Senior Manager, Placement

Summary:

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Senior Manager, Placement & Transport at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you  

The Senior Manager, Placement & Transport is responsible for ensuring animals ready for placement move out of the R&R Center quickly and effectively, efficiently finding the most appropriate next step in their journey. The person in this role will develop and oversee a direct adoptions program at the R&R Center and will collaborate with the ASPCA’s Centralized Placement Team and the Adoption Center in NYC to maintain a steady flow of animals out of R&R Center sheltering through transport.  

The successful candidate is a true collaborator, working closely and consistently with colleagues in the R&R Center and across the ASPCA, as well as directly with adopters, to find healthy, happy placement for dogs as quickly as possible.  

Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview & Upcoming Launch  

The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.  

This position has a target start date of January 13, 2025 and is remote until the facility is ready for occupancy in May of 2025, after which it will be an in-person position based in Pawling, NY. This position requires the incumbent to live within a commuting distance to Pawling, NY by May 1, 2025.    

This position will be posted internally until 5pm EST on October 29, 2024.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

Placement Program Management (30%) 

• Develop, implement, and oversee the R&R Center’s Direct Adoptions Program, aligning with organization wide philosophies and making use of existing adoptability criteria and behavior alignment tools  

• Continually assess the direct adoptions program, with an eye for making high quality and expedient placements and ensuring a positive adopter experience 

• Collaborate across teams to foster a steady flow of information about dogs on course for placement, and a steady flow of dogs available for placement 

• Encourage and demonstrate collaboration across areas by participating in playgroups, behavior treatments, loading dogs for transport, and other handling opportunities, and maintaining up to date knowledge of dogs in care and ready for placement, as well as the processes and procedures of other teams 

• Work closely with R&R Center teams, Centralized Placement, and the Adoption Center to determine which avenues are appropriate for each dog, working to minimize behavioral or medical setbacks upon placement  

• Collaborate with Behavioral Sciences Team, Shelter Medical Services, and Centralized Placement to support the onboarding of new shelter partners; conducting facility visits when necessary to review and introduce the R&R’s rehabilitation program  

• Coordinate shadowing opportunities for partner shelters to enhance their understanding of R&R Center programs, and increase willingness to accept graduate dogs   

• Analyze adopter and transfer partner feedback, assessing their experiences and the success of the R&R Center program  

• Gather and review relevant medical, behavioral, and photo/video animal information and submit to Centralized Placement to facilitate partner placement 

• Work directly with adopters, as needed, to facilitate expedient and successful adoptions  

Transport Program Management (25%) 

• Develop, implement, and oversee the R&R Center’s Transport Program 

• Oversee all aspects of animal transport including, but not limited to partner relations and quality assurance, animal readiness, proper transport, fleet oversight and maintenance, appropriate animal handling, transport schedule, routes, emergency preparedness, etc.  

• Work closely with NYC teams daily, collaborating on which animals are ready for transport to the R&R Center, arranging those transports, and driving as needed 

• Ensure the safe and humane animal transport for long and short trips  

• Ensure all transport staff are properly trained and always maintain a professional appearance, clean and safe vehicles, and safeguard program assets and animals     

• Work collaboratively with other R&R Center leaders to ensure appropriate level of competent, engaged back-up transport assistance is available  

• Oversee and track the purchasing of supplies and proper maintenance of program assets including vehicles and inventory  

People Management (25%) 

• Provide direct oversight of Manager, Adoptions and Coordinator, Transport  

• Ensure team adheres to standard operating procedures, protocols, and regulatory requirements, and maintain accurate records of compliance activities   

• Collaborate with R&R Center leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate employee recognition milestones and engagement initiatives  

• Arrange tasks and resources effectively to optimize workflow and ensure efficiency  

• Set clear, achievable team goals, inspiring and motivating team members to perform at their best  

• Facilitate ample and open communication within and across teams   

• Directly and immediately address conflict and concerns as the arise, ensuring difficult conversations are productive, respectful, and meaningful   

• Monitor and evaluate employee performance, fostering growth by providing coaching, regular and timely feedback, and formal appraisals  

• Work with R&R Center leadership and the People Team to recruit, hire, and onboard new employees, and contribute to workforce planning  

• Collaborate with R&R Center leadership and the Learning & Development Team to identify training needs and provide opportunities for professional development   

Administrative and Operational Duties (20%) 

• Work with R&R Center leadership to create, review, and update standard operating procedures and operational documents to align with all regulatory requirements  

• Gather quantitative and qualitative data to assess the success of the direct adoptions program, identify and address any bottlenecks in animal flow, and recommend changes to improve program outcomes   

• Prepare and present monthly reports on the performance and achievements of the placement and transport programs to R&R Center and Rehabilitation Services leadership   

• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings 

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related expenses   

• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets   

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values: 

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals 

• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes 

• Believes in Team – that we are stronger together 

• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible 

• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals 

Education and Work Experience 

• High School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferred 

• Minimum of 2 year of management experience  

• 3 years of experience working in an animal shelter, preferably in a hands-on animal care role 

• Professional or volunteer experience with animal adoptions is preferred 

• Community outreach and engagement experience is preferred 

• Experience writing and editing is preferred 

• Experience in photography is preferred 

• 5 or more years driving experience preferred 

• Experience in animal transportation or veterinary/animal shelter services preferred 

• Fear Free® Shelter Program certification (approximately 5 hours) required or completed within 60 days of hire  

Qualifications 

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving  

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time   

• Available to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays   

• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus   

• Excellent written and oral communication skills  

• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally  

• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice   

• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress  

• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas  

• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand  

• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others   

• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others   

• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions   

• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same   

• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly  

• Strong and adaptable people manager  

• Artfully flexes management and coaching styles to best support diverse individuals   

• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected   

• Ability to set a clear direction and inspire others to work towards shared goals  

• Sets a high standard by leading with transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles  

• Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly   

• Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships   

• Values training and education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities   

• Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces where it may be noisy and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible  

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer  

• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies  

• Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations   

• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time  

• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects   

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties 

Compensation and Benefits: 

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.  

• The starting pay rate for this role is $88,000 - $93,000 

For more information on our Benefit offerings, click here. 

Join our Talent Community: 

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please click this link and join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA. 

Qualifications:

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Education and Work Experience:

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.  A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.  Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status,  or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado: Per CO Senate Bill 23-058, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries in the initial interview. We are permitted to require/request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant may redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.