Coordinator, Lifesaving Outcomes - New York, NY

Locations: 307 W Broadway, New York, NY 11206 (permanent) and 232 Varet Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (temporary)

About the Role

Foster Program Coordinators are responsible for the daily functions and growth of the foster program, including recruitment and retention of foster volunteers and animal placement and population management for animals in the program. Coordinators act with urgency to accomplish important tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. While this role includes responsibilities primarily in foster program duties, coordinators may receive assignments in any outcome-focused programs based on organizational needs.

We value attitude over aptitude and treat kindness as a discipline, paramount in our culture along with our other Guiding Principles. Culture is how we talk to and treat ourselves and one another, generate and respond to change, plan and make decisions, and execute our work.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person and animal.
• Act as a role model for authenticity, kindness, and positive influence with visitors, volunteers, and animals.
• Coordinate day-to-day foster program activities to decrease animal length of stay and increase onsite capacity, including:
  • Identifying foster animal placement needs within the onsite population.
  • Matching and placing animals with foster volunteers.
  • Providing medical and behavioral support for animals in foster care.
  • Offering outcomes-focused training and guidance to foster volunteers to increase adoptions.
• Oversee foster volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention to expand lifesaving capacity, including developing relationships with local organizations and stakeholders.
• Ensure the foster program aligns with organizational goals for constituent journey development and ongoing engagement with Best Friends’ mission.
• Create and edit engaging content for social media platforms, including written, video, and photo content.
• Collaborate with other departments and marketing teams to identify engagement opportunities supporting lifesaving outcomes and programmatic needs.
• Represent Best Friends in media relations while maintaining the organization’s voice across all communications.
• Develop detailed knowledge of Best Friends’ programs to best match animals and clients (adopters, fosters, transfer partners) and provide superior customer service.
• Assist in providing basic animal care, such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and medicating animals, following all policies and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with team members to develop and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals, including accurate data entry and recordkeeping.
• Maintain a safe workplace by valuing and modeling safe work practices and communicating about unsafe conditions.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED, or 1-2 years’ experience in customer service, volunteer coordination, animal-related programs, or similar.
• Experience leading teams and implementing programs preferred but not required.
• Strong communication skills; bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.
• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Ability to work with, handle, and care for cats and dogs, including those with health or behavior conditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and handle sensitive situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.
• Resourceful, proactive attitude with problem-solving skills and flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software or willingness to learn.

Physical Requirements

• Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activities, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods, such as typing, sitting, walking, and arm/hand motion.
• Work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Exposure to dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical statuses.
• Valid driver’s license meeting Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards; ability to travel, including overnight stays, as needed.
• Schedule may vary based on department needs, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• After-hours flexibility to monitor a designated phone line for urgent foster care or volunteer-related issues, such as animal emergencies or scheduling conflicts.

Pay

Hiring range: $24.00 to $26.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus benefits.