What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Initiatives Specialist position at Animal Humane New Mexico?
Job Summary
The Community Initiatives Specialist develops, coordinates, and supports community-based programs that expand access to pet care and resources for individuals and families facing barriers to care. This role coordinates free pet care clinics, Paws on the Ground outreach, pet food pantry distribution, community partnerships, and other initiatives that connect people with resources to keep their pets healthy and with their families. The position also supports program logistics, resource and inventory management, outreach, data tracking, and program reporting to strengthen program impact. The ideal candidate is a proactive, compassionate, and adaptable professional committed to building strong community relationships and reducing barriers to pet care.
Responsibilities
Community Programs & Outreach Coordination
- Plan, prepare, coordinate, and oversee Pet Care Clinics, both on and off-site, which include vaccinations, microchipping, and basic wellness services with a focus on the One Health model.
- Oversee the logistical planning and execution of Paws on the Ground outreach events, bringing pet care resources to individuals in crisis situations (e.g., unhoused communities or crisis-affected individuals).
- Develop and manage pet food pantry initiatives, including various distribution models such as on-site events, Pop-Up distribution events at partner sites, and delivery to non-present distribution sites.
- Manage pet food pantry inventory, including ordering pet food and supplies, monitoring inventory levels, coordinating restocking, and maintaining accurate inventory records to support ongoing distribution needs.
- Work with the Community Initiatives Manager to coordinate logistics, staffing, and supplies for all Community Initiative Programs, ensuring seamless operations and high-quality service delivery.
- Assist with data collection and analysis to assess program impact and identify areas for improvement.
Community Partnerships & Engagement
- Maintain partnerships across sectors, including human service agencies, government entities, veterinary organizations, and community groups, to expand the shelter’s reach and impact.
- Serve as a key liaison between the shelter and community stakeholders, advocating for pet-inclusive solutions in social services and crisis response efforts.
- Represent the organization at community meetings, events, and collaborative workgroups to strengthen cross-sector partnerships.
- Develop outreach strategies to engage diverse communities and ensure equitable access to pet support services.
Volunteer & Staff Coordination
- Work closely with volunteers and staff to ensure adequate support for community initiatives.
- Train and supervise volunteers assisting with outreach events, clinics, and pet food distribution efforts.
- Foster a positive, mission-driven team culture that prioritizes compassion and inclusiveness.
Administrative & Other Duties
- Collect and maintain program data, including client and pet demographics, services provided, and resources distributed, to measure program impact, identify community needs, and support program planning and improvements.
- Contribute to the monthly Board Report for Community Initiatives by providing program data, outcomes, highlights, and updates on community programs and services.
- Assist with the running of other Community Programs as needed to ensure program continuity.
Job Conditions
- Flexible work hours may be required for this position on occasion.
- Work will take place across office, shelter, and field settings, including outdoor, mobile, and community-based locations.
- Must be able to lift and carry supplies (up to 50 lbs.) and work in varying weather conditions.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, nonprofit management, animal welfare, or a related field is preferred, but not necessary
- 2 years of experience in program coordination, community outreach, or social services.
- Bilingual skills (Spanish, etc.) are a plus.
- Knowledge of animal welfare, public health, and/or human services is highly desirable.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse communities.
- Experience working with underserved populations and a commitment to equitable service delivery.
- Comfortable working in outdoor and community-based settings, including crisis-affected areas.
Animal Humane prohibits the possession, use or distribution of alcohol, cannabis, and unlawful illicit drugs by employees on Animal Humane’s site and/or while doing business for Animal Humane. Animal Humane may perform drug and alcohol tests for any reason at any time including the following: pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, follow-up and random.
Pay: $22.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $23