Rescue Programs Coordinator

Title:Rescue Programs Coordinator

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Company Description:

Unconditional is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing senior and special needs dogs. We are in the process of establishing an adoption center in Laguna Beach, CA, that will house up to 40 dogs as we seek their forever homes. At Unconditional, our mission is not just to think outside the box but to redefine it, aiming to change the way the world sees senior and disabled dogs.

Location: Remote (candidate must reside in Southern California, willing to travel across Orange County, CA regularly). Location will move to the adoption center in Laguna Beach once it opens (estimated December 2024).

About the Role:

The Rescue Programs Coordinator plays a critical role at Unconditional, acting as the primary liaison between shelters, the rescue community, adopters, and our organization. This position is vital for ensuring that each senior and special dog we take in is placed into a loving foster home, receives necessary medical care, and is prepared for adoption. This role is responsible for finding the best forever homes to place Unconditional dogs in and provide support for adopters post-adoption as needed. This role requires a highly organized individual passionate about animal welfare.

Essential Duties:

• Review lists of available dogs from Southern California shelters and gather necessary information to identify which dogs to add to the Unconditional Foster Program. This includes going over medical history with our veterinary team and conducting an in-person temperament test with the potential new dogs.
• Respond to online messages and emails from the public asking Unconditional to take in specific dogs in need.
• Coordinate the placement of each dog into appropriate foster care, including providing and/or arranging transportation.
• Recruit and onboard new fosters, ensuring they are well-equipped and informed to care for their foster dogs.
• Ensure all dogs receive the required medical attention before becoming available for adoption.
• Work closely with foster families and our medical team to provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Maintain effective communication with shelters, rescue groups, fosters, adopters, and the medical team via text, call, and email.
• Cultivate and sustain positive relationships within the shelter and rescue community in Southern California.
• Keep our internal management software, ShelterBuddy, current with dog and foster information.
• Work closely with the Marketing Coordinator on providing content to share and effectively market adoptable dogs.
• Coordinate and execute adoption events on weekends throughout Orange County.
• The Rescue Programs Coordinator is responsible for client care, data entry and various clerical duties including completing all necessary forms and data entry to facilitate adoptions.
• Provide high-quality and friendly customer service to clients, volunteers and other community stakeholders.
• Represent Unconditional and partner organizations in a positive manner by appropriate personal appearance.
• Ensure a safe work environment, following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practice.

Minimum Skills and Knowledge:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each noted above responsibility well. In addition, the requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Education, training and/or experience in animal welfare
• Education, training and/or experience in customer service
• Available to work weekends and possibly overtime as needed
• Must reside in Southern California and be able to travel regularly across Orange County
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted California state driver’s license
• Outgoing, polite and possess a professional manner
• Team player and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• The ability to deal with a diverse public audience on the phone, in person, and via electronic communications is required
• Exceptional organizational skills and responsiveness via text, call, and email
• The ability to work compassionately with animals that may be fractious and possibly attempt to bite or scratch
• Must have the ability to multitask, prioritize and handle high levels of stress
• Position requires excellent organizational skills, as well as a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Must be dependable, have proven ability to meet deadlines and follow detailed instructions without need of constant support
• Experience with dog fostering and a solid understanding of veterinary care
• Passionate about the welfare of senior and special needs dogs

Additional Desired Qualifications (Not required):

• Existing positive relationships with shelters and the rescue community in Southern California.
• Experience in the veterinary field or dog behavior field.

Rate of Pay: $23/hr - $26/hr. Part time vs full time hours are dependent on the applicant’s availability.

How to Apply:

If you have a heart for rescue dogs, especially the seniors and those with special needs, and you meet the qualifications above, we invite you to join our mission at Unconditional. Please send your resume, detailing your experience with dog rescue and any veterinary knowledge, along with your availability, to .

Unconditional is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected category including (but not limited to) race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or protected veteran status.

We will ensure that individual with a disability is provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Laguna Beach, CA 92651: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Laguna Beach, CA 92651