NYC Volunteer Program Manager

About Hearts & Bones Rescue

Hearts & Bones Rescue (“HBR”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization composed of a network of animal lovers who collaborate to rescue shelter dogs and find them loving, forever homes. We are dedicated to building a coalition of individuals and organizations to save lives in the areas where shelters are under the greatest stress, and bring adoptable dogs to communities where they have a greater chance of being adopted. As a foster-based rescue, we focus on providing all of our dogs with loving temporary homes that help them prepare to join their new families.

HBR rescues the majority of our dogs from overcrowded shelters in Texas, which sadly is the state with the highest number of pets euthanized in the country. These dogs are transported to our foster and adoptions hub in New York and its surrounding areas every few weeks. In addition to our efforts to alleviate overcrowding where it is the highest, we also rescue dogs from local New York City shelters. ​

Job Summary

Hearts & Bones Rescue (“HBR”) is seeking a passionate animal welfare professional to join our New York team to help in our efforts of rescuing 1,300+ dogs in need every year! After being rescued, HBR dogs live in loving foster homes until adoption. We are looking for a driven, organized and dynamic dog lover to join our New York-based team and support all aspects of our rescue operations.

We are looking for a driven, organized, and dynamic dog lover to join our New York-based team to implement and execute a fully functional volunteer program to support all existing and future HBR programs, including adoption, foster, development, operations, and transport. This requires a community-oriented mindset, compassion for both our dogs and the fosters and adopters who open their homes to them, and the ability to remain cool under pressure. Excellent written communication is essential along with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and of course a passion for animal welfare through the rescue and adoption of dogs. The ideal candidate also has a basic understanding of dog behavior and most importantly, is willing to learn more in this area. ​No two days in rescue are the same; a successful candidate will be able to multitask, prioritize, and pivot responsibilities on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities:

• Manage volunteers, oversee and improve current processes including volunteer recruitment, training, and assist cross-functional as needed (including but not limited to the following programs: Adoption, Foster, Development, Operations, Transport).
• Research and implement new technology, databases, and systems to improve volunteer operations including volunteer signups, hour and training tracking, that will support all aspects of HBR’s work.
• Identify ways to improve policies and practices to ensure our foster, medical, transport, and adoption programs are as effective as possible, and work with staff to implement them.
• Coordinate with the program managers across each function within the rescue (i.e. Adoptions, Medical, Alumni) to ensure the volunteer program is supporting and expanding team capacity
• Liaise with other rescue organizations/groups in New York and Texas and beyond as a representative of HBR
• Manage weekend adoption events, working closely with HBR staff and volunteers to ensure events are efficient, streamlined, and safe for all attendees
• Responsibly and safely handle dogs as needed at adoption events, transport arrivals, and vet appointments

The ideal candidate has:

• ​Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• Fluency in English
• 3 years’ minimum experience working in volunteer management and/or working or volunteering in dog rescue
• Ability to work flexible hours, including at least 1 weekend day per week
• Basic competency and comfort using Google office, databases, spreadsheets, and operational management software
• Valid driver's license, access to a car, and comfort with driving vehicles in the city (no CDL required)​
• The ability to foster dogs, particularly with behavioral challenges
• A basic understanding of common dog medical concerns and, most importantly, a willingness to learn more
• A basic understanding of dog behavior and basic training foundation
• Direct experience fostering rescue dogs, working with rescue dogs in a shelter environment, and/or handling dogs of different sizes and temperaments
• Experience in a fast-paced work environment, and performs well under pressure, with a calm and positive attitude
• A detail-oriented problem solver who works independently without close supervision, seeks out solutions, and uses strong judgment to make timely decisions
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and work collaboratively with our partners
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• A deep commitment to our lifesaving mission
• Must live in New York City or the surrounding areas and be able to commute into the city regularly as needed

Work Conditions

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee should be prepared to be able to physically lift 50 lbs and drive as needed
• Hours are flexible, but must be available on one weekend day per week and outside of traditional 9-5 hours
• This position is largely remote, but will involve travel throughout the city to various partners, adoption events, and transport arrivals
• This position sometimes requires handling dogs with medical or behavioral needs

This job description does not necessarily cover every task or duty that might be assigned. There may be additional responsibilities assigned as necessary.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available
• Flexible vacation policy

English fluency required