Adoption & Foster Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To: Director of Adoptions & Placement Programs

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

This is a hybrid role. Candidates must be willing to work onsite in Salem as well as transport dogs throughout Oregon.

A valid driver's license and a driving record free of major violations are required. Final job offer is contingent upon successful review and approval of driving history.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Adoption & Foster Program Manager plays a critical role in executing and scaling The Asher House’s adoption and future foster programs. This position is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of companion animal placements—from initial inquiry through successful adoption—while delivering an exceptional, compassionate experience for adopters.

This role will lead application screening, matchmaking, meet-and-greets, and placement coordination for both dogs and cats. In addition, this position will support the development and day-to-day execution of The Asher House Foster Program, helping to expand placement capacity and support animals with specialized needs.

The Adoption & Foster Program Manager will also oversee social media promotion of adoptable animals, ensuring each companion animal is thoughtfully and effectively showcased to maximize placement success. This role requires a balance of strong operational execution, animal handling confidence, and storytelling ability, all grounded in The Asher House’s mission and values. Adoption & Placement Operations

• Manage the full adoption lifecycle including application review, applicant screening, interviews, matchmaking, and final placement
• Conduct phone calls and virtual/in-person consultations with prospective adopters
• Thoughtfully match companion animals with adopters based on behavior, lifestyle, and household dynamics
• Schedule and facilitate meet-and-greets, ensuring safe and positive interactions
• Process adoption paperwork and ensure compliance with organizational standards
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records across all adoption platforms and systems
• Maintain ongoing communication with adoptive families, providing guidance, support, and resources to promote successful placements and long-term outcomes

Foster Program Support (Build + Execution)

• Support the development and rollout of The Asher House Foster Program
• Assist with screening and onboarding foster applicants
• Help match animals with appropriate foster homes based on needs and environment
• Maintain communication with foster families and support successful placements
• Track foster placements and outcomes in partnership with leadership

Animal Handling & Placement Support

• Safely handle dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and needs
• Transport dogs as needed for meet-and-greets and adoption events
• Facilitate safe, structured dog-to-dog introductions
• Partner with behavior and care teams to support successful placements

Social Media & Adoption Promotion

• Lead social media posting for adoptable animals and future foster opportunities
• Capture and curate engaging photos, videos, and adoption content
• Write compelling, on-brand adoption bios and posts
• Collaborate with internal teams to align content with broader storytelling efforts
• Monitor engagement and adjust content strategies to increase adoption visibility

Events & Community Engagement

• Assist in planning and executing adoption events
• Support foster and adopter community gatherings
• Represent The Asher House in a warm, professional, and mission-aligned manner
• Help create positive, memorable experiences for adopters and supporters

Operational & Administrative Excellence

• Maintain organized tracking systems for applicants, placements, and communications
• Ensure timely follow-up with applicants and fosters
• Support reporting and data tracking related to placements and outcomes
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and adopter experience

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience in animal rescue, sheltering, adoption, or foster coordination
• Strong understanding of dog behavior and placement considerations
• Hands-on dog handling experience required
• Comfortable transporting dogs and facilitating dog-to-dog introductions
• Experience with cats and multi-species placement preferred
• Strong social media and content creation experience required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Deep alignment with The Asher House mission and values

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Compassionate Communication
• Placement Judgment & Decision-Making
• Animal Handling Confidence
• Relationship Building
• Storytelling & Social Media Execution
• Organizational Excellence
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving
• Team Collaboration