Foster Program Manager

PAWS Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

PAWS Chicago seeks a Foster Program Manager to lead the foster care program, manage staff, and implement best practices to improve animal outcomes. You will oversee onboarding, training, placement, and retention while collaborating across departments to ensure timely and compassionate placements.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a weekend/evening schedule and a focus on lifesaving operations within a humane, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 2+ years of management experience preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with cat and dog behavior is a plus.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and support for the foster program team.
• Oversee onboarding, training, placement, and retention of foster staff.
• Coordinate cross-departmentally to align foster priorities with shelter needs.
• Develop and implement best practices to improve foster care quality and safety.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff development

Hiring/onboarding

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The Foster Program Manager provides day-to-day leadership, team management and coordination support for the organization’s foster care program. This people-centered role ensures the program operates efficiently, and in alignment with lifesaving and organizational goals. You will manage foster team staff, implement & support best practices, manage & support day-to-day operations and collaborate cross-departmentally to support timely, thoughtful placements that reduce shelter length of stay and improve animal outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Supporting the Director & Assistant Director of this department ensuring alignment with organizational goals and a culture of excellent customer service.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and support foster staff members including foster coordinators and foster medical lead, by providing performance feedback and professional development.
• Participate in hiring and manage onboarding for new team members and interns
• Cultivate an inclusive, compassionate team culture rooted in collaboration, communication, and accountability.
• Participate in regular team meetings, one-on-ones, and training to build skills, improve communication, and ensure consistency in the foster program.

Foster Program Oversight

• Oversee & support day-to-day operations including appointments, onboarding, training, placement, and retention.
• Guide staff in matching animals to foster homes based on behavioral, medical, and enrichment needs.
• Manage placement strategies with a focus on urgent cases (e.g., neonates, medical recovery, long-stay animals).
• Work cross-departmentally to communicate and coordinate foster priorities based on shelter population trends.
• Develop and implement best practices to improve the foster experience and support team success.
• Ensure continuity of care for animals in foster care by proactively addressing safety, medical, and behavioral concerns.

Foster Program Administration

• Evaluate and improve internal workflows, resources, and communication strategies to enhance program
• efficiency.
• Ensure accurate and thorough medical and behavioral documentation is maintained and shared appropriately.
• Provide strategic oversight of foster caregiver education on medical and behavioral topics to promote safe, informed care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Strong knowledge and experience with cat and dog behavior with a passion for animal welfare
• 2+ years of management experience preferred
• Ability to stay focused on the priorities of the job, as well as to work and think independently
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to implement proactive solutions
• Proven organizational skills with attention to detail
• Exceptionally strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle numerous responsibilities at once and work well under pressure
• Excellent leadership skills
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure in a dynamic, team environment
• Weekend and evening availability – This role will work a Tuesday – Saturday schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting and grasping
• Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
• Able to lift 25 lbs occasionally, 101bs frequently and a negligible amount constantly
• Repetitive motion
• Ability to travel to PAWS locations as needed

PAWS Chicago Values-in-Action

• Respect: for each and every life.
• Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.
• Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.
• Pro-activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.
• Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.
• Education: that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nations, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change. Promotes and support reasonable pet ownership.
• Sustainability: through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and endure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.
• Compassion: towards all people and animals.

OurBenefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays