Overview

BACKGROUND:

Flatbush Cats is a TNR-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to end the cat overpopulation crisis in Brooklyn. We can only rescue friendly street cats when they have somewhere to go, so an effective foster program is a crucial part of our mission.

We are seeking a part-time Foster Program Manager based in Brooklyn, NY to lead and oversee all aspects of our foster program. Approximately 60-70% of this job can be performed remotely at home.

We do not have a shelter facility – the majority of cats in foster care are based in or near Flatbush, Brooklyn. The ideal candidate will thrive in a team environment focused on getting things done and supporting others – ready to take initiative, work efficiently, and communicate effectively.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Foster Program Manager will focus on expanding and improving a best-in-class foster-based rescue and adoption program. They will be responsible for the overall approach, strategy and SOP/protocols for the entire flow – from intake to when cat(s) are healthy, vetted and ready for adoption.

Primary responsibilities include: 

  • Plan, organize, manage, and lead the Foster team
  • Ensure foster cats are efficiently flowing through the program
  • Oversee recruitment and retention of foster parents
  • Provide timely information to foster parents about program operations, animals in need of foster care (placement), and training opportunities
  • Train and supervise Foster Coordinator volunteers (case management)
  • Triage medical issues and escalate to medical experts as needed
  • Support foster parents through challenging and sensitive topics
  • Provide our communications team with timely updates for social
  • Supervise Administrative Volunteer in managing vaccination + medical records
  • Collaborate closely with Adoption Coordinator to ensure cats are adopted when ready
  • Track key metrics including number of cats in our care, availability for intake, etc,
  • Provide and implement recommendations on how we can improve our foster program for better outcomes and volunteer retention 
  • Update and maintain foster care protocols and training materials as needed

 

Flexible availability may be necessary at times. Must have reliable transportation and/or be able to frequently access our holding space and foster locations in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

  

QUALIFICATIONS – ARE YOU?

  • Passionate about the Flatbush Cats mission to end the cat overpopulation crisis in Brooklyn and beyond?
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced animal welfare / community medicine environment?
  • An exceptionally positive people-person with excellent communication skills?
  • Comfortable leading and engaging a diverse team towards a common goal?
  • A proactive and professional teammate?
  • Someone who truly loves animals, and is deeply committed to our mission to end the cat overpopulation crisis?
  • Open to embracing change and innovation, always demonstrating a growth mindset?
  • Able to collaborate with numerous partners to problem solve?
  • Able to calmly navigate high pressure situations and mitigate conflict?
  • Extremely organized, able to prioritize and manage your time effectively?
  • Willing to solicit and maintain open, honest, and frequent communications?
  • Responsible with sensitive information and able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality?
  • Familiar with setting and meeting goals?
  • Open to learning new tools and technologies?

 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Direct experience supporting and/or growing a cat-based foster program (including volunteer work)
  • Knowledge of and ability to implement foster care-related best practices, procedures, and protocol
  • Vet tech certification or shelter medicine experience a plus (not required)
  • Ability to occasionally work weekends or evenings when issues arise
  • Experience helping individuals develop and thrive
  • Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in a rescue environment in a positive professional manner, including providing input on euthanasia decisions
  • Fluent with Google Suite, Slack, Airtable and CRM systems (or willing to learn)

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Foster Program Manager reports directly to the Executive Director, and works closely with other program leads, including Adoptions. This person oversees several Foster Coordinator volunteers, who assist with day to day program operations and case management. 

 

Flatbush Cats believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success in achieving our Mission and Vision. Our goal is to be a diverse organization that is representative, at all levels, of the community we serve.

We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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