Foster Program Manager

 Summary of Purpose:

The Foster Programs Manager supports the organization’s lifesaving mission by managing all aspects of the Foster program including placement and care for foster animals, training and support for foster volunteers, and necessary communication with other departments of the organization as it relates to the Foster program.

Duties (Essential Functions):

1. Management of the Foster Program

• Oversee the growth and development of the Foster program including volunteer recruitment and engagement, new and existing programs, and collaboration with other KHS departments.
• Manage daily operations of foster staff through effective delegation, support, motivation, and fair leadership to all team members.
• Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, reviewing, terminating, and disciplinary measures of foster team members.
• Supervise foster staff and coordinate schedules; oversee time and labor and submit payroll records.
• Communicate monthly goals to staff and track progress of those goals, providing direction and incentives as necessary.
• Implement training plans for new foster employees and volunteers to ensure training is consistent and thorough with regular follow-up to ensure all foster staff and volunteers are educated and familiar with policies and procedures.
• Ensure all animals in the Foster program receive timely medical care and treatment including but not limited to medications, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and other medical needs.
• Collaborate with Population Manager/Supervisor in regard to animal movement in and out of foster homes, working proactively to manage animal space and monitor foster returns to ensure space needs are met.
• Manage foster involvement in special events/offsite adoption events ensuring accurate tracking/record keeping, excellent communication, monitoring health of animals in foster, and facilitating animal return for events.
• Collaborate with the Population and Development teams on Cause Related Marketing events/animal visits to ensure appropriate animals are available to attend when needed  
• Work within guidelines of annual budget and in compliance with KHS strategic plan as it relates to adoptions and customer service.
• Participate as needed in the strategic planning process for shelter services regarding the Foster program.
• Develop and implement SOP guidelines for best foster and animal care practices.
• Ensure KHS animals are provided the 5 freedoms throughout all foster operations.

1. Organizational Management

• Compile data for reports; analyze trends and recommend actions to improve processes.
• Process Purchase Orders according to established procedures and maintain inventory of all departmental supplies.
• Attend Animal Relate Services meetings, providing collaborative input and discussion on operational issues and needs, including euthanasia decision.
• Ensure location is kept in excellent condition and preventative maintenance is being followed along with work orders processed through Facility Dude software.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures as scheduled.
• Serve as contact for alarm/emergency calls.

1. Relationship Management

• Create a positive experience for Foster volunteers, cultivating trusting relationships and provide ongoing assistance and support to foster families.
• Work collaboratively with KHS leadership and Management teams to meet life-saving and organizational goals.
• Positively address, resolve and report customer concerns in a timely manner.
• Communicate with Shelter Operations Director regarding unusual activities, significant problems or concerns.

1. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• 1 years of management or supervisory experience preferred.
• General to intermediate dog and cat knowledge with experience in handling animals of all ages, sizes, and temperaments.
• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to prepare reports and maintain an efficient records system.
• Support the usage of approved AI tools when they can improve efficiency and reduce time spent on routine or administrative tasks while meeting quality, accuracy, confidentiality and professional standards.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently/meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with little direct supervision.
• Ability to envision long-range goals and apply them to daily operations.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people of all backgrounds and personalities.
• Humane attitude towards animals. 
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life service and humane euthanasia, and support staff in high-emotion circumstances.
• Accept, support, and represent KHS core values, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record and be willing to drive KHS vehicles.
• Ability to work a schedule inclusive of one weekend day.
• Background Check required.

Physical, Psychosocial, and Cognitive Demands/ Working Environment

• Individual will have periods of sitting, communicating, and listening. 
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and standing regularly while performing job functions.
• Frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to and exceeding 50 lbs.
• Working in an indoor desk environment includes working with animals in a sheltering setting (indoor/outdoor) in varying weather conditions.
• Potential for exposure to allergens (including but not limited to pet dander, dust, peanut butter), and zoonotic diseases (diseases transferred from animals to humans).
• Exposure to chemicals.
• Exposure to loud noise.
• Exposure to emotional circumstances.
• Fast-paced environment.