Dog Care Manager

Overview Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is one of Austin’s most dynamic and beloved nonprofits. The organization leads the No Kill movement nationally and is considered a national thought leader in animal welfare. APA! locally rescues, treats, and adopts out 10,000 homeless dogs and cats each year, providing the safety net for Austin’s most at‑risk shelter pets, which helps Austin to be a No Kill city, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals. The organization is distinguished by the scrappiness of its grassroots and its non‑traditional, community‑based animal rescue work. At APA!, care professionals are valued as animal champions, advocates, and guardians. Their passion and strong bonds glue the mission together. We believe quality care is dependent on quality relationships, because those relationships teach us about the individual animal and inform us of what we can share about them with others, in hopes of them finding a home. APA! encourages strong connections not just for the welfare of pets, but for purpose‑driven people too. Dog Care Manager – Responsibilities and Leadership The Dog Care Manager oversees operations for the standard dog population at APA!, focusing primarily on the TLAC campus. This includes daily outings, kennel cleaning, feeding, and other animal case management activities. The manager also serves as Manager on Duty (MOD), acting as the primary point of contact when needs and questions arise. In partnership with staff and volunteer teammates, this role ensures animal care at APA! is equitable, timely, and integrated for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. The role is a leadership position that directs the strategic direction, growth, and daily operations of APA!’s care program. Key responsibilities include managing daily workflows, supervising staff, setting clear, mission‑aligned goals, using data to guide decisions, and maintaining accountability. The position also requires high responsiveness during on‑duty shifts and encourages collaboration with volunteers to create meaningful opportunities for volunteer leadership. Essential Functions Partner with the other Dog Care Manager (AM Shift) to oversee decision‑making, communication, and operations in Dog Care. Recruit, onboard, and schedule new staff and volunteers; resolve interpersonal disputes. Develop relationships with APA! managers, leaders, and volunteers to foster a “one team” ethos. Ensure all dogs and puppies achieve and maintain high physical and mental well‑being. Evaluate care staff and volunteer performance, ensuring adherence to a case‑management framework. Build training and leadership development initiatives for the care team. Own quality improvement activities, including rounds, problem identification, and resolution. Facilitate efficient operations, including staff and volunteer assignments. Respond to TLAC emergency situations and notifications. Perform MOD tasks: manage the MOD inbox, assist on‑site teams, provide customer assistance, and act as inter‑team liaison. Serve as a hands‑on helper when team capacity is limited or for strategic allocation of time and skills. Cover all care time shifts as needed or requested. Enhance department and organization reputation by embracing new requests and exploring value‑adding opportunities. Communicate APA! goals, policies, and procedures and develop implementation plans. Model a volunteer‑powered culture, ensuring partners with volunteers on every shift to empower volunteer growth. Act as a facilitator and coach to staff and volunteers, sharing workload and supporting volunteer completion of daily tasks. Support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, engagement, retention, and matching to appropriate tasks. Identify strong volunteers for advanced roles and conversion opportunities. Recognize volunteer contributions with consistent appreciation and shout‑outs. Provide clear expectations, hands‑on training, and coaching to set volunteers up for success. Perform additional duties as assigned by management. Other Functions Demonstrate dependability, accountability, time management, reasoning, and good judgment. Attend and participate in all required training sessions and meetings. Maintain open, consistent communication with the Program Manager, supervisor, and colleagues. Partner with Volunteer Managers to manage volunteer interests in the department. Respond constructively to change and perform related duties as needed. Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. Function in a high‑volume, fast‑paced, high‑stress environment. Qualifications, Skills & Expectations 1 year+ experience in a management role. Commitment to the wellbeing of every animal in APA!’s care. Excellent communication skills and ability to work with passionate people. Knowledge of and passion for the No Kill movement and its aims in Austin and the region. Strong work ethic and proven track record of accomplishment. Ability to pass dog‑walking training and follow dog‑handling procedures and safety protocols. Continuous review and revision of practices to reduce service time while maintaining quality. Positive, enthusiastic attitude. Commitment to APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, Inclusion, and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart. Commitment to APA!’s customer experience expectations. Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers to foster a connected mission. Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support. Comfortable working cross‑functionally and serving as liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members. Effective written and verbal communication; ability to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials. Self‑starter with strong time management; ability to work independently and collaboratively. Excellent interpersonal skills; calm and professional presence in all situations. Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality. Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed. Dedicated to delivering an exceptional and inclusive customer experience. Physical Job Requirements Routinely lift 40–50 pounds. Work around animals (including diseased, injured, or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, and inclement weather. Bend and use arms repetitively. Stay on feet for an entire 8‑hour shift. Handle and walk large dogs that pull and jump. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for employees with disabilities. Work Environment Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, fluids, debris, and chemicals. High noise levels from barking and other animal sounds. Potential for animal bites, scratches, and disease transmission. Occasional after‑hours or weekend work may be required. Time Commitment Full‑time, exempt position averaging 40 hours per week. Shift and schedule flexibility is required; the schedule is subject to change. The position is primarily a PM shift, typically 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, with evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Pay Base salary of $47,000 per year. Eligible employees will receive up to $8,320 in annual stipends over approximately 1–2 years through successful completion of internal APATec certifications. Certifications and stipends are discretionary and subject to change based on business need. Location(s) Main – Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703. APA! may travel to off‑site locations as needed. Working Relationships Reports directly to the Quality of Care Director, currently Mara Hartsell. Benefits Full‑time employees receive a competitive benefits package including subsidized employer‑sponsored medical coverage, subsidized and voluntary life insurance, voluntary dental, vision, and short‑term disability options, up to 2 % match on a 401(k) plan, supplemental benefits, flexible spending accounts, additional life coverage, 10 paid holidays, and 10 days PTO in the first year (with an additional 5 days after 12 months). Professional development opportunities are also provided through APA!’s ongoing mission. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT Austin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and values staff from communities impacted by the issues we engage on. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, women, transgender and gender‑non‑conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply. Austin Pets Alive! does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization is committed to designing a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, community focus, and innovation. APA! is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the employment application process. Contact Talent Acquisition at View email address on click.appcast.io at least one week in advance of your interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr Austin Pets Alive