Foster Program Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enables HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them. 

Position Summary

The Foster Program Coordinator plays a critical role in expanding HRA’s lifesaving capacity by overseeing the day-to-day operations of our foster care program. This individual will recruit, train, and support foster caregivers, coordinate animal placements, and work closely with medical and behavior teams to ensure positive outcomes for animals in foster homes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Foster Placement & Coordination
  1. Match animals with appropriate foster homes based on behavior and medical needs.
  2. Coordinate transport, supplies, and ongoing communication with foster families.
  3. Maintain timely, accurate records in shelter software systems (e.g., PetPoint).
• Recruitment & Engagement
  1. Recruit, screen, and onboard new Foster Caregivers.
  2. Recruit, screen, and onboard new Volunteer Foster Case Managers and Admin volunteers for the foster program
  3. Plan and conduct orientations, trainings, and workshops for foster caregivers and case managers.
  4. Serve as the primary point of contact for foster-related inquiries.
• Foster Family Support & Flow Through
  1. Help manage the HRA foster inbox, craft templates and tools for effective and efficient responses, and provide timely follow up.
  2. Collaborate with veterinary, behavior, and adoption staff to monitor foster animal health, progress, and flow through.
  3. Track compliance with medical appointments, vaccinations, and spay/neuter procedures.
  4. Quickly respond to concerns, troubleshoot solutions, and propose action plans.
  5. Monitor animal’s length of stay in foster homes; Develop and promote adoption action plans.
  6. Draft a biweekly Newsletter communicating programmatic updates, training resources, instructionals (how to’s), and success stories in concert with the volunteer newsletter.
• Program Development & Evaluation
  1. Track program metrics and contribute to reports on foster success rates and outcomes.
  2. Develop and improve processes and resources to increase foster retention and program efficiency.
  3. Work closely with the Director of Foster and Volunteer Programs; participate in strategic planning for program growth.

General :

• Work as part of a team to complete administrative duties.
• Collaborate with members of the public or other departments.
• Always represent HRA (Humane Rescue Alliance) in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the organization's success.
• Provide a judgement free space where patrons can feel safe and comfortable discussing difficult situations and provide helpful feedback and resources.
• Other duties as assigned within the foster program department.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Passion for HRA’s mission, including compassion for all animals—regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species—and a commitment to public service and education without judgment or bias.
• Knowledge of animal sheltering procedures or the ability and willingness to learn; must be comfortable handling animals and open to gaining proficiency in animal-handling techniques.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer service orientation; ability to communicate in a professional, compassionate, and nonjudgmental manner with volunteers, adopters, donors, and staff.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and calm under pressure.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in an environment of shifting priorities.
• Team-oriented and also able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Technologically proficient, with experience using Microsoft Office, Outlook, internet applications, and shelter databases or CRM platforms (training provided).
• Emotionally resilient, with the ability to manage the demands and emotional aspects of working in an animal shelter with professionalism and care.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment.
• Ability to routinely work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. Working times for this role are generally: Sunday through Thursday, 10am-6pm. This is not a remote position.
• Comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work. Typically stands, bends, stoops, and crouches while working special events.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs with or without assistance.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

Education and Experience

• Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible experience working either in an animal shelter environment, volunteer coordination, customer service, and/or study of social work.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and retirement savings.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Rewarding work with a mission-driven team making a lasting impact.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, skills, and commitment will directly save lives and strengthen communities.

*The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.

*Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

*HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.