Location:  Remote with frequent extended project-based travel and/or temporary long-term relocation (anywhere from a few days to upwards of 18 months)

Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $75,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits.

This is an ongoing program and interviews will occur weekly until the positions are filled.

Hey you! Yes, you! Can we ask you a few questions?

• Have you ever wished you could save thousands of lives and change the trajectory of animal services?

• Do you have a solid background working in animal shelters, including in leadership roles, and a desire to use your expertise to help others reach their full potential in communities around the country to help them increase lifesaving?

• Have you ever wanted to be part of a team where everyone has your back, and together, we have the power, knowledge, and resources to crush barriers?

If you answered yes to these questions, The National Shelter Embed team may be the place for you! This isn’t your typical “manager” position. Instead of overseeing a specific department or leading internal staff, you will be part of an ever-growing team of changemakers working with animal sheltering agencies nationwide. You’ll work side-by-side with shelter leadership and staff, helping them implement proven strategies to take their community to no-kill - then you’ll move to the next one! Yes, you read that right, our skilled professionals are expected to do extended project-based travel and/or temporary relocation, ranging from a few days to upwards of 18 months to anywhere in the United States. You’ll need to be knowledgeable, adaptable, flexible, and confident in your skills. *Best Friends offers travel and/or relocation expenses based on the specific needs of each project.  

Daily, you will work within your assigned animal sheltering agency to bring a collaborative action plan to life, optimizing operations and saving lives! Each assignment will require different combinations of needs and priorities, from biosecurity and pathway planning to outreach and animal control, but all offer the daily satisfaction of looking individual animals in the face and knowing they are alive because of YOU! Don't worry, you won't be doing it alone. The best teammates in the industry will be there to support you.

We’re looking for the perfect candidate who can handle all aspects of modern animal shelter and field services programming. We need a true chameleon who can seamlessly switch from scrubbing kennels to professionally advocating with the city council after lunch. If you think you have the experience, grit and skills to fit this high-demand role, we want to hear from you!

 Skills and experience: 

• Previous experience in leadership roles within animal shelters with a comprehensive understanding of proven animal sheltering and field operations strategies to increase dog and cat lifesaving is required. 5+ years of experience working for or with an animal welfare organization; experience with implementing or confidence in change management.

• 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.   

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 US 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 US by Best Friends Animal Society.