Shelter Engagement Lead — Save Lives (Remote AR)

Best Friends Animal Society; Little Rock (AR); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Pet reimbursement

HSA

401(k)

Job summary

Best Friends Animal Society is hiring a Shelter Engagement Specialist to support partner shelters by advancing lifesaving programs, traveling regionally, and mentoring shelter staff and volunteers. You will help shelters implement proven programs and adopt best practices to improve save rates while representing our mission with staff and partners.

The role requires shelter background, comfort with dogs and cats, and strong problem‑solving and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Background in animal sheltering is required (municipal/government/private shelter).
• Ability to identify medical/behavioral traits and body language of dogs and cats.
• Experience leading teams and implementing programs preferred.
• Experience driving large multi-passenger vehicles is a plus.
• Bilingual/multilingual skills preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and shelter software is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate kindness and inclusion, serving as a role model for authenticity and compassion.
• Build relationships with shelters and provide consultative guidance to sustain high save rates.
• Travel to shelters to evaluate needs and transport animals as part of Northwest Arkansas program.
• Support shelters by guiding leadership, accountability, and lifesaving practices.
• Deliver superior customer service to partners and donors; develop lifesaving resources.
• Lead volunteers and teams to maximize lifesaving capacity.

Skills

Shelter experience

Dog/cat behavior

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Bilingual

Microsoft Office

Shelter software

Advocacy

Driving large vehicles

Tools

Shelter software

Job description

Best Friends Animal Society is hiring a Shelter Engagement Specialist to support partner shelters by advancing lifesaving programs, traveling regionally, and mentoring shelter staff and volunteers. You will help shelters implement proven programs and adopt best practices to improve save rates while representing our mission with staff and partners.

The role requires shelter background, comfort with dogs and cats, and strong problem‑solving and relationship-building skills.