Foster and Rescue Manager

Position:             Foster and Rescue Manager

Department:         Placement

Reports To:           Senior Director of Operations

Location:              3280 Chamblee Dunwoody RD Chamblee, GA 30341

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them.  The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community.  We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

The Foster and Rescue Manager is responsible for supervising staff on the foster and rescue team and the day-to-day operations of the department. The Foster and Rescue Manager has the expertise to correctly answer questions from staff on proper procedure and LifeLine mission. The Foster and Rescue Manager handles situations with clients that are angry, and steps in to diffuse and rectify in the best interest of the animal. This position provides back up to other departments and works closely with the animal care and clinic teams on animal health and behavior concerns to ensure the adoptability of animals in shelter. 

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties.   Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards --  Be Courageous -- 

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Schedule Foster and Rescue staff to ensure proper coverage and the ability to provide excellent service to all clients and groups.
• Fill in for absent employees when needed.
• Review PetPoint regularly to make sure accurate memos are being entered by staff.   Provide reports and data analysis when requested.
• Interview, hire, and train new employees.
• Courageously provide staff with performance feedback on an informal and formal basis.  
• Conduct employee performance reviews, performance corrective actions, and discipline meetings as needed.
• Conduct regular department meetings.
• Provide input to Standard Operating Procedures.  Ensure staff is trained and following SOP’s.
• Act as an escalation point for clients when necessary.  
• Use compassion and judgement to balance client requests, animal needs, and LifeLine policies to create positive solutions for problems and issues.
• Order supplies and make sure employees have resources needed to complete their duties.
• Work with the clinic on making sure animals going out get proper medical care and documentation in order to support LifeLine’s mission to save lives.
• Work closely with Animal Care management on ideas for best marketing and placement of animals for fast movement.
• Take responsibility to work with other Divisions of LifeLine on projects and venues for placement of animals.

General Responsibilities:

• Exhibit exceptional stewardship by tracking all data related to program challenges and successes.  
• Prepare and analyze departmental reports, metrics, and performance indicators to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid the placement teams.
• Respect, embrace and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset when greeting and working with customers, staff, or vendors.
• Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., MS Office, email) and experience with database systems is a plus.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and advocacy.
• Proficiency in using shelter management software and basic computer applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and departments.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to prepare and maintain routine work records and reports.
• Proven ability to effectively supervise the work of assigned subordinates.
• Basic animal medical and behavior knowledge (preferred).
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Frequent walking and ability to lift 50-80 lbs. 
• Ability to conduct dog tests both on and off leash.
• Able to handle behavior evaluations with dogs and cats.
• Comfortable with leash walking dogs up to 110 lbs.
• Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.  
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
• Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Two or more years of leadership experience. 

One or more years’ experience in animal related field preferred.  

Minimum of 2 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role.

Fear Free Sheltering Preferred.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells.  May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.