Adoption Manager

HumanePro; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond Animal League is seeking an Adoptions Manager to lead cat and dog adoption programs and supervise the adoption team. You will coordinate with shelter and foster teams, ensure open adoptions, provide accurate information to adopters, and drive efficient processes to reduce barriers to placement.

The role supports staff, volunteers, and partner departments, with emphasis on customer service excellence, data-driven improvements, and compliant adoption records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in customer service and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of animal health, behavior, humane handling, and adoption counseling.
• Ability to develop procedures, organize workflows, and use program data to guide decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with email, documents, spreadsheets, and database systems.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Complete Fear Free Sheltering training within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily adoption operations, inquiries, appointments, meet-and-greets, counseling, and placement of animals.
• Supervise Senior Adoption Coordinators and Adoption Coordinators; set expectations and provide guidance.
• Coordinate with medical, animal care, and foster teams to confirm adoption readiness.
• Develop post-adoption follow-up and support processes with relevant departments.
• Maintain adoption policies, workflows, forms, and training materials.

Skills

Customer service

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Driver's license

Fear Free Sheltering training

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PetPoint

PetBridge

Job description

HumanePro's biweekly e-newsletter delivers the latest news, training, education opportunities and special offers to help you in your work with animals.

Job Description

Richmond Animal League: Today, RAL is in growth mode, expanding our reach and impact for a future where all cats and dogs are in a loving home with access to the support they need to thrive. We work with over 60 area shelters and rescue partners to reduce euthanasia across Virginia. RAL provides temporary housing, medical treatment, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and loving care to help pets find new homes. As we approach our 50-year anniversary, RAL is stronger than ever, with plans for continued growth and impact in our communities. We’re proud of the difference we are making, the talented staff, our ambitious board, and our supportive community. This is a pivotal moment for the organization, with exciting plans for our campus, growth, and impact, and it’s a fantastic place to work.

Position Summary

The Adoptions Manager leads RAL’s cat and dog adoption program and supervises the adoption team. This position develops efficient, welcoming processes grounded in open adoptions, reduces barriers to placement, and supports lasting success for animals and adopters. The manager coordinates with shelter and foster teams, uses outcome data to improve the program, and ensures consistent customer service and accurate adoption records.

What you will be doing as the Adoptions Manager:

• Oversee daily adoption operations, including inquiries, appointments, meet-and-greets, adoption counseling, agreements, and placement of animals in shelter and foster care. Complete adoptions and provide hands‑on coverage as needed.
• Apply RAL’s open adoption policies consistently. Ensure adopters receive accurate and transparent medical and behavioral information, practical care guidance, and available support resources.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate Senior Adoption Coordinators and Adoption Coordinators. Set expectations, coordinate schedules and coverage, delegate work, and address staff performance concerns.
• Provide role‑specific training and daily guidance to adoption volunteers. Partner with the Volunteer Manager on recruitment, placement, engagement, and concerns requiring volunteer program action.
• Collaborate with medical, animal care, and foster teams to confirm adoption readiness, communicate animal needs, and support efficient animal flow and reduced length of stay.
• Maintain adoption policies, workflows, forms, and training materials. Obtain required approvals and align practices and messaging with other departments.
• Lead adoption‑related customer issue resolution, including complex concerns.
• Coordinate adoption returns and rehoming inquiries, including triage of walk‑in requests. Offer practical retention support when appropriate and coordinate intake decisions and arrangements with the responsible teams.
• Develop post‑adoption follow‑up and support processes. Maintain accessible resources for adopters and owners in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Plan adoption promotions and on‑site and off‑site events with Development and other teams. Coordinate animal selection, staffing, logistics, and adoption procedures; keep animal bios, photos, and availability current across promotional channels.
• Ensure accurate and timely PetPoint records, adoption documentation, payment handling, and daily reconciliation. Maintain confidentiality and follow animal welfare, safety, and organizational policies.
• Monitor adoptions, returns, length of stay, customer feedback, and operational risks. Report quarterly metrics, recommend improvements, and prepare and monitor the adoption program budget with the COO.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of the Senior Adoption Coordinators and Adoption Coordinators. Provide daily guidance to volunteers assigned to adoption activities in partnership with the Volunteer Manager.

What we're looking for in you:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year of customer service experience and one year of staff supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of animal health, behavior, humane handling, and adoption counseling.
• Ability to develop procedures, organize workflows, prioritize competing needs, and use program data to guide decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with people of varied backgrounds.
• Proficiency with email, documents, spreadsheets, and database systems.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive RAL vehicles under organizational and insurance requirements.
• Complete Fear Free Sheltering training within the first 60 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of relevant animal welfare experience and two years directly supervising staff. Experience with open adoptions, program improvement, adoption events, and post‑adoption support.
• Experience with PetPoint, PetBridge, or comparable shelter software.

This is a full time job

Contact Information

Job Contact Details

Name Anne Auditore Title HRBP Email Address [e-mail] Website https://www.ral.org/work-at-ral

Closing Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Posting Date: October 6, 2026

Closing Date: November 6, 2026