Animal Care Assistant Manager

Crossroads Campus was founded in 2010 and is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) serving Nashville, Tennessee. We are committed to improving the community and the world around us by bringing neglected animals and youth together to learn from each other and heal together. Through our programs, we enhance empathy and compassion for all living things through positive interactions with animals. We educate and empower people to take care of their pets, we find loving homes for dogs and cats and we offer affordable housing and an entrance to the workforce for at-risk young adults ages 18-24. Our core values guide every aspect of our work:

• Individually I respect the uniqueness of everyone I interact with. I am responsible for my actions and am guided by grace and compassion.
• As a team, we build trust and a community of belonging where everyone’s strengths are recognized, boundaries are protected, and a sense of safety is ever present.
• Together we persevere and strive for excellence as an organization. Recognizing the importance of accountability, learning, and reliability in our work.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Animal Care & Adoptions Manager, the Animal Care Assistant Manager is a critical member of Crossroads Campus’ team, ensuring ongoing delivery of the organization’s core mission of service to animals and young adults in the job training program. The Animal Care Assistant Manager will help to oversee the end-to-end animal care process from intake through adoption/placement and provide training of humane education and animal care duties to Crossroads Campus’ interns and volunteers, oversee provision of veterinary care for animals, program marketing, adoptions, fosters, and follow-ups.

Job Responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching/Mentoring

• Implement the humane education and animal-care component of the Crossroads’ Competency Based Job-Skills Tracking Program: document and proactively assist interns in developing their knowledge & skills.
• Coach and provide on-the-job training in the safe and humane handling, training, and care of animals.
• Work with the Programs Team to develop a strengths-based approach for providing coaching and supervision for each individual involved in animal care related activities at Crossroads.
• Oversee and ensure daily training and implementation of standard protocols created by/with the Animal Care and Adoptions Manager, and provide continued animal-related education for the Crossroads’ Interns and Associates.
• Assist the Animal Care and Adoptions Manager with developing and presenting Humane Education classes (includes travel to and presenting at local schools and other external organizations).

Animal Care/Adoptions

• Partner with local shelters to bring adoptable cats and dogs into the Crossroads’ rescue program.
• Assess temperament of potential rescue animals to ensure a safe, appropriate match for our program.
• Ensure all animals in the care of Crossroads receive appropriate daily care, medical care, social interactions, training, enrichment, and exercise.
• Respond to inquiries about adoptable animals and review adoption applications to ensure animals are placed into the most ideal home for their individual needs.
• Assist with adoption counseling and all aspects of the adoption process and ownership transfer to ensure safe and appropriate placement for Crossroads’ animals.
• Assist with selection, support, and utilization of foster families as appropriate to support program goals.
• Maintain inventory of necessary feeding, cleaning, medical, and general care supplies, and report needs to the Animal Care and Adoptions Manager.
• Assist with posting and updating information, photos, and videos of Crossroads’ adoptable pets on the Crossroads website and other adoption platforms in a timely manner.
• Work in partnership with the Community Engagement Manager to promote Crossroads’ adoptions through social media and events.
• Help to provide referrals for individuals needing help with found/lost animals or seeking to relinquish a pet.
• Communicate animal-related volunteer needs with the Community Engagement Manager; train and develop volunteers to assist with animal care activities and enrichment.
• Assist with operations of the Crossroads Pets – Shop & Adopt store (social enterprise) as assigned.

Data and Record Keeping

• Maintain all intake, medical, foster, and outcome information for the Crossroads’ Adoption Program through all appropriate databases.
• Maintain and update Animal Care policies and procedures as needed.
• Maintain and update Adoption and Foster Program policies and procedures as needed.
• Provide and document post-adoption follow-up and support.
• Maintain updated information in the Shelter Animals Count database.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in social sciences or animal care related fields.
• Fluent understanding of canine and feline communication/body language.
• At least three years of professional experience in an animal care role preferred.
• At least one year in a management role preferred.
• Teaching/coaching/mentoring experience strongly preferred.
• General knowledge in the areas of animal welfare and youth development.
• Working knowledge of Google Suite, including Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull at least 40 lbs.
• Love and understanding of both cats and dogs.
• An ability to connect animals and people in meaningful ways.

COMPETENCIES

The Adoptions Manager should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Adaptability/flexibility: flexibility, versatility and tolerance in a changing/start-up/entrepreneurial work environment.
• Relationship building: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Planning: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Communications skills: Persuasive and passionate communicator with strong verbal and written skills as well as strong listening skills.
• Leadership: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Creativity/innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations and create new opportunities for the organization.
• Problem solving/reasoning skills: Assess problems, identify root causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Decision making: Assess situations to determine their level of importance, urgency and risk; make clear and timely decisions that further the organization’s best interest.
• Strategic thinking: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.
• Foster teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain poise and professionalism: Ability to maintain poise and professionalism with a variety of audiences and in a variety of situations.
• Discretion: Act with discretion, particularly when handling sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and personal data.
• Ethical behavior: Ensure that personal behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with the standards set forth by the organization and aligns with the values of the organization.

Additional Information

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision. Employer covers 95% of employee premiums and 50% of family premiums for medical insurance.
• Generous paid vacation, sick, and 9 paid holidays.
• Employee discounts at pet retail store and the Crossroads Cafe.
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery.
• Service Area: Animal Welfare.
• Start Date: 05/05/2025.
• Salary Range: $20-$24/hr.
• Working Hours: Sunday-Thursday, hours may vary between 7am - 6pm.