Animal Services Communications & Administrative Coordinator (Temporary)

City of Desert Hot Springs; Desert Hot Springs (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Desert Hot Springs is seeking an Animal Services Communications and Administrative Coordinator to support daily shelter operations, public communications, adoptions and rescues, and outreach initiatives. The role emphasizes event coordination, data management, and cross-departmental support under supervision of the Deputy City Manager.

This temporary, 30–40 hour per week position may require occasional weekend work and offers an opportunity to enhance engagement, transparency, and

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in communications, admin support, marketing, customer service, or animal welfare preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and updates social media content for animal services.
• Drafts public communications and supports community outreach.
• Provides administrative support: data entry, scheduling, filing, email, records.
• Responds to public inquiries on adoptions, fosters, and programs.
• Coordinates adoption events, outreach activities, volunteer functions.
• Supports rescue group communications and transfers to rescues.
• Prepares animal bios, photos, and online listings.
• Tracks metrics and prepares reports on communications and adoptions.
• Presents shelter activity reports at City Council meetings.
• Provides customer service to visitors, adopters, volunteers, and vendors.
• Maintains organized digital and physical files.
• Manages shelter merchandise and fundraising sales.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communications experience

Administrative support

Marketing

Customer service

Animal welfare knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Definition:

Under the general supervision of the Deputy City Manager, the Animal Services Communications and Administrative Coordinator undertakes a diverse array of administrative, communications, outreach, and operational support responsibilities aimed at enhancing engagement, transparency, efficiency, and favorable outcomes within the City’s animal services program. Specific duties include managing public-facing communications, coordinating logistics for adoptions and rescues, supporting social media and marketing initiatives, assisting with public inquiries, organizing events, and completing vital administrative tasks that support effective daily shelter operations and promote adoptions and rescues. Additional related responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

*Please note, this is a 30 - 40 hours per week position and will require some occasional weekend work.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This temporary classification focuses on administrative and communications support within Animal Services. While the role coordinates adoption and rescue processes, it emphasizes organizational functions such as communications, community engagement, event coordination, data management, and cross-departmental support. The incumbent works independently on routine assignments and seeks direction on unusual or complex issues.

Supervision Received/Exercised:

Receives immediate or general supervision from the Deputy City Manager or designated supervisor. May provide day-to-day guidance to volunteers or temporary staff.

Essential Functions:

• Develops, manages, and updates social media content for the Animal Care and Control Division/Animal Shelter, ensuring consistent messaging and timely updates.
• Drafts public communications, prepares informational materials, and supports community outreach efforts.
• Provides administrative support, including data entry, documentation, scheduling, filing, email communication, and record maintenance.
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding adoption and foster services, processes, programs, and general animal-related questions.
• Coordinates logistics for adoption events, outreach activities, volunteer functions, and community programs.
• Supports rescue group communication and assists with coordinating the transfer of animals to authorized rescue partners, including managing necessary medical appointments and clearance or verification related to their health and well-being.
• Prepares and updates animal bios, photos, and digital listings for shelter animals.
• Tracks metrics and prepares periodic reports related to communications, adoptions, rescues, and program activities.
• Participates in City Council meetings to present comprehensive reports concerning the activities and statistics of Animal Care & Control, as well as to highlight upcoming events, programs, and featured pets at the Animal Shelter.
• Provides customer service to visitors, adopters, volunteers, and vendors.
• Maintains organized digital and physical files in accordance with City standards.
• Manage shelter merchandise for sale and inventory and promotes the sale of merchandise for fundraising purposes.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Three (3) years of experience in communications, administrative support, marketing, customer service, or animal welfare preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid California driver’s license with a good driving record at the time of appointment. Ability to obtain any City-required training or certifications.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective public communication, marketing, and customer service.
• Social media platforms, content development, and digital engagement strategies.
• Standard office practices, procedures, and data management systems.
• Basic animal care and shelter operations.
• Record-keeping and organizational best practices.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Create compelling and accurate content for public distribution.
• Organize and coordinate events, schedules, and multiple tasks.
• Provide high-quality customer service in a variety of situations.
• Maintain accurate records and manage sensitive information.
• Use computers, scheduling tools, shelter software, and social media platforms.
• Work a schedule of five days per week, eight hours per day, with occasional evening or weekend duties.