NYC Foster Coordinator

About Hearts & Bones Rescue

Hearts & Bones Rescue 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 transport our 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.

Currently, we rescue the majority of our dogs from overcrowded shelters in Texas, the highest kill-state in the country, and transport them to our foster and adoptions hub in New York City. Once our dogs leave the shelters, we place them into foster homes around Dallas and prepare them for travel. We then run large transports of 30+ dogs from Texas to NYC approximately every 2-3 weeks. We also rescue dogs from the local New York City shelter. ​

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 800-1,000+ dogs in need every year! We are a 501c3 non-profit organization focused on saving dogs from overcrowded shelters and transporting them to New York to find their forever homes. Once in New York, our dogs live in loving foster homes until adoption. We are looking for a driven, organized, energetic, flexible, and dynamic dog lover to join our New York-based team and support all aspects of our rescue operations, with a particular focus on our foster program.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to multitask, and interpersonal skills. A passion for animal welfare through the rescue and adoption of dogs is key. The primary responsibility of the foster coordinator will be to manage the workflow and day-to-day operations of the foster program, which requires regularly interfacing with our foster parents. This requires a customer service mindset, compassion for both our dogs and the volunteer people who open their homes to them, and the ability to remain cool under pressure. Excellent written and oral communication is essential. The ideal candidate also has a basic understanding of dog behavior and most importantly is willing to learn more in this area. The Foster Coordinator will collaborate with our other full-time team members and our volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Help manage HBR NY Staff Foster Team Volunteers, oversee and improve current processes, and assist cross-functional teams as needed (including but not limited to: Adoption, Alumni, Events, Medical, and Volunteer)
• Serve as point person for day-to-day foster program operations
• Work with the Foster Program Manager to match all dogs with compatible foster parents prior to arrival in NYC. This includes reviewing notes on dog behavior from our Texas team and reviewing foster parents’ applications and experience to ensure matches are successful.
• Oversee communications with HBR foster parents, including providing behavioral support and other support when issues arise, as well as managing foster takeovers when necessary.
• Draft regular foster newsletters to our foster community and engage with our foster community via our Facebook group.
• Brainstorm and implement new ways to recruit fosters and celebrate our dedicated foster parents
• Oversee foster application processing and supervise volunteer reviewers
• Work with the Foster Program Manager to identify ways to improve policies and practices to ensure our foster program is as effective as possible
• Work with the Texas team to determine appropriate volume of dogs in rescue, set monthly goals, oversee tracking, and manage any appropriate transport logistics. Assist in setting annual goals and continue to build staff and volunteers to help the organization reach those goals.
• Oversee communication across the Rescue team to ensure all relevant parties/individuals are updated on day-to-day logistics as well as larger team updates
• Coordinate with the program managers across each function within the rescue (i.e. Adoptions, Medical, Alumni) and conduct weekly or monthly status calls to ensure teams are supported and functioning at full capacity.
• Oversee volunteer onboarding process and actively participate in the onboarding of new foster team staff volunteers
• Set the tone for the rest of the rescue by staying calm under pressure and maintaining a positive attitude regardless of circumstances
• Liaise with other rescue organizations/groups in New York and Texas and beyond as a representative of HBR
• Research and implement new technology, databases and systems to improve foster team operations
• Responsibly and safely handle dogs as needed at adoption events, transport arrivals from Texas, vet appointments, etc.
• Provide standard shelter medical intake procedures, including but not limited to, vaccinating, microchipping, medicating, etc.
• Note: No two days in rescue are the same; the ideal candidate must be able to multitask, prioritize, and pivot responsibilities on an ongoing basis

​The ideal candidate has:

• Experience in a fast-paced work environment, and performs well under pressure
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and work collaboratively with our partners
• Ideally 3+ years’ experience working or volunteering in animal welfare
• A positive attitude and ability to stay calm under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with conflict resolution
• Experience with animal medical handling and administration, or willingness to learn
• Knowledge of and commitment to animal adoption and foster programs in a foster-based rescue, including how to successfully build and manage them
• Direct experience fostering rescue dogs, working with rescue dogs in a shelter environment, and/or handling dogs of different sizes and temperaments
• The ability to foster dogs, particularly with behavioral issues
• A moderate understanding of dog behavior and basic training foundation
• A deep commitment to Hearts & Bones Rescue’s life-saving mission
• Valid driver's license and access to a car

​

Requirements:

• ​Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• Fluent in English
• Ability to complete work without close supervision
• High attention to detail
• Basic competency and comfort using Word, databases, spreadsheets, operational management software, and social media
• Reliable computer access and high speed internet access from home
• Problem solver who seeks out solutions and uses strong judgment to make timely decisions
• Must live in New York City or the surrounding areas and be able to commute into the city regularly as needed, as well as local airports for flight transports (Westchester, Morristown, Teterboro).
• Must have regular weekend availability (usually Saturdays)

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.
• Must be available on weekends and outside of traditional 9-5 hours
• This position is largely remote, but will involve travel throughout the city to various partners, foster meetings, adoption events, and transport arrivals (both van and flight).

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