Foster Programs Manager

Ruff Start Rescue; Princeton (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Additional Insurance options

Paid time off (PTO)

Employee discount

Professional development courses

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Ruff Start Rescue is seeking a Foster Manager to support foster animals and homes through intake to adoption. You will be the primary contact for foster homes, coordinating placements, providing behavioral and general support, and moving animals safely through the rescue.

This full-time, salaried role emphasizes fast-paced, communication-heavy duties with substantial email, phone, and social media interaction.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of leadership, supervisory, or management experience.
• 2+ years of customer service, community engagement, or other people-focused experience.
• Animal welfare, rescue, shelter, veterinary, or foster program experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for Ruff Start Rescue foster homes, providing timely support and clear communication throughout the fostering experience.
• Coordinate foster placements, temporary care, and foster-to-foster moves based on animal and household needs.
• Respond to urgent or complex situations involving animal safety, behavior concerns, lost animals, bites, fights, or placement concerns.
• Provide practical behavioral support and collaborate with trainers, Medical, Intake, and other teams when coordination is needed.
• Oversee foster cases from intake through adoption, including placement needs, status updates, documentation, and follow-up.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in ShelterLuv and other approved systems.
• Support foster onboarding, Foster Coordinators, and the foster-application process.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure animals and foster homes receive coordinated support.

Skills

Leadership experience

Customer service

People-focused empathy

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Job description

Ruff Start Rescue is seeking a Foster Manager to support foster animals and homes through intake to adoption. You will be the primary contact for foster homes, coordinating placements, providing behavioral and general support, and moving animals safely through the rescue.

This full-time, salaried role emphasizes fast-paced, communication-heavy duties with substantial email, phone, and social media interaction.