Adoption Foster & Transfer Manager

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer REVIEWED: 06/17/2026

SUPERVISES: Adoption Supervisors, Adoption Customer Service Coordinator, Transfer & Foster

Specialists, Foster Coordinator, Transfer Coordinator.

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the direction, supervision, oversight, planning, administration, coordination,

and management of all adoption, foster, and transfer team functions, operations, staff, and assigned

volunteers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

● Oversees the hiring and training of department Team Members, and regularly reviews and

evaluates job performance to assure adequate staffing of department

● Oversees adoption, foster, and transfer department assigned volunteers. Works closely with

Volunteer Program Team Members on identifying organizational needs for volunteers.

● Manages policies and procedures for the adoptions, foster, and transfer team promoting best

practices for humane treatment and safety of animals and people.

● Maintains a positive shelter culture through training, communication, and accountability of the

Adoptions team.

● Represents the Organization to the news media and other public communications as required.

● Occasionally deliver presentations and training sessions to large groups.

● Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service provision by developing and

coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies

and procedures.

● Manages all aspects of adoptions, foster, and transfer program needs and requirements,

executes necessary arrangements, placements, and administers documentation.

● Directs and provides training to Team Members to assure compliance with all safety regulations

and Organizational policies and procedures.

● Responsible for writing, administering and maintaining Adoptions, Foster, and Paw Partner

policies and procedures.

● Ensures all approved Adopters, Fosters, and Paw Partners have proper and current paperwork

on file.

● Assures that State laws and regulations are followed.

● Assigns supervisory staff or personally performs audits on a regular basis to ensure mandatory

forms are completed in Adoptions, Foster, and Transfer departments.

● Participates in budget preparation, and monitors adherence to budget.

● Assures that humane care and proper attention is provided to all animals in the organization.

● Assists staff with the resolution of complex or difficult situations; suggests alternatives; promotes

and assures high levels of customer service.

● Assists with adoption, foster, and transfer procedures when needed.

Page 1

Job Description

TITLE: Adoption, Foster, and Transfer Manager

● If certified, may be required to perform humane euthanasia when needed.

● Assures that the adoption, foster, and transfer areas are maintained in a good and safe condition,

or reported otherwise.

● Composes correspondence and other documents; performs clerical duties to support the

operations of the Organization.

● Collaborate with and develop strong relationships across all Organizational departments, as well

as Animal Protection Services.

● Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s service to its guests by

offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.

● Provides responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests.

● Promotes the humane treatment of animals and makes educated decisions on behalf of The

Animal Foundation and animals’ best interest.

● Perform regular audits of processes, documentation, and electronic records to ensure compliance

with rules, document completion, and accuracy.

● Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

● Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in a closely related field.

● Four (4) years of experience providing guest service in animal welfare, retail sales, or closely

related environment.

● One (1) year of supervisory experience.

● Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be

considered.

License & Certification Requirements:

● Incumbents must hold a valid driver’s license for a minimum of three (3) years and maintain an

acceptable driving history.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

● Principles and practices of guest service.

● Principles and practices of supervision and management of staff.

● Principles and practices of budgets and accounting.

● Standard office administrative practices and procedures, including record-keeping systems and

the operation of office equipment, computers, and associated software.

● Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development,

implementation and evaluation, and the supervision of employees.

● Animal health, nutrition, and humane care.

● Animal breeds and characteristics.

● Principles and practices of program management.

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Job Description

TITLE: Adoption, Foster, and Transfer Manager

● Techniques for dealing effectively with co-workers and the public, in person and over the

telephone.

● Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in:

● Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards.

● Gathering and compiling information; preparing accurate reports and summaries.

● Managing the assigned budget.

● Dealing tactfully and effectively with staff, volunteers, and the general public.

● Use of business software and associated computer hardware.

● Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.

● Working without close supervision in standard work situations.

● Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and

activities.

● Training others in policies and procedures related to the work and providing for their professional

development.

● Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, instructions, and other written materials.

● Communicating, relating, and interacting with a variety of individuals from various

socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where

relations may be confrontational or strained.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical ability and mobility to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch,

and crawl. Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently, and 75 pounds

occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with a computer for an extended

period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation

may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and

request such accommodation.

Team Members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning

chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and

occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot

temperatures.

All employees work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission.

Employees must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer

service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this

position. This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description

of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of incumbents in the job.