KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and oversee the foster program to ensure smooth operations and high-quality care for foster animals.
• Accurately maintain all required records in the shelters database in a timely manner.
• Maintain and update a foster tracking database that captures with precise detail intake, outcome and medical data for each foster animal.
• Maintain a “foster on deck” process to ensure timely and efficient flow of animals into foster care.
• Collaborate with animal care, vet staff, and office administration staff to identify opportunities for positive outcomes.
• Prepare for and participate in weekly foster rounds; track and report any important findings and concerns, provide updates during foster rounds and follow-up with fosters on medical updates within 24 hours.
• Recruit, screen, and train foster volunteers to prepare them for successful animal placements. Training in disease control and prevention in their home, animal handling and safety techniques.
• Coordinate medical and behavioral care for foster animals, working closely with veterinary and animal care teams.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to foster families, addressing concerns and answering questions.
• Communicate regularly with shelter staff to facilitate foster placements, returns, and adoptions. Monitor daily the feline populations in foster care, with attention to volume, capacity for care, length of stay (LOS) and animal flow out of foster care and into adoption placement.
• Assist in marketing and outreach efforts to recruit new foster homes and promote foster success stories.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and structured foster program with clear protocols and expectations.
• Monitor expenses for supplies and seek cost-effective methods to provide supplies and medical care.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support shelter operations.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• General knowledge of, and genuine compassion for, domestic animals and animal welfare.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build positive relationships with volunteers, staff, and the public.
• Flexible and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail in tracking foster placements and coordinating care.
• Comfortable problem-solving and adapting to fast-paced situations involving foster animals.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed
• Flexible, capable of working both independently and as a member of a team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, stand, walk, run, and extend arms above the shoulder.
• Able to lift and/or carry animals and materials weighing at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold.
• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, sitting, and walking.
• Must be able to traverse irregular terrain.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Combination of indoor and outdoor environment. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, pet dander, and animals with uncertain dispositions.
• Protective gear may be required for certain tasks (e.g., gloves, safety glasses).
• Varied schedule: weekends and/or holidays may be required.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is an equal-opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

COMPENSATION:

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

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What You'll Lead:

Shelter Operations & Animal Care:

• Oversee all daily sheltering functions to ensure animals receive safe, consistent, humane care.
• Lead key programs including animal care, adoptions, fostering, and volunteer engagement.
• Guides pathway planning, enrichment, and behavior support to reduce length of stay and increase successful placements of animals into new homes.
• Apply national best practices and use data to guide decisions that move animals efficiently and responsibly through the shelter.



People Leadership:

• Build, coach, and support a capable and motivated team across multiple departments.
• Set clear expectations, provide direct feedback, and help staff develop skill and confidence.
• Maintain a workplace where accountability, respect, and humane practice guide daily interactions.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are supported, valued, and prepared for their roles.



Programs & Systems:

• Strengthen and expand programs that move animals into new homes, including foster, volunteer, enrichment, adoption support, and community outreach.
• Create and manage budgets responsibly and transparently.
• Develop and refine SOPs, systems, and workflows that create clarity and consistency.
• Build processes that align with local and state animal welfare codes and support responsible sheltering practices.
• Monitor expenses for supplies and seek cost-effective methods to provide supplies and medical care.
• Support the HSVC Cares outreach program, including vaccination clinics, community spay/neuter services, and pet food distribution.



Cross-Team & External Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with clinic leadership, humane officers, communications, development, and other internal teams to support smooth shelter operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with rescue partners and municipal animal sheltering organizations.
• Represent HSVC in public settings, including interviews and presentations, when needed.
• Serve as Acting Executive Director when assigned.



Planning, Data & Accountability:

• Use data to monitor trends, identify needs, and guide improvements.
• Provide clear operational updates for the Executive Director, Board, and key stakeholders.
• Anticipate challenges, address issues early, and keep work moving in a dynamic environment.
• Prioritize safety and act promptly to correct hazards or risks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of previous animal welfare experience in a leadership or supervisory role in a community achieving or striving to achieve a 90% or above live save rate.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in progressive and lifesaving animal welfare, pathway planning, shelter medicine, and community programs.
• Previous experience handling and working with cats and dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical/behavioral conditions in a high stress environment.
• Demonstrated responsibility for leading and developing staff, executing personnel management functions to include selection, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience in building successful collaborative efforts with diverse community stakeholder groups and working with elected and appointed officials.
• Able to demonstrate exceptional discretion, judgement, integrity and confidentiality when dealing with personal and financial issues.
• Ability to help animals and people with compassion and empathy with commitment to life-saving programs and services.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully communicating orally and in writing, including writing standard operating procedures, articulating policy changes, sharing strategic initiatives, resolving conflicts, customer service scripts, speaking to small and large groups, and drafting written communication pieces.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis; developing and analyzing metrics, performance measures, interpreting trends, identifying and collecting key data points to develop and evaluate policy and/or program efficacy.
• Ability to be flexible, detail oriented and prioritize competing challenges and opportunities.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends and consequences in animal welfare and integrate them into strategic and organizational plans.

PREFERRED QUALIFICIATIONS:

• CAWA certification or similar credential
• Experience developing and scaling community-based programs
• Senior-level management experience
• Familiarity with Chameleon or similar shelter software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to safely handle animals, including those who have been abused, neglected, or treated cruelly

WHO YOU ARE:

• Decisive and steady
• Compassionate and grounded
• Motivated and innovative
• Clear, transparent communicator
• Inclusive and collaborative
• Enthusiastic, a catalyst for change
• Critical thinker, problem-solver
• Decisive and steady
• Calm under pressure

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Shelter environment with exposure to animals, cleaning agents, noise, and variable weather
• Frequent standing, lifting, bending, and animal handling
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. independently and 75 lbs. with assistance
• Occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response needs



The Humane Society of Ventura County is an equal-opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

COMPENSATION:

Pay:$125,000 - $145,000

APPLY NOW