What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Programs Manager position at PetSet?
About PetSet
PetSet is leading a systems-level approach to ending animal homelessness by addressing root causes through spay/neuter, access to care, research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Our work advances humane, prevention-focused solutions that improve public safety, support community well-being, influence policy and public awareness, and strengthen the broader animal welfare ecosystem.
Job Title: Senior Programs Manager
Organization: PetSet
Location: Houston, TX (with regional travel)
Reports To: Executive Leadership Team
Position Overview
PetSet is seeking a highly organized, execution-focused Senior Programs Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our core programs. This role is central to delivering PetSet’s mission to end animal homelessness through high-impact, data-driven initiatives, including spay/neuter and emergency aid.
As PetSet continues to expand its mobile veterinary fleet and regional footprint, this role will play a critical part in scaling operations, ensuring consistency across locations, and maintaining the highest standards of care in diverse communities. The Senior Programs Manager will help advance PetSet’s position as a thought leader in humane, prevention-focused strategies
The Senior Programs Manager ensures that programs are executed with consistency, efficiency, and excellence, maintaining strong partner coordination and clear operational visibility for leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Program Operations & Execution:
- Lead daily operations of PetSet’s core programs: spay/neuter services and emergency aid initiatives
- Oversee mobile veterinary unit operations, including staffing management, scheduling, logistics, and inventory management across multiple locations
- Support the expansion of PetSet’s mobile unit fleet, including on-boarding new units, scaling operations, and ensuring consistency in program delivery across regions
- Manage regional deployment of programs, including travel to priority service areas and coordination with local partners
- Train and support staff and volunteers to ensure high standards of care and program delivery
Systems, Compliance & Performance Management:
- Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with veterinary, animal welfare, and safety standards across all operating locations
- Track and monitor key program metrics (e.g., surgeries, vaccinations, animals served, outcomes) across regions
- Ensure accurate, timely reporting to support internal decision-making and external reporting requirements
Strategic Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Partner with leadership to identify program gaps, refine operational strategy, and support program expansion efforts across new geographies
- Communicate program priorities, processes, and expectations clearly to external partners, including rescues, shelters, clinics, and service providers
- Provide program data, insights, and content to support communications and development efforts
Communication & Leadership Alignment:
- Maintain consistent, proactive communication with executive leadership, ensuring full visibility into program activities, performance, and challenges across all regions
- Identify and escalate risks, issues, and operational needs in real time, with clear, actionable recommendations
- Ensure all program activities remain aligned with organizational priorities and leadership direction
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
- 5-8 years of experience in program management, operations, preferably in a related field (animal welfare, public health, or nonprofit experience preferred)
- Experience managing multi-site or regional programs, ideally involving mobile or field-based operations
- Strong operational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to develop systems, processes, and SOPs in a fast-paced, scaling environment
- Data-driven mindset with experience tracking metrics and producing reports
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage both internal teams and external partners
- Willingness and ability to travel regionally on a regular basis
- Demonstrated ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions
Core Competencies
- Ability to work cross-functionally and contribute to a supportive, mission-driven culture
- Professional demeanor with a collaborative team-oriented approach
- Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail
- Operational excellence in scaling and expanding services
- Clear, proactive communication
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment