Volunteer & Foster Program Manager
Humane Society of Pagosa Springs
Pay: $20.00–$25.00 per hour, negotiable based on experience (DOE)
Do You Love Both Animals and People?
Every animal who finds safety, healing, and a new home at the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs has a team behind them. Volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, transport animals, serve on our Board, assist at events, support our thrift stores, foster homeless pets, and help make our lifesaving work possible.
We are looking for an energetic, organized, and relationship-driven professional to lead and grow our Volunteer and Foster Programs. This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys building community, connecting with people, solving problems, and making a direct impact on the lives of animals every day.
As the Volunteer and Foster Program Manager, you will recruit, train, support, and inspire the volunteers and foster families who are critical to our mission. You will serve as a key ambassador for the organization, helping community members find meaningful ways to get involved while ensuring that animals in foster care receive the support they need to thrive until they find permanent homes.
If you are a strong communicator, enjoy working with people from all walks of life, and want a career where your efforts make a visible difference for both animals and the community, we would love to hear from you.
Due the cost of living and other logistics associated with moving to Pagosa Springs, we do prioritize local applicants for these roles.
About the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs
The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs is dedicated to providing a safe haven for animals in need, promoting adoptions, humanely reducing pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programs, supporting lifelong pet ownership, and educating our community. Our team works every day to improve the lives of animals and the people who care about them.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Volunteer Program Management
- Recruit, onboard, train, and retain volunteers.
- Screen volunteer applications, conduct initial phone interviews, and match volunteers with appropriate opportunities.
- Conduct home visits when necessary.
- Schedule and lead volunteer orientations and training programs for shelter, thrift store, and event volunteers.
- Establish and manage parameters for community service volunteers.
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers for organizational events.
- Maintain volunteer records and track volunteer hours using CRM software.
- Generate volunteer reports as needed.
- Create and manage volunteer support and engagement groups.
- Represent HSPS at community events and outreach opportunities.
- Deliver presentations to community groups regarding volunteer opportunities.
- Develop new volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Fundraising & Events Manager on volunteer recruitment campaigns.
- Develop and oversee volunteer scheduling systems.
- Establish regular volunteer communication and recognition programs.
- Create and distribute volunteer email communications to targeted volunteer groups.
- Keep staff informed of volunteer program updates and provide training on volunteer procedures as needed.
Foster Program Management
- Maintain and organize the shelter's foster program.
- Recruit, train, mentor, supervise, and support foster volunteers.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for foster families.
- Build positive relationships with foster volunteers while ensuring compliance with all HSPS and PACFA requirements.
- Coordinate placement of animals into foster homes and oversee their care through adoption or return to the shelter.
- Schedule and coordinate vaccinations, wellness checks, and spay/neuter appointments for foster animals.
- Ensure foster animals have high-quality photographs and accurate adoption profiles before becoming available for adoption.
- Monitor the health and behavior of animals in foster care and communicate concerns to appropriate shelter staff.
- Provide guidance to foster families regarding animal behavior, enrichment, and basic training using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Maintain and update foster manuals, handbooks, forms, and educational materials.
- Develop specialized foster training programs to expand foster capacity and improve foster success.
- Respond promptly to foster-related questions and emergencies, including participation in an on-call rotation as needed.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Fundraising & Events Manager to provide foster success stories and program updates for newsletters, social media, and other communications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent customer service skills and a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.
- Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with volunteers, staff, donors, adopters, and community members.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently while remaining a collaborative team member.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
- Ability to represent HSPS professionally and positively at all times.
- Passion for animal welfare and the ability to handle animals safely, patiently, and compassionately.
- Strong time management and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, CRM software, and Zoom.
- Experience working directly with the public and providing excellent customer service.
- Reliable transportation and a good driving record.
- Ability to travel travel to event locations, fosters' residences, and both HSPS locations. This job will require at least one day a week at our animal shelter and administration days at our Thrift Store offices.
- Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off and sick leave.
- Employee discounts.
- Biweekly payroll.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the people who care about them every day.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
