The Manager of Animal Enrichment and Flow is responsible for leading IndyHumane’s canine enrichment, behavior, playgroup, training, and population management programs. This position focuses on increasing canine save rates throughout Marion County and Central Indiana by developing and optimizing enrichment and behavior programs that improve quality of life, reduce shelter stress, and increase adoptability.
This role oversees the daily operation of the Canine Enrichment Team while serving as the organizational subject matter expert for canine behavior, enrichment, training, and population flow. The Manager collaborates across departments to ensure animals receive appropriate behavioral support, enrichment opportunities, training plans, and placement strategies while maintaining safe and humane handling practices.
The position also supports volunteer engagement, staff training, foster placement success, external partnerships, and community-based programs that expand IndyHumane’s lifesaving impact.
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Essential Job Functions
Leadership & Team Management
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and retain qualified Animal Enrichment staff
- Develop staff schedules and manage departmental staffing needs
- Review and approve employee timecards and attendance records
- Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities for staff
- Develop, implement, and maintain departmental SOPs, protocols, training materials, and operational procedures
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-focused work environment
- Ensure staff maintain current knowledge of evidence-based canine behavior and enrichment practices
Animal Enrichment & Behavior Programs
- Lead organizational efforts related to canine enrichment, behavior modification, and training programs
- Develop and implement enrichment programs designed to improve animal welfare, reduce stress, and increase adoptability
- Facilitate and oversee canine playgroup programming and related enrichment initiatives
- Develop individualized behavior modification plans for animals requiring additional support
- Ensure behavior and training plans are documented, maintained, and updated within the shelter management system
- Provide behavioral assessments, consultations, and recommendations for animals in shelter and foster care
- Support adoption counseling and meet-and-greet activities for behaviorally complex animals
- Manage and oversee the Behavior Dog Scholarship Program
- Provide organizational expertise regarding canine handling, behavior, enrichment, and training
Population Flow & Shelter Operations
- Monitor shelter population levels and capacity management for both canine and feline populations
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure appropriate population flow and animal placement decisions
- Assist in evaluating and selecting animals appropriate for entry into IndyHumane programs
- Communicate population trends, intake projections, and operational needs across departments
- Collaborate with Operations and Medical teams to support safe and effective animal movement throughout the organization
Training, Volunteer & Community Engagement
- Collaborate with the Volunteer Department to develop and deliver enrichment-related volunteer training programs
- Direct and support volunteer playgroup coordinators and enrichment volunteers
- Ensure volunteers receive ongoing training and support related to playgroup and enrichment practices
- Partner with Operations leadership to provide staff training related to canine behavior, enrichment, and handling practices
- Assist with volunteer programs, educational initiatives, and youth programs as needed
- Lead enrichment and training-related activities during summer camp programs when assigned
Collaboration & Organizational Support
- Collaborate with Marketing to promote adoptable animals and enrichment success stories
- Work closely with Medical Operations staff to identify behavioral concerns that may impact medical treatment or placement
- Assist medical staff with animal handling, evaluations, and identification of behavioral or welfare concerns
- Collaborate with the Director of Operations to develop and manage departmental budgets
- Build relationships with external organizations and develop off-site enrichment, training, and placement opportunities
- Support the Canine Behavior Help Line and ensure appropriate response and follow-up
- Provide cross-functional support to other departments as operational needs require
- Perform additional duties, projects, and assignments as needed
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Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or advanced training in animal behavior, animal science, shelter management, or a related field preferred
- Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or management experience required
- Minimum two (2) years of professional canine behavior, training, enrichment, or related animal welfare experience required
- Experience with canine playgroup programs required
- Dogs Playing for Life training or equivalent certification preferred
- Advanced canine behavior or training certifications preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong commitment to IndyHumane's mission and lifesaving goals
- Thorough understanding of canine behavior, enrichment principles, behavior modification, and humane handling practices
- Ability to safely work with animals displaying a wide range of behavioral and medical challenges
- Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines
- Ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced and high-pressure environments
- Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, veterinarians, donors, community partners, and leadership
- Ability to professionally represent IndyHumane within the community and animal welfare industry
- Ability to effectively utilize social media and public communication platforms to educate and engage stakeholders
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Proficiency with Google Workspace applications
- Experience using shelter management software and animal record systems
- Ability to maintain accurate records, reports, and training documentation
- Ability to learn and utilize organizational software systems and reporting tools
Licenses & Certifications
- Valid Indiana Driver’s License required
- Ability to maintain insurability under IndyHumane's insurance requirements
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Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in an animal shelter or animal welfare organization
- Dogs Playing for Life certification or equivalent playgroup certification
- Professional dog training certification
- Experience managing volunteers and volunteer programs
- Experience developing behavior modification plans and enrichment programs
- Experience with population management and shelter flow strategies
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Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
- Ability to safely handle animals of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to respond to emergencies involving animals or staff
- Ability to safely restrain and manage animals when necessary
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Work Environment & Potential Exposures
This position operates within an animal shelter environment and involves frequent interaction with animals, staff, volunteers, adopters, and members of the public.
Potential exposures may include:
- Animal-related allergens, odors, dander, and hair
- Animal bites, scratches, and other handling-related risks
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and sanitation products
- Exposure to zoonotic diseases
- Loud noise levels associated with animal housing environments
- Emotional situations involving animal illness, injury, euthanasia, neglect, or abandonment
- Frequent interruptions and rapidly changing priorities
Employees are expected to follow all organizational safety procedures, animal handling protocols, and professional conduct standards.
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Core Competencies
- Leadership & Staff Development
- Animal Welfare Advocacy
- Behavioral Assessment & Problem Solving
- Communication Skills
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Decision Making
- Adaptability & Flexibility
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Organizational Skills
- Training & Coaching
- Relationship Building
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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
IndyHumane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
IndyHumane is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. Employees and applicants requiring accommodations should contact Human Resources.
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At-Will Employment Disclaimer
Employment with IndyHumane is at-will. This means that either the employee or IndyHumane may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description should be interpreted as creating a contract of employment.
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Job Description Disclaimer
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. IndyHumane reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and position requirements based on organizational needs.
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Safety Statement
Employees are expected to comply with all workplace safety standards, organizational policies, confidentiality expectations, animal handling protocols, and OSHA-related safety requirements.
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