportunities; provide onboarding, orientation, and training on program objectives, and expectations.
• Create and/or update training manuals and other materials regularly to ensure appropriate levels of training are received and maintained.
• Work with relevant staff to ensure fosters have adequate training and there is appropriate animal placement into foster homes based on animals' medical and/or behavioral needs
• Work with shelter staff, veterinarians, and volunteer coordinator to ensure medical and behavioral needs are being met for all animals in foster care, including appointment scheduling and transportation.
• Develop and implement on-going foster program objectives, goals, and work plans.
• Research, review, create and/or update foster program policies and procedures regularly to ensure that the system is working efficiently and barriers to participation are low.
• Coordinate and organize outreach activities and events with the community, local rescues, and businesses.
• Promote the development of partnerships for foster programs as they relate to MACC goals and mission.
• Ensure clear communications exist for medical and behavioral needs when relevant, and that adoption processes are consistent with shelter practice.
• Plan and organize foster volunteer recognition and appreciation and other special events.
• Maintain current volunteer records and database using the Chameleon program and complete other administrative duties supporting the shelter's foster programs.
• Maintain all animal records in Chameleon database.
• Collect and compile data and statistics for reporting and/or to make recommendations on program activities and goals

Minimum Education
Associate arts degree or equivalent in a related field.

Minimum Experience
Two years of related experience.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation
This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/professional-employees/

Eligible List Statement
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three (3) months after it has been established.

Interview Selection
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

• Animal Shelters - Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures relevant to animal shelters to include custodial and remedial care, adoptions, euthanasia, animal behavior and basic care.
• Animal Knowledge- Genera knowledge of animal behavior, training, and enrichment practices.
• Safety - Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to effective animal care, maintaining sanitary conditions and overall health of shelter animals, and other work-related precautions.
• Supervision - Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles, and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of volunteers. Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.
• Excellent Communication Skills- This includes customer service skills and setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively, including preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
• Computer Skills - Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related software to effectively complete a variety of tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.
• Judgment/Decision Making - Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Anticipates, identifies and evaluates potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations.
• Interpersonal Relationships - Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff and volunteers for mutual and departmental benefit.
• Equity-Nuanced understanding of equity issues and demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Social and Emotional Learning-Accurately recognize and regulate the influence of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively, even in the face of highly emotional situations. Understand and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures and develop healthy and appropriate relationships through compassion and professionalism.
• Resourcefulness-Find innovative solutions to obstacles. Able to pivot and address change on an ongoing basis and act as a good steward of available and limited resources.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.