Behavior and Foster/Transfer Manager - Animal Shelter

Job Title: Behavior Manager
Department: Behavior – 07; Foster - 05
Job Classification: Full time, exempt position
Job Relationships: Reports to the Associate Director of Operations. Directly supervises Behavior Supervisor and Foster and Transfer Supervisor; indirectly supervises Behavior Coordinators, Foster and Transfer Coordinators, and departmental volunteers at multiple campuses. Working relationships include Client Services and Animal Care Teams, Veterinary Services, Volunteer and Humane Education, Management Team and other members of the organization.

The Behavior Manager oversees the organization’s Behavior and Foster/Transfer departments. This position trains and supervises staff and volunteers in all aspects of the behavior program and designs, creates and/or implements behavior, foster, and transfer related programs and protocols. The position supervises three (3) or more staff members directly, more indirectly, plus associated volunteers. The schedule for the position is generally Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday with evenings, nights, weekends, on-call and holidays as required. This job regularly travels and works at all organization campuses (Greeley, Larimer, and Weld), offsite adoption locations, transfer partners (in and out of state) and worksites.

NOCO Humane is an independent nonprofit working to further the compassionate, safe, and responsible relationship between animals and people. NOCO Humane is a trusted, responsive community leader, providing programs and services essential to the high quality of life for animals and people in northern Colorado

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management:

• Hire, manage, and supervise staff and volunteers within the Behavior and Foster/Transfer departments, providing training, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
• Oversee staffing needs, including scheduling, payroll approval, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and recognition.
• Ensure professional conduct standards, attendance, and punctuality expectations are modeled and upheld.
• Serve as Department Volunteer Supervisor (DVS) and participate in related meetings.
• Understand and perform all functions within scope; provide coverage for reports as needed.

Program Development & Compliance:

• Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures and protocols for Behavior/Enrichment and Foster/Transfer that are aligned with shelter capabilities, Socially Conscious Sheltering, Fear Free Practices, and PACFA regulations.
• Monitor and review internal protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and operational consistency.
• Oversee census management and inventory of shelter supplies, food, and medical necessities.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex or behavior-related decision-making.

Behavioral Oversight:

• Conduct daily behavior assessments and enrichment for shelter animals; recommend outcomes including adoption, foster care, transfer, behavioral plans, or euthanasia.
• Lead shelter behavior rounds and respond to behavior-related inquiries from staff and the community.
• Provide euthanasia services, serve as a euthanasia trainer, and approve euthanasia lists.

Strategic Planning & Reporting:

• Develop and execute department budgets, annual goals, and long-term strategic plans and growth initiatives.
• Provide monthly reporting and oversee data collection across departments.

Community Engagement & Collaboration:

• Deliver community support programming that enhances public engagement and animal welfare.
• Develop and conduct educational programs for staff, volunteers, and the public on current best practices in animal welfare.
• Contribute to organizational events, marketing, and fundraising efforts.
• Foster positive, collaborative relationships across departments and with partner organizations.
• Promote teamwork and maintain strong, supportive engagement with coworkers.
• Stay current with evolving industry practices through ongoing education and training.

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Vaccinates animals as required and assists with examinations and/or treatment as needed and assigned.
• Cross trains in and assists other shelter departments as necessary.
• Actively participates in and supports management decisions and works collaboratively within the Organization.

• Attends and participates in relevant meetings.
• Work closely with the Marketing team to identify animal highlight opportunities.
• Responsible for annual Placement Partner recognition event.
• Other duties as assigned.

April 2025