Foster Program Manager

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FOSTER PROGRAM MANAGER

Position Summary: The Dog Foster Program Manager Position is a volunteer position that oversees the Kiss My Paws Rescue Foster program. Specific responsibilities include: Oversee and support for foster coordinators and fosters. communicates with foster coordinators to ensure the proper care of rescue animals, assists in foster volunteer recruitment and retention, and encourages the promotion of animals for adoption. This position is under the direction and supervision of the KMP founder.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must be able to work with and around animals.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to exercise good judgment and problem solve with foster families and coordinators, when issues emerge.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Has or acquires the knowledge of common health problems, disease symptoms and handling techniques for dogs and puppies.
• Has a basic understanding of dog behavior and can make recommendations for: transitioning a rescue dog to the home, managing a foster dog with other pets or children in the home. Is familiar with and can provide recommendations for crate training, resource guarding, separation anxiety, etc.

Foster Coordinator Responsibilities:

• 1. Recruit, train, mentor, and serve as primary contact for foster coordinators. Facilitate movement of rescue animals into foster care. Interview, screen and perform home visits, as needed, of potential foster volunteers. Keep all foster materials and programs up to date, and provide appropriate orientation materials, manuals, and handouts to all foster volunteers. Provide individualized training to fosters and coordinators including techniques to help an animal transition from the shelter to a foster home. Work with Kiss My Paws founder regarding volunteer issues that require manager involvement.

• 2. Maintain contact with foster families on a regular basis: Promptly respond to phone calls, emails, and texts from foster families. -Take a proactive role in providing on-going education and input to foster families through the coordinators. Made recommendations to staff identifying foster homes with particular skill sets or limitations. Make sure fosters are adequately supplied with equipment and food.. Provide training for foster families as needed on medical issues, behavioral challenges, and basic care. Partner with the social media coordinator to prioritize dog postings and partner with the foster coordinators to schedule photography sessions. Encourage the use of various advertising and promotional efforts, including Craigslist ads, flyers, promotional events, etc.

• 3. Maintain communication with KMP staff: -Respond to staff emails, phone calls and texts in a timely manner. -Work with rescue staff to identify animals appropriate for the foster program. -Follow up with fosters as requested by staff. -Keep KMP staff updated on issues with foster animals and foster changes.
• 4. Maintain communication with KMP Board: -Provide a written monthly foster report. -Provide an annual report to the Board, including an assessment of the effectiveness of the program. -Make presentations by attending Board meetings as needed or requested.

• 5. General Management of the Foster Program: -Train experienced fosters to become mentors, who are available to assist new fosters, as needed. -Track and order supplies as needed for mentors. Manage supply inventory. -Implement incentive and recognition awards to ensure volunteer retention. -Work with other KMP volunteers to achieve Foster program goals.