Senior Manager, Care & Enrichment

Summary:

Are you an experienced people leader who is passionate about advancing animal welfare? Do you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where operations, behavior, and medical teams work together to achieve exceptional outcomes for animals? If so, the Senior Manager, Care & Enrichment role may be the perfect fit.

Who We Are

The ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC, is the first and only facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of extremely fearful, under socialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. The goal of the entire BRC team is to work together to improve these dogs' quality of life and prepare them for life in adoptive homes---an impossible outcome without intensive, structured behavioral interventions and integrative care.

What You'll Do

The Senior Manager, Care & Enrichment is an integral member of the operations leadership team and facilitates deep engagement in the mission of the ASPCA by overseeing daily operations and providing supervision, coaching, and developmental support for a team of Care & Enrichment Technicians at the BRC. The ideal candidate for this role values collaboration across teams and continually strives to create and maintain a positive work culture in which animals benefit from the harmonious exchange of information and ideas across shelter operations, shelter medicine, and animal behavior.

The Care and Enrichment team is responsible for providing all daily care and enrichment of the animals housed at the BRC and for ensuring smooth and efficient animal care operations. The team works together, using low-stress handling and husbandry techniques, to ensure all animals have appropriate safe, clean, comfortable housing, including transport housing, and access to enriching experiences. Care and Enrichment closely monitors the population for signs of medical and behavioral change, communicating across teams on the status of each animal in a timely manner.

• This position reports to the Senior Director, Operations and has 8 direct reports.

Where and When You'll Work

• This is an in-person position and reports to the Behavior Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, NC
• Availability to regularly 5 days per week, including one weekend day is required (typically Tuesday through Saturday); Available to work a flexible schedule when operationally needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as program needs require. Schedules are subject to change as needed by the ASPCA.
• This position requires ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time; Including ability to travel at least once per quarter to transport animals or deploy to provide support in the field or temporary shelter environment.

What You'll Get

Compensation

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

• The target hiring range for this role is $73,000 - $77,000 annually.

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don't have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

Check our website for more information on our benefits offerings.

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to:

Shelter Operations & Program Management

• Collaborate with Medical and Behavioral leadership to evaluate shelter population needs and ensure animal welfare goals are met
• Oversee Care & Enrichment monitoring systems to support the medical and behavioral health of all animals
• Ensure consistent adherence to daily care protocols, including nutrition, sanitation, infectious disease prevention, and behavioral care
• Maintain a safe, compassionate environment for animals, staff, and volunteers through the consistent use of low-stress handling techniques
• Support medical and behavioral treatment sessions as needed
• Lead the development, maintenance, and annual review of daily care and enrichment SOPs, ensuring alignment across teams and a cohesive, center-wide approach
• Collaborate closely with Medical and Behavioral teams to ensure clear communication and consistent, efficient care across departments
• Partner with Senior Managers to define appropriate volunteer roles and expectations; provide guidance and supervision while fostering a culture of respect and appreciation
• Oversee the collection of sheltering data to support animal placement in foster and adoptive homes
• Coordinate cross-team animal movement into, through, and out of the shelter to ensure a seamless, low-stress process
• Contribute to annual budget planning by identifying operational and programmatic needs
• Collaborate with ASPCA departments to ensure alignment in operational practices and standards

Management & Leadership

• Manage a team of 2 Lead Care & Enrichment Technicians and 6 Care & Enrichment Technician to succeed in their role by communicating clear expectations, providing opportunities for learning and development and building positive and trusting relationships.
• Support your direct reports by holding regular effective feedback conversations, career conversations, annual performance evaluations and ongoing check-in conversations with each team member on a cadence that's appropriate for their role(s).
• Manage Temporary Care & Enrichment Assistants, visiting ASPCA staff, and Responders, ensuring they are effectively onboarded, integrated into operations, and equipped to provide immediate support as needed
• Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide coaching, support professional development, address interpersonal challenges, and ensure alignment with departmental and organizational goals.
• Lead care workforce planning and scheduling efforts to ensure appropriate staffing levels, including the hiring, onboarding, retention, and daily deployment of Care & Enrichment Technicians; oversee staff schedules, time-off requests, and hour tracking to maintain operational effectiveness and continuity of care.
• Ensure all team members are trained, competent, and consistently applying low-stress animal handling techniques
• Develop and monitor team goals, key performance indicators, and quality standards to support organizational objectives.
• Identify and address conflict and performance issues in a timely and appropriate manner, providing clear expectations, constructive feedback, and documented follow-up to support continuous improvement.
• Plan and deliver regular training sessions and refresher courses for team members
• Promote staff engagement and well-being by supporting a healthy, sustainable work-life balance
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, collaborating across departments to drive operational excellence, achieve organizational goals, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to annual strategic planning in partnership with the Senior Director, Operations
• Address conflicts and concerns promptly, ensuring conversations are constructive, respectful, and solution-oriented

Program Management & Administrative

• Oversee the BRC's comprehensive Enrichment Program, ensuring all Operations staff are trained on the purpose, value, and implementation of daily enrichment activities.

• Maintain Enrichment Program compliance, monitor inventory and supply needs, and support the delivery of diverse enrichment experiences, including cognitive, sensory, foraging, and social enrichment, to promote engagement, well-being, and quality of care.

• Develop and maintain a streamlined responder onboarding process, ensuring incoming Responders are appropriately trained, oriented, and prepared to effectively perform daily care responsibilities while maintaining compliance with BRC standards and protocols.

• Manage the ordering, tracking, and distribution of animal care, enrichment, and facility supplies, ensuring resources are available to support operational needs while maintaining budget stewardship.

• Attend daily shelter rounds to monitor operations, address emerging needs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient and effective facility Operational management.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and programs visiting the BRC, including but not limited to Learning Lab, Relocation, ASPCA Pro, and Media & Communications

• Participate in staff meetings, training classes, continuing education opportunities, and other required ASPCA events and professional development opportunities, including annual performance reviews·

• Maintain financial accountability, including managing an ASPCA credit card, tracking expenses, and submitting timely, accurate reports in compliance with organizational policies

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Operations

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history
• Comfortable and professional working in environments where humane euthanasia procedures are performed, maintaining compassion, emotional resilience, and respect for animal welfare standards.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including coaching, collaboration, and adapting to support diverse individuals
• Proactive, resilient problem-solver who takes initiative, adapts to change, and maintains effectiveness in challenging situations
• Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and ethical decision-making; able to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy
• Physically capable of lifting (50 lbs unassisted, 100 lbs assisted) and working in demanding environments requiring extended standing, mobility, and exposure to noise, hazards, and protective equipment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams) required; experience with shelter management software, Salesforce, or related software preferred.
• Work may involve exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA's core values and behavioral competencies

Education and Work Experience

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience required

• Minimum of 2 years of people management experience required; 3 or more years of people management experience strongly preferred

• Minimum of 1 year of professional or volunteer experience in animal shelters required

• 2 years of professional or volunteer experience performing direct care work with animals strongly preferred

• Professional experience handling and working with dogs is preferred

• Canine behavior credentials such as CPDT-KA, IAABC, KPA a plus

• Fear Free® Shelter Program certification required or completed within 60 days of hire

• Low Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification is required within six months of hire

Language:

English

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community:
If you are interested in joining our team but don't feel this position fits your experience or interests, please check out our other open opportunities or consider joining our Talent Community.

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA's vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA's standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA's People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

Applicant Notices : Applicants have rights under federal employment laws: Equal Employment Opportunity; Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA); Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); Uniformed Services Employment Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Candidates residing in CA, CO, Flagstaff (AZ), IL, IN, Los Angeles (CA), Los Angeles County (CA), MA, ME, NJ, NM, NYC, OR, Philadelphia (PA), RI, San Francisco (CA), and WI should click here for additional information about general applicant notices.