Are you compassionate about animals and have a desire to speak for those who cannot? For over 100 years, the Dumb Friends League has been working to end pet homelessness and animal suffering by providing a strong and steadfast voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. If you work well with people too, join our team and help us provide that voice.

Purpose of Position: Directly lead and provide oversight for the work of the Adoptions team, ensuring compassionate and exceptional service experiences for our patrons and the animals in our care.

Responsibilities

• Direct, monitor and support the day-to-day work of the team ensuring the quality, consistency and completion of the required work. Utilize metrics to evaluate and create appropriate plans as needed.
• Model compassionate interactions with patrons, animals and staff and create an environment where this behavior is normalized and expected.
• Collaborate with Team Leads throughout the organization to address logistical issues related to flow, space, scheduling, staff absences and other shelter concerns. Effectively communicate and elevate challenges to management as needed.
• Approach challenging situations with a positive perspective, helpful attitude and flexible strategies, seeking the best possible experiences and outcomes for pets and patrons.
• Utilize established SOPs to guide consistent and appropriate operating procedures. Provide productive feedback on implementation and potential challenges to be experienced by the team, propose edits as needed.
• Encourage and support independent thought and action by team members in response to situations not addressed by established procedures.
• Counsel and support staff regarding their day-to-day work and provide input to managers regarding staff performance.
• Monitor data entry and documentation to ensure accurate and up to date animal records.
• Provide information and data to assist with development and management of budget.
• Provide onboarding support and training to staff and volunteers new to the team.
• Work in partnership with Adoptions Manager to provide training and mentorship for associates who demonstrate interest and capacity to take on additional and/or higher-level responsibilities.
• Perform opening, closing duties weekly as needed by the organization including at least two holiday shifts throughout the calendar year.
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks as needed.
• Ensure that local, state, and federal safety animal care standards are met.

Team Specific Responsibilities

• Work alongside the adoptions team, providing support and guidance in the moment on all aspects of their work including the adoption process, customer service, and operational duties.
• Prepare and reconcile statements of daily financial transactions.
• Supervise the delivery of high-level customer service to the League’s patrons, and partner with the Adoptions Manager to assist with escalated patron interactions.
• Administer vaccinations and preventative medications and insert microchips.
• Support ordering, inventory and operation of the pet supply retail store.
• Partner with the Adoptions Manager to handle time off requests and scheduling for all staff.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources

Organizational Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics
• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
• Customer and Community Focus
• Emotional Intelligence
• Excellence

Position Key Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Strategic Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Innovation
• Project Management
• Conflict Management
• Successful De-escalation

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Provides on the floor direction to Adoptions team members
• Volunteers

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.

Schedule: Five, 8-hour shifts some weekend work required

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts
• League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with matching
• Sabbatical program
• Relocation assistance
• And more!

Compensation: Starts at $22.50 – $23.65 per hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and anticipate closing the application period on February 1, 2024.

Requirements
Position Qualifications Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Required

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent

Desired

• Customer service experience
• Supervisor or lead role experience
• Experience with developing and delivering staff training
• Experience in animal welfare or other professional animal care field