Adoption Programs Coordinator

Friends of Oakland Animal Services; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Friends of Oakland Animal Services is seeking an Adoption Coordinator to manage the day-to-day operations of the adoption program for dogs and cats in Oakland. You will coordinate processes, provide matchmaking and counseling to potential adopters, and work with volunteers to ensure smooth adoptions and positive outcomes for animals.

This role emphasizes accessible, low-barrier adoption practices, training for volunteers, and clear communication with staff and the FOAS board.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent from an accredited college or technical school.
• One year of experience working or volunteering with an animal care, rescue, or shelter organization required; at least two years preferred.
• Experience with implementing and maintaining processes and systems.
• Experience with coordinating teams of volunteers and/or staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public, other employees, and volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm and objective in urgent or complex situations.
• Demonstrated ability to safely handle animals using appropriate and humane handling techniques, including facilitating safe animal interactions with people, transporting animals, putting on collars/harnesses, etc.
• Experience working with/handling large dogs.
• Ability to navigate and operate safely in an animal shelter and at offsite events, which include physical tasks such as opening/closing cages, carrying and organizing supplies, lifting and handling animals, etc.
• Ability to recognize symptoms of common animal diseases.
• Flexibility, adaptability, aptitude for effectively prioritizing multiple tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong team‑orientated work ethic.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems
• Commitment to the mission, goals and success of Oakland Animal Services and Friends of Oakland Animal Services.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day operations of the adoption program for all species, with primary focus on dogs and cats.
• Develop and maintain the adoption program’s processes and systems.
• Provide matchmaking and adoption counseling services to potential adopters, directly or by connecting them with volunteers.
• Promote thoughtful, fair, and low-barrier adoption practices that balance the needs of animals and adopters while supporting successful placements and reducing barriers to adoption.
• Provide support in more challenging adoption situations by interacting directly with the potential adopter to resolve any concerns, and escalating to the appropriate manager (e.g. adoption manager) when appropriate.
• Develop and provide training and support to all volunteers (e.g. shelter volunteers, event volunteers, fosters, etc.) who are involved in the adoption process.
• Ensure adequate volunteer support for the adoption program and support strategies to increase adoption volunteer engagement and capacity, working collaboratively with the volunteer coordinator or other relevant team members as needed.
• Regularly communicate and engage with volunteers about adoption program updates (e.g. on the volunteer community board).
• Ensure adopters are provided post-adoption advice and support as appropriate.
• Assist with marketing and promotion of adoptable animals, especially harder-to-place animals and foster animals.
• Identify, evaluate, and coordinate off-site adoption events, determining which events best support adoption goals and ensuring event planning, logistics, communications, and other coordination needs are completed either directly or through volunteers.

Skills

Volunteer coordination

Process implementation

Animal handling

Communication

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Education

Associates degree

Tools

Database systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Friends of Oakland Animal Services is seeking an Adoption Coordinator to manage the day-to-day operations of the adoption program for dogs and cats in Oakland. You will coordinate processes, provide matchmaking and counseling to potential adopters, and work with volunteers to ensure smooth adoptions and positive outcomes for animals.

This role emphasizes accessible, low-barrier adoption practices, training for volunteers, and clear communication with staff and the FOAS board.