Foster & Adoption Manager
Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $66,500 annually
Reports to: Director of Community Programs
Onsite / hybrid in Brooklyn, NY with a flexible, needs-based schedule averaging approx. 40 hours per week and two days off per week, with evening and weekend coverage as needed.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Foster & Adoption Manager to join our efforts to improve the lives of cats and pet owners in Flatbush, Brooklyn. This role oversees all facets of our rescue operation, including fostering and adoptions, medical care, and volunteer management.
This role requires a strong team leader who is passionate about animal welfare, skilled in managing programs that enhance the lives of cats and their potential adopters, and excited about running a mid-sized rescue program with creating systemic solutions in mind. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse stakeholders and a dedication to leading with empathy and compassion.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management (40%)
Develop and implement strategic plans for the rescue program in alignment with organizational goals.
Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and organizational goals and requirements.
Report on key performance data, monitor program effectiveness, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
Manage, develop, and engage a large and diverse volunteer team with 300+ volunteers.
Develop new volunteer pathways, recruitment strategies, and onboarding and retention programs.
Maintain accurate records and statistics related to program activities, including fostering, adoption, medical management, volunteer engagement, and impact measurements.
Oversee each cat’s journey from intake to adoption.
Model an empathy-led approach to team management and animal care.
Maintain accurate and consistent tracking of all cats in care using our internal systems.
Share regular reports and insights with organizational leadership to inform strategy and resource planning.
Collaborate with the communications team to collect foster content, promote adoptable cats, and share success stories.
Help standardize and document all cat pathway processes to ensure scalability.
Fostering + Adoptions (60%)
Oversee the foster program, including recruiting, training, and supporting foster families and volunteer leadership.
Coordinate placements and provide ongoing guidance to ensure the well-being of cats in temporary homes.
Oversee routine and specialist medical care for all rescue program cats in conjunction with the Medical Coordinator and Flatbush Vet staff.
Lead the adoption team to grow and maintain programs for ensuring successful placement.
Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote adoptable cats and increase successful adoptions.
Qualifications
Strong passion for our mission to create scalable, systemic solutions that keep cats off the streets, reduce shelter intake, and improve access to care.
Minimum of 2+ years of experience in animal care, animal rescue, or similar program coordination.
Proven team and time management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication.
Ability to give and receive feedback in a professional and thoughtful way.
Compassionate and empathetic approach to team management, animal welfare, and community engagement.
Exceptionally comfortable using, learning, and teaching tech tools like Slack, Google Workspace, Airtable, and other online platforms.
Schedule & Work Expectations
This is a full-time role with a highly flexible and self-directed schedule. Much of the work can be completed remotely, with an expected in-person presence for key program activities. Because operations run seven days a week, this role includes a regular weekend coverage block (approximately one shift per weekend) and early morning and evening responsiveness. We aim to support sustainable scheduling, including two days off per week, with flexibility to adjust hours depending on weekend and program coverage needs.
Skills & Strengths
Appreciation for working with diverse communities and perspectives on pet ownership.
Enthusiasm for strategically using data to guide program improvement and development.
Ability to navigate emotionally sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
Proactive, thoughtful, and solutions-oriented.
Values collaboration and clear communication as a team member and leader.
Benefits:
In addition to playing a leading role in addressing overcrowded animal shelters in New York City, we are pleased to offer the following benefits:
Flexible 40 hour schedule with at least one remote day per week
Onsite / hybrid in Flatbush, Brooklyn
3 weeks paid time off
5 days paid sick time
9 paid holidays
Medical, dental, vision coverage
401K with employer match
Continuing education support
Reporting Relationships
This role reports to the Director of Community Programs, and works very closely with program leads to identify and support community needs and larger organizational goals. They oversee a large volunteer team focused on animal care, fostering, adoptions, and medical management.
Intentional Hiring
Flatbush Cats believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success in achieving our Mission and Vision. Our goal is to be a diverse organization that is representative, at all levels, of the community we serve.
We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Note: Our application is run through Notion. If you run into issues, try Chrome or Firefox and check that pop-up blockers are turned off.