Adoption Manager
Job Description: Adoption Manager
Classification: Full Time - Exempt
Salary Range: $43,000-50,000
Reports to: Director of Shelter Operations
Date: March 2025
Summary/Objective: Richmond Animal League (RAL) is seeking a Full-Time Adoptions Manager responsible for overseeing all aspects of the cat and dog adoption process. This role involves managing the adoption team, coordinating with other staff and volunteers, and developing strategies to increase adoption rates and opportunities. This position plays a crucial role in promoting open adoptions and upholding the shelter’s mission while upholding the highest standards of animal care and customer service.
Essential Functions:
Oversee and coordinate the adoption of all cats and dogs following RAL’s policies and procedures, aiming to reduce the length of stay and promote adoptions.
Complete adoptions under RAL’s open adoption policies and procedures, including assisting members of the public with cat and dog selection, conducting meet-and-greets and dog meetings, scheduling appointments, communicating information in pet files to potential adopters (including behavioral and medical details), and promptly responding to all adoption-related inquiries.
Ensure that staff and volunteers are trained in all relevant policies and procedures and that they consistently deliver quality customer service.
Utilize shelter management software (PetPoint) to track animals and ensure the accuracy of records.
Manage and respond to all rehoming and return requests, including counseling to help keep animals in their homes when possible. Notify appropriate teams if an adopter plans to return a cat or dog: triage walk-in cat and dog returns and owner surrenders.
Maintain and update a resource database for adopters and owners. Educate owners about proper care and resources available through RAL.
Create and support adoption promotions and events.
Manage the promotion of cats and dogs on the website, social media, and other promotional opportunities. Keep pet bios and pictures up to date.
Collaborate closely with Development staff to plan and ensure the success of events and promotions.
Handle cash and other payments and balance funds at the end of each workday.
Prepare an annual budget and quarterly metrics.
Create and maintain written policies, procedures, protocols, forms, and training materials. (Obtain approvals as needed.)
Other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
The Manager must possess initiative, time management and organizational skills, practical decision-making abilities, a desire to be an adaptable leader as well as a team player, the ability to prioritize, delegate, and work effectively and independently, basic computer skills, and some experience with animal handling. Must complete Fear Free Sheltering class in the first 60 days of employment.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position has direct supervisory responsibilities over staff.
Work Environment: The work environment includes the shelter, which can have high noise levels, exposure to cleaning chemicals, animal-related allergens, and potential for bites and scratches.
Physical demands may include lifting, walking, bending, and standing. Work will occur both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to carry 25 lbs.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, exempt position. The position will be five days per week. This role will require evening (until 8 PM some evenings) and weekend work. Holiday hours are not typically needed. Regular and reliable attendance is essential.
Required Education & Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent
21 years of age with a valid driver’s license
Working knowledge of animal health, behavior, and handling
At least one year of customer service and supervisory experience
Strong communications skills
Ability to effectively work with diverse groups of individuals
Working knowledge of animal health, behavior, and handling
Proficiency in computer use (Word, Excel, etc.)
Ability to write and establish policies and strategic operational plans
Preferred Education & Experience:
At least 2 years of relevant work experience
At least 2 years of experience directly supervising staff
Prior experience within a progressive animal welfare or animal control organization
Experience with PetPoint, Petbridge, etc.
Full Time Benefits:
Comprehensive medical, dental + vision plans
Short-term disability
Life insurance
7 Annual Holidays + 21 days/year PTO
Retirement Savings Plan w/ match
Travel: Minimal travel is expected for this position.
If you are interested in this position, please send your cover letter and resume to anne@ral.org. No phone calls, please.
