Cat Programs Lead

The Cat Programs Lead is responsible for the management, oversight, progress, and expansion of all existing cat care programs including intake, path planning, enrichment, foster and adoption programs.

• For consideration, please send a resume and cover letter to Jenny Schlueter at: Jennifer@heartlandanimalshelter.org.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of cat intakes including the development of relationships with rescue partners, finding appropriate intake candidates, and handling the logistics of the intake.
• Ensure effective systems and resources are in place through collective and performance management for the cat team – identify and execute strategies to help HAS reach our lifesaving goals.
• Develop necessary behavior and enrichment plans as a path to adoption.
• Work with ShelterLuv, our shelter software, to make sure that information on each cat is current, review adoption applications and surrender forms, and process adoptions.
• Participate in the development of the cat foster program and assist with matching foster animals to fosters.
• Approve all cat adoptions and cat surrenders.
• Communicate cat updates to staff and volunteers.
• Serves as manager on duty for most open hours.
• Work with other senior staff to inform projects, identify key life-saving strategies, partnerships, and tactics to achieve live outcomes for HAS and our partners.
• Represent HAS Cat program at various events and occasional meetings and conferences, including public speaking and making and giving training and other  presentations.
• Manage and moderate content on Cat Volunteer Facebook group to interact and provide guidance and comradery to support one another and share accurate, up-to-date information in a constructive way.
• Assist with departmental budgeting and cost analysis.
• Use data and statistics to inform projects and strategies; Participate in the development of lifesaving goals as well as any other quantitative and qualitative measures of success.
• Be a resource for the community for cat inquiries and questions.
• Stay knowledgeable of the best and most up to date cat practices.
• Work interdepartmentally to ensure best animal outcomes.
• Develop relationships with volunteers.
• Assist with volunteer or animal care staff shifts lacking coverage.

MISSION AND CULTURE

• Treat people around you with compassion and kindness in all your actions, build trust by demonstrating authenticity and following through on your commitments, encourage self-care and work-life balance through your own example, and work to build strong relationships with fellow team members (staff and volunteers) by creating communication loops to share and receive honest feedback. Promote, uplift and model Heartland’s Culture Expectations.
• Stay abreast of external changes in animal welfare and community support systems; work with leadership to support our mission, vision, and values and contributions to organizational objectives. 
• Lead by example through direct and impactful personal and organizational contributions towards Heartland’s organizational goals and mission.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Must be able to work around animals (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive animals). 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least one year of work experience with an animal shelter at the supervisor level or higher preferred.
• High level of organizational ability, able to delegate tasks quickly and appropriately, able to multi-task and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate well with a broad population including staff, volunteers, fosters, donors, and members of the public.
• Good understanding of cat behavior and progressive cat practices.
• Ability to be flexible, work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, understand the importance of deadlines and work in a collaborative team environment. 

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Cat Programs Lead reports to the Executive Director/Shelter Operations Manager and works primarily with the Cat Programs Assistant. 

TIME COMMITMENT 

This is an hourly position – approximately 35 hours per week. Being available to work evenings, weekends and holidays is a requirement of this role. 

BENEFITS

Health Insurance available.