Shelter Engagement Specialist

Best Friends Animal Society

. Assist in developing and implementing lifesaving programming within priority partner shelters to help them achieve no-kill status .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $59,000 - $65,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in animal welfare practices and effective training methodologies to enhance shelter operations and achieve lifesaving goals. Proven ability to mentor staff, manage statistics, and implement sustainable programs within partner shelters.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Animal Welfare ExperienceTraining and MentorshipMicrosoft Office ProficiencyCritical Thinking SkillsOrganizational Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Lifesaving Programming DevelopmentData EntryRecordkeepingStatistical MaintenanceProblem-Solving

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsDetail-OrientedStrategic PlanningTeam BuildingCustomer Service

Certifications & Qualifications

High School Diploma or GEDValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

No-Kill StatusPet RetentionAdoptionsReturn-to-OwnerReturn-to-Field

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist in developing and implementing lifesaving programming within priority partner shelters to help them achieve no-kill status
Perform hands-on lifesaving work at partner shelter locations and virtually
Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to help shelters implement programming and achieve a 90% save rate
Provide lifesaving training directly to shelter staff and volunteers
Participate in team-building activities with shelter staff to enhance buy-in
Support sustainable lifesaving programs, including progressive pet retention, adoptions, transport, return-to-owner, and return-to-field
Serve as a mission ambassador within partner shelters
Support training and mentoring and develop resources for partner shelters
Support maintenance of statistics within targeted partner shelters
Deliver customer service to partner shelters, community stakeholders, and others
Develop and maintain knowledge of Best Friends’ and animal welfare best practices
Reach set goals for implementation of offers of support for reduced shelter killing
Collaborate with Best Friends’ team members to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes
Follow policies, procedures, task lists, communications, data entry, and recordkeeping requirements
Respect partner policies when working in partner facilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience in animal welfare in a shelter environment is required, preferably for 5+ years
Comfortable presenting/training in person and virtually, to individuals as well as large groups
Extensive experience with Microsoft Office programs
High school diploma or GED required
Must be able to travel regularly up to 50% for shelter presentations and trainings
Must be detail-oriented with excellent verbal and written communication and editing skills
Must have excellent critical thinking, organizational, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
Valid driver's license
Ability to be added to Best Friends insurance
Ability to travel, including overnight stays
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, carry, reach, stoop, squat, clean, and bend
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.