This position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service and support to our community of foster caregivers while managing the movement of animals from shelter to foster care and ultimately to adoption. The role will focus on recruiting, developing, and maintaining a dynamic foster client base, all while fostering teamwork and a positive atmosphere. This includes assisting in intake, surrender of animals, lost and found cases, return to owner services, and adoptions. The role also entails educating the public on humane pet ownership, regulations, and the services provided by Novateus.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Foster Program Coordination (Remote)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for foster families via phone, email, text, and video communication, ensuring they receive timely, transparent, and helpful support.
• Provide clear communication to foster families about the purpose of their assignments and address any concerns, including sensitive topics such as medical or behavioral risks and potential humane euthanasia outcomes.
• Ensure foster families receive all necessary supplies, animal care instructions, and training, particularly for animals with special needs.
• Deliver ongoing training on disease control, animal handling, and safety protocols to foster families.
• Offer top-notch customer service to all foster families, including promptly addressing any inquiries or concerns via email, text messages, social media, or phone calls.
• Promote and encourage foster families to participate in adoption events, even virtually, and help coordinate online or offsite events.

Logistics and Data Management

• Monitor and track animal populations in foster care, including volume, capacity for care, length of stay (LOS), and animal flow to adoption placements, using remote tracking tools.
• Collaborate with the Novateus team to identify opportunities for improving foster care capacity, retention rates, and annual foster placements, keeping organizational goals and capacity limits in mind.
• Manage the “foster on deck” process, ensuring timely and efficient flow of animals into foster care.
• Utilize innovative online tools to recruit new foster families, retain current foster families, and streamline foster animal assignments.
• Maintain and update a detailed foster tracking database, capturing accurate intake, outcome, and behavioral/medical data.

Collaboration (Remote)

• Regularly check in with foster families to collect feedback and share updates with the team.
• Work closely with the Novateus Foster Vet Tech and Shelter Clinic team to manage animal populations transitioning from shelter to foster care.
• Partner with the Adoption team to identify suitable animals for offsite adoption or foster care, ensuring smooth coordination.
• Maintain positive relationships with external partners who support foster care services.
• Promote a culture of learning and growth within the organization to improve outcomes for animals in foster care, with a focus on increasing live release rates.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree or some college preferred.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills, and Knowledge:

• Ability to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other remote collaboration tools.
• Must be comfortable working independently and remotely with occasional virtual team meetings.
• Strong interpersonal skills for mediating conflicts and fostering positive relationships with foster families and external partners.
• Ability to multitask and maintain focus on priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Must be able to manage flexible schedules, including working weekends or being available on-call when needed.

Physical Requirements (Remote Adaptation):

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and manage heavy objects when working in a hybrid environment or during occasional onsite tasks.
• Ability to work around animals, allergens, and industrial cleaning products, though the remote work nature limits exposure.

Working Conditions:

• This role is 100% remote, requiring a home office setup and regular virtual meetings.
• Occasional travel may be required for onsite tasks, events, or emergency responses.
• Must have a stable internet connection, phone, and access to necessary communication tools.

Pay Rate: $17/hr - $28.50/hr

Skills:

• Coordinating
• Animal Care & Animal Handling
• Animal Rights Advocacy
• Logistics Management

Benefits:

• Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 401K match.
• Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• 168 hours PTO and 14 paid holidays.
• Supportive team environment with mentorship opportunities.