Shelter Engagement Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Select and retrieve animals from priority shelters to support the Best Friends Animal Society's no-kill initiative.

• Cultivate relationships with designated shelters and offer continuous consultative guidance, coaching, and strategic mentorship.

• Assist shelters in implementing programs to achieve and maintain a 90% save rate.

• Assess the needs of shelter populations and identify placement opportunities for dogs and cats.

• Safely transport animals to the Northwest Arkansas program.

• Evaluate operational challenges and promote the adoption of effective lifesaving practices.

• Provide lifesaving training, team-building exercises, consultation, and mentoring to shelter personnel.

• Deliver excellent customer service to partner shelters and community stakeholders.

• Advocate for Best Friends’ mission and vision within partner shelters.

• Develop and enhance resources while maintaining statistics for priority partner shelters.

• Lead and inspire volunteers and volunteer teams.

• Collaborate with Best Friends team members to establish effective processes, communication, data entry, and recordkeeping.

• Travel up to 75% within Arkansas and neighboring states.

⛳️ Requirements

• Background in animal sheltering; experience working in an animal shelter is mandatory, preferably in a municipal, government, or private shelter with contractual animal control duties.

• Basic ability to recognize and articulate medical and behavioral traits and body language of dogs and cats.

• Capability to work professionally, nonjudgmentally, and supportively in shelters that are not no-kill.

• Experience and comfort in driving large multi-passenger vehicles or willingness to learn.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork capabilities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or eagerness to learn.

• Ability to professionally promote Best Friends’ positions on various issues.

• Experience in supporting, engaging, and building relationships with volunteers and donors.

• Must possess a valid driver's license for a minimum of 3 years and qualify for Best Friends insurance.

• Willingness to travel regularly up to 75%, including overnight stays as necessary.

• Capability to handle dogs and cats of all sizes, temperaments, and medical or behavioral conditions.

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in extreme heat and cold conditions.

• Must frequently lift 40 pounds and engage in physically demanding activities.

• Availability for flexible schedules, including weekends, nights, and holidays.

• Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess valid work authorization that does not now or in the future require visa sponsorship.

• Experience leading teams and executing programs is preferred but not essential.

• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are preferred but not essential.

🏝️ Benefits

• Excellent benefits.

• Equal opportunity employment.