Volunteer Dog Program Lead (Senior Level)

Are you experienced in dog behavior and leadership, and confident making real-time decisions in the field? Looking to directly impact a rescue dog’s path to adoption while leading a structured team? We want to hear from you!

About Us

Chester’s Corner Rescue Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit organization specializing in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Our mission is to provide abandoned animals with medical care, emotional support, and a path toward finding loving, permanent homes. Every effort we make is driven by compassion and a commitment to the welfare of animals in need.

Purpose

How You Will Contribute: Oversee the coordination, structure, and execution of the dog program, including managing volunteers, ensuring safe and consistent handling practices, and leading meet and greets to assess adopter fit.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the Dog Program team, including the Senior Handler and dog handling volunteers
• Coordinate and maintain the schedule for dog handling and visits
• Oversee and manage the program WhatsApp communication channel
• Ensure all handlers follow established handling and safety guidelines
• Co-lead Zoom training sessions for dog handling with the Senior Handler
• Review Senior Handler assessments and make final decisions on handler approval
• Meet with potential adopters and conduct meet and greets with the dog
• Assess adopter fit in real time based on behavior, handling, and environment
• Work alongside the Adoption Coordinator to ensure smooth scheduling and communication
• Escalate major concerns and risks to leadership

Immediate Ownership

Owns the day-to-day operations of the dog program, including volunteer coordination, handler approval, communication, and adopter meet and greets.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 to 5 years experience in a leadership role within an animal rescue, shelter, or similar program
• Proven experience working with dog behavior, including handling strong or reactive dogs (required)
• Experience managing volunteers or teams
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to assess situations in real time
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently without constant oversight

Commitment Details

• Approximately 3 to 5 hours per week
• Remote coordination with occasional on-site involvement for meet and greets and handling

This is a volunteer role; no compensation will be provided.