Animal Program Specialist

Programs Specialist Are you passionate about helping animals find their way into loving homes? Do you enjoy spending time with dogs? The Animal Programs Specialist plays an important role in connecting our wonderful animals with the community, creating positive experiences for volunteers, and helping potential adopters see what makes each animal special. This position oversees the daily operations and growth of our Dog Day Out (DDO) program while managing the creation and maintenance of engaging animal photographs, videos, biographies, adoption profiles, and in-shelter marketing materials. Working closely with our internal teams, the Programs Specialist will help provide our animals with greater visibility and more opportunities to find loving homes. Responsibilities Program Management Oversee the daily operation and continued growth of the Dog Day Out program, including applications, volunteer onboarding, scheduling, dog assignments, and follow-up. Match dogs with appropriate volunteers based on each dog’s needs and each volunteer’s experience, abilities, and planned activities. Coordinate daily dog releases and returns with shelter staff, ensuring volunteers receive the appropriate equipment, information, and safety guidance. Maintain accurate program records, monitor participation and outcomes, and use program data to identify opportunities for improvement. Manage program equipment and supplies, maintain communication with participants, and develop a reliable pool of regular and advanced volunteers. Volunteer Training & Community Outreach Work with behavior and medical teams to help ensure dogs are appropriate for outings and that relevant safety considerations are communicated. Build relationships with volunteers and community partners to increase participation and awareness of the DDO program. Identify opportunities to expand the program through local businesses, corporate groups, universities, and other community organizations. Animal Profiles & Adoption Marketing Create and maintain accurate, engaging biographies and adoption profiles for shelter animals across online platforms and in-shelter materials. Take high-quality photographs and videos that showcase each animal’s personality, strengths, and adoptability. Keep animal profiles, biographies, photographs, and cage cards current as new information becomes available. Gather information and content from staff, foster families, volunteers, and DDO participants to help tell each animal’s story. Collaborate with the Marketing team to share compelling animal content and improve adoption visibility. Qualifications & Skills Prior experience working with dogs (such as with a dog walking service, daycare, boarding facility, veterinary clinic, or animal shelter), preferred. Comfort handling various size dogs. The ability to remain calm and attentive when working with animals in a fast-paced environment Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write engaging animal biographies and communicate effectively with volunteers and staff. Experience in program coordination, volunteer management, animal care, community outreach, marketing, or a related field preferred. Comfortable using spreadsheets, scheduling platforms, and other computer-based systems. Good judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to animal safety and welfare. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a variety of teams. Experience with animal photography, video, or digital content creation is a plus. Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM What Makes This Role Rewarding This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of shelter animals by helping them enjoy experiences beyond the shelter, sharing their individual stories, and connecting them with potential adopters. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, creative, and enjoys building relationships, coordinating programs, and finding new ways to help animals shine. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401K with employer funded match. Paid sick, vacation, and holiday pay. Supplemental insurance through AFLAC (Accident, Hospital, Cancer) Discounted pet care. Professional development support. SPCA Westchester is a no-kill, 501(c)3 not-for-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless, abused and abandoned animals and to protecting animals from cruelty and neglect through education and enforcement of humane laws. The SPCA is a growing organization that strives to offer as many competitive benefits as possible to attract talented candidates to join our team of dedicated and mission driven staff members. Your skills and individual talents will make a difference in the lives of homeless animals. SPCA Westchester is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.