K9 Adoption Specialist

About K9s For Warriors

K9s For Warriors is a leading nonprofit dedicated to preventing Veteran suicide by providing service dogs to military Veterans nationwide affected by PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. This 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2011, rescues dogs and matches them with Veterans at no cost, aiming to save lives both canine and human.

Role Overview

The K9 Adoption Specialist will facilitate and manage the adoption process for dogs that have transitioned from service roles. Reporting to the K9 Procurement and Placement Assistant Managers, this role involves maintaining detailed records and supporting all aspects related to dog adoption.

Key Duties

• Collaborate with Coordinators to plan, schedule, and host adoption events both on and off campus, including weekends and evenings.
• Partner with the K9 PandP Coordinator to highlight adoptable dogs via social media channels.
• Respond to inquiries and provide information about adoptable dogs to colleagues and the public through emails and social media.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation on adoptable dogs' behavior, household needs, and medical histories using Salesforce and Smartsheet.
• Coordinate with Adoptions Trainers to align training status of career-changed dogs with adoption procedures.
• Assist in developing and implementing training plans to maintain dog skills such as leash walking and behavioral commands.
• Handle dogs during meet-and-greet events.
• Support relationship building with partners, assess dogs' readiness for adoption, assist with transportation, and address emergency preparedness.
• Represent K9s For Warriors and their dogs confidently in media and public engagements.
• Regularly communicate with Assistant Managers to ensure task coordination.
• Assist Foster Coordinator with foster care processes when required.
• Contribute to other departmental activities and cross-campus support as needed.
• Participate in strategic planning and collaborate on cross-departmental projects.
• Perform independently and uphold professional conduct at all times.

Additional Duties

• Perform other responsibilities assigned by supervisors or management.
• Commitment to weekend work is necessary.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven ability to interpret canine body language.
• Experience working in an animal-related field is mandatory.
• Valid driver's license and eligibility for insurance coverage while driving for the organization.
• Strong communication skills across in-person, phone, email, and group contexts.
• Basic computer skills with ability to juggle multiple tasks within a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Capacity for moderate to vigorous physical activity including stooping, crouching, twisting, stair climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Potential exposure to odors, chemicals, loud noises, and varied weather conditions.

Core Competencies

• Effective planning and organizational ability.
• Demonstrated integrity in actions.
• Strong results orientation.
• Ability to socialize and engage well with others.