Community Programs Assistant

About the role

Under general direction from the Community Programs Manager, this full-time position assists in managing community-based events and special animal services programs, including foster, volunteer services, and rescue placements, as well as community education and information programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing, planning, and coordinating special and community-based events, off-site adoptions, foster care, volunteer programs, rescue placements, and community presentations.
• Work with the public of all ages and abilities; recruit and orient volunteers and foster families; maintain records; and arrange recognition events.
• Follow established protocols for volunteer and foster applicants; organize programs and provide guidance, training, and oversight to staff and volunteers at events.
• Coordinate animal placement programs, including transfers to other shelters and rescue organizations; perform behavioral evaluations on animals to ensure proper placement.
• Take digital photos of animals for adoption and update websites; assist in developing media, social media, print collateral, and educational materials.
• Provide customer service for adoptions, reclaims, strays, and owner surrenders; assist with general shelter management and staff direction and training.
• Handle data entry and computer tasks; prepare monthly statistical reports on community programs; operate a motor vehicle for department business.
• Determine applicable fees, handle money, issue receipts, and perform general clerical duties including filing, correspondence, and report preparation.
• Maintain records and files for the Animal Shelter; handle animals brought in by the public; assist with breed identification and animal interaction for photography.
• Provide excellent customer service in stressful circumstances; learn City ordinances and departmental procedures for calls and complaints; learn adoption and release procedures and applicable fees.

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent required; bachelor’s preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years.
• One year of professional experience interacting with media, public groups, agencies, citizens, and volunteer programs; experience developing marketing materials and disseminating information.
• Knowledge of community communication practices, marketing techniques, public relations, and public education methods.
• Modern office practices and computer equipment; record-keeping principles; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; basic math.
• Preferred: experience in animal welfare, animal control, or veterinary services.
• High-level organizational and planning skills; excellent interpersonal skills with the public and staff; experience working with volunteers.
• Ability to type 45 WPM and enter data accurately; working knowledge of MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to reach with hands and arms; frequently stand, walk, and use hands to handle objects; occasionally sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. Must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

Exposure to animal waste, blood, unpleasant smells, noise, and wet conditions typical of an animal shelter. Noise level is usually moderate.