Specialist, Shelter Engagement

Location: This is a remote position based in any of the following locations in the Eastern Region of the US: New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi.

Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $59,000-$65,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits!

Position Summary: Shelter Engagement Specialists play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and goal by assisting in developing and implementing lifesaving programming, and performing hands-on lifesaving work, within priority partner shelters to help them achieve no-kill status. Specialists 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. Specialists may receive intensive assignments in a particular program, based on organizational needs. Senior specialists have an increased level of responsibilities or skills, and the ability to make on-the-spot decisions to accomplish tasks.

Culture Statement and Responsibility: We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in our everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person for the value they bring to the table. Be a role model for the spirit of authenticity, kindness, and positive influence with each other, our visitors, volunteers, and the animals every day. This includes listening, being present, being supportive of others and demonstrating compassion and curiosity in conflict.
• Provide coaching and mentorship on an ongoing basis to help shelters implement programming to achieve a 90% save rate. These areas include; shelter operations, lifesaving programs and best practices, community engagement, and more; including participating in direct, hands-on lifesaving work at partner shelter locations, as well as virtually
• Travel to shelters and provide needed lifesaving training directly to staff and volunteers to help reduce the number of animal deaths; participate in team-building activities with shelter staff as needed to enhance buy-in.
• Support partner shelters by working directly with shelter staff on a day-to-day basis as needed to support sustainable lifesaving programs including but not limited to progressive pet retention, adoptions, transport, return-to-owner, return-to-field and other
• Serve as a mission ambassador, representing Best Friends’ mission and vision within partner shelters; supporting training, and mentoring; participate in developing resources for partner shelters on proven programs support their success in achieving no-kill; support the maintenance of statistics within targeted partners shelters.
• Deliver superior customer service to partner shelters, community stakeholders and others. · Develop and maintain a robust knowledge of Best Friends’ and animal welfare standard best practices to support lifesaving and care.
• Reach set goals for implementation of offers of support for reduced shelter killing (RSK).
• Work collaboratively with and assist Best Friends’ team members in all areas of operations to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals; follow policies, procedures, and task lists, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping; respect partner policies when working in partner facilities.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience in animal welfare in a shelter environment is required, preferably for 5+ years.
• Comfortable presenting/training in person and virtually, to individuals as well as large groups; Public speaking experience is preferred.
• Experience managing volunteers is preferred.
• Presentation writing and development experience is preferred.
• Lifesaving program development and implementation skills are preferred.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office programs.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be able to travel regularly up to 50% in for shelter presentations and trainings.
• Must be detail-oriented with excellent verbal and written communication and editing skills.
• Must have excellent critical thinking, organizational, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.