Manager, Embed Project Operations (Travel Based role)

You’ve spent years improving the animal shelters you’ve worked in—leading teams, inspiring change, and saving lives. Now, imagine doing that on a national scale. Join the National Shelter Embed Team. We're a dynamic group of professionals working side by side with animal sheltering agencies across the U.S. to implement proven strategies and save more lives. This job isn’t a manager in the traditional sense—it’s about managing change. You’ll be embedded in shelters, helping build stronger systems, improve outcomes, and create lasting impact. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and deeply rewarding.

About the Role

Remote-based, but travel-heavy (up to 90%). Typical deployments range from 2–12 months (yes, your pets may come!). Travel and relocation costs are covered by Best Friends (but you'll need your car). Short breaks provided between deployments to recharge and prep for the next project.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with shelter staff to implement customized action plans.
• Strengthen core shelter operations, including community cat programming, pathway planning, biosecurity, field services, and more.
• Advocate for modern policies with local stakeholders.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience working within animal shelter(s), garnering a comprehensive understanding of proven animal sheltering and field operations strategies to increase dog and cat lifesaving.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated management experience in a shelter environment, including overseeing staff, implementing lifesaving strategies, and driving change management initiatives.
• Experience coordinating or assisting with shelter-based community cat programming (TNR/RTF, intake diversion) is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of humane handling techniques and feline behavior, particularly for fearful or unsocialized cats, as well as basic understanding of kitten/neonate program strategies, is a plus.
• Experience facilitating play groups and monitoring dog-to-dog interactions is strongly preferred. Dog behavior knowledge and experience with dog training in a shelter environment is a plus.
• Strengths and experience in utilizing statistical information to inform, develop, and implement division and department-level strategic plans, including change management strategies and program direction; proven attention to detail with advanced organizational and time management skills.
• Prior experience, comfortability, and understanding of diplomacy needed when working with internal and external stakeholders, including those in government offices.
• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual skills preferred, but not required. Ability to understand and converse in conversational Spanish preferred.
• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with nonjudgmental philosophies.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to act decisively with a get-it-done attitude in difficult and fast-paced situations; strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to initiate and influence change; a team player, upbeat, energetic, tactful, and diplomatic, able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with public speaking and presentation experience.
• Ability to professionally advocate Best Friends’ positions on issues; experience in supporting, engaging with, and developing relationships with volunteers and donors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn, comfort learning new systems, including online information systems.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to routinely lift 50 pounds.
• Extended periods of time working on the computer with repetitive typing, arm, and hand motion.
• Ability to be in a shelter environment and work in the presence of both cats and dogs, including organizations where cats and dogs are currently being killed for space.
• Bend, stoop, reach, climb, twist, crawl, stand and walk for an extended period.
• Must be able to work in weather with temperatures varying between extreme hot and extreme cold.
• Able to work varying hours, which may include early morning and/or late evening hours.
• Ability to travel via various forms of transportation.
• Must have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance, ability to travel and/or drive on behalf of Best Friends, including overnight stays, when needed.
• Frequent extended travel and on-going temporary relocation is part of this role. Travel is expected to be up to 90%.

Pay

This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $74,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits.

Schedule

Remote, but deployed or traveling up to 90% of the time.