Foster Program Coordinator

T he Foster Program Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the AHS foster program, including recruiting, training, supporting, and recognizing foster volunteers, while ensuring animals are placed in appropriate foster homes. This role partners with site leadership, shelter operations, vet services, and community partnerships staff to increase placement success and improve outcomes for animals. As a member of the Volunteer Engagement Team, the coordinator also supports broader volunteer engagement efforts that advance AHS’s mission and strategic goals.

Essential Functions:

Collaboration, Coordination and Organization

• Coordinate daily foster program operations for shelter and Temporary Pet Housing (TPH) animals, including postings, volunteer communication and foster assignments.

• Match animals with appropriate foster homes based on animal needs and volunteer experience and preferences.

• Schedule foster pickup, recheck and return appointments utilizing AHS scheduling software.

• Move placements forward efficiently by proactively seeking foster homes and partnering with site leadership and vet services on scheduling.

• Follow and reinforce foster, Temporary Pet Housing and shelter protocols.

• Assist in-person with booking in/booking out of foster animals.

• Ensure foster animals are returned to AHS on time.

• Maintain accurate volunteer and foster program records across all systems, including the volunteer database, shelter database and tracking spreadsheets.

• Understand site operations to support program and volunteer integration.

• Develop a working knowledge of basic animal handling, husbandry and infectious disease prevention.

• Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement team to strengthen and grow volunteer engagement in support of the AHS mission.

V olunteer Recruitment, Selection, and Training; Position Design

· Partner with the marketing team to recruit foster volunteers and promote the foster program.

· Review inquiries and applications, interview candidates, and select foster volunteers based on eligibility and interests.

· Ensure foster volunteers complete required onboarding and training.

· Design and update volunteer roles, position descriptions, training, and job aids to meet organizational needs.

Volunteer Support, Supervision and Recognition

· Monitor foster placements and maintain regular communication with volunteers.

· Communicate foster program updates, organizational news and relevant information to volunteers.

• Address volunteer questions, concerns and/or ongoing training needs.

• Develop and maintain training resources and opportunities for foster volunteers.

• Partner with other employees in coaching volunteers by offering support.

• Provide supervision to volunteers with coaching and corrective action as needed.

• Promote volunteer recognition through events and appreciation initiatives.

• Foster a collaborative environment between employees and volunteers.

Communication and Culture

• Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.

• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a welcoming environment for all.

Technology

• Manage and view volunteer information and schedules in the volunteer database.

• Clock in and out of shifts using the electronic time clock.

• Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.

• As applicable, view and revise the animal database, shelter database, as it relates to assigning, tracking, and returning animals from foster volunteers.

Other duties as assigned.

Schedule and Attendance:

· Maintain a Tuesday – Saturday work schedule.

• Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours.

• May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events, which may include evenings and/or weekends.

• Attend and participate in regular Volunteer Engagement team meetings and 1:1 meetings with direct leader.

• Participate on AHS committees as appropriate and assigned.

• Be available to work at various AHS sites based on department needs.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office/desk-based position.

• Adjacent animal shelter areas may be humid, noisy, or odorous.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Experience:

• Volunteer coordination and leadership experience preferred

Skills:

• Excellent communication, organizational skills and high attention to detail.

• Strong administrative and process management skills.

• Ability to multi-task and work with diverse groups of individuals.

• Ability to lead and collaborate with external and internal customers and departments.

• Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.

• Prolonged sitting at a desk.

Emotional Demands:

• Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia.

Transportation:

• Reliable transportation required.

Benefits

Pay: Ranges from $21.50 - $24.50 per hour

About AHS  

Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help thousands of animals in need across Minnesota. 

As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere. 

Why Work Here

• Make a difference in the lives of animals and people
• Join a team of coworkers who love animals as much as you do
• Work-life balance
• Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary care and pet supplies
• Health insurance coverage for full time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance; critical illness insurance; hospital indemnity insurance; employee- paid supplemental life; employee-paid accidental death & dismemberment; and long term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid benefits for full time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term disability. 
• Support for student loans: we are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer 
• Mental Health and Counseling Support: all employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year
• 401k for part-time and full-time staff with a 4% company match
• Nine paid holidays for full-time staff
• Paid floating holidays for part-time and full-time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date)
• Paid Time Off for part time and full time staff (amount is based on hours worked and FTE status)
• Paid parent leave for full-time staff

Our Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

As an organization dedicated to making the world a more humane and compassionate place for animals, we know that people are at the heart of all that we do. Animal Humane Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is essential to our mission and shapes our culture, our work, and the services we provide. 

At AHS we embrace and honor the inherent dignity and diverse experiences of our team members, volunteers, board members, partners, clients, and visitors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or income. Working together to instill equity and inclusivity within our organization will allow us to better serve the people and animals of Minnesota, and ultimately have a positive impact on animals in our care.