Manager of Volunteer Engagement, Foster Program

Here for animals since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA is a cherished San Francisco institution, known for compassion, excellence and innovation in the fields of animal welfare and veterinary medicine.   

Volunteers are an integral part of the San Francisco SPCA community and expand the organization’s capacity to reach its Vision 2030 goals and succeed in its mission. The Manager of Volunteer Engagement (MVE) uses current volunteer and program management best practices to oversee meaningful, engaging, and safe experiences for volunteers from their orientation date through their entire journey at the San Francisco SPCA. 

The Manager of Volunteer Engagement (MVE) - Foster Program will oversee the daily operations and program development for the Foster volunteer program. This position collaborates across departments to ensure that animals selected for foster transfer in and out of their foster homes safely and efficiently, and that volunteers are supported at every step. The MVE manages a staff of two, and strives to provide a meaningful, valuable, and safe experience for Foster volunteers. 

Core Responsibilities

Program Development and Administration:

• Collaborate with Volunteer Engagement team to develop annual programmatic goals, timelines, and initiatives to increase life-saving capacity and meet strategic objectives.
• Work cross-departmentally to streamline processes, improve efficiency, decrease shelter Length of Stay (LOS), enhance animal health and behavioral outcomes, and increase adoptions.
• Oversee program budgets, monitor monthly expenditures, and report on statistical data and progress toward Foster Volunteer program goals.
• Lead cross-functional projects that strengthen program infrastructure, scalability, and alignment with Vision 2030.
• Expand and support Volunteer Mentor initiatives and coordinate animals for community and development events.

Volunteer Leadership and Management:

• Manage recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies to build a diverse, inclusive, and strategically aligned Foster Volunteer base.
• Maintain and update volunteer training curriculum and materials to ensure alignment with Shelter Medicine and Adoption protocols.
• Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions, and provide feedback, communication, and support to promote satisfaction and retention.
• Provide behavior resources to the Foster volunteers in partnership with the Shelter Behavior staff 
• Oversee volunteer communications through newsletters, social media, and digital platforms (e.g., Better Impact, Salesforce, PetPoint) to ensure accurate records and consistent information sharing.
• Provide on-site leadership for large-scale volunteer-supported events
• Manage disciplinary action, performance feedback, and overall program evaluation as needed.

Staff Development:

• Provide direction, coaching, and mentorship to Foster Volunteer Specialists, cultivating a collaborative, high-performing team committed to delivering excellent volunteer experiences
• Conduct regular meetings to foster collaboration and professional development.  
• Keep staff informed on organizational updates, policies, and shelter population needs.
• Promote teamwork, professional growth, and alignment with SF SPCA’s mission and goals.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Perform duties in shared office and animal shelter settings. 
• Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. 
• Regularly engage in activities such as speaking to groups, bending, stooping, and walking around the campus. 
• May be exposed to disinfectant solutions and animal allergens. 
• Must have tetanus and rabies (pre-exposure) inoculations or waive them. 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum 4 years of experience in program development and management with an emphasis on working with volunteers 
• Previous experience as a volunteer and with supervising volunteers 
• Workweeks follow a five-day, 40-hour schedule of Monday - Friday;  Available to work weekends, evenings and holidays as needed
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to skillfully and effectively communicate with youth, staff, volunteers, and donors, and both small and large groups of people
• Ability to develop short and long-range plans and metrics to meet objectives 
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage programs
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train and motivate staff and volunteers
• Excellent written skills and experience developing curriculums, educational material, newsletters, and effective methods for evaluation.
• Skilled at developing and documenting effective policies and procedures.
• Substantial computer skills and demonstrated ability to manage digital information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment, embrace and foster change, problem solve and multi-task
• Ability to handle calmly and efficiently situations ranging from routine to emergency
• Ability to handle and mediate conflict in a direct and sensitive manner
• Knowledge of dog and cat breeds, behavior, and animal welfare issues helpful

Salary & Benefits  

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $85,000 - $93,000.   

Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay  
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance  
• Life Insurance  
• Long-term Disability Insurance  
• 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching  
• Student debt relief program  
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits  
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies  
• Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic  

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.