Supervisor, Community Programs
13 days ago
Chicago
Job Description JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Supervisor, Community Programs DEPARTMENT: Operations REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Community Programs SUPERVISES: Indirectly supervises community program staff CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time non-exempt EFFECTIVE DATE: January 16, 2026 About Tree House Humane Society Tree House Humane Society is dedicated to fostering healthy communities for cats and people through compassionate care, community-based programs, and innovative approaches that support cats and their caretakers. Our programs—including Community Cats, TNR, Cats at Work, vaccine clinics, and outreach initiatives—focus on empowering caretakers, strengthening community connections, and creating sustainable solutions for cat overpopulation. SUMMARY: The Community Programs Supervisor is a hands-on operational leader who bridges the Senior Manager’s strategic vision and daily program execution. You’ll mentor staff, integrate volunteers into all aspects of the programs, and ensure that field operations including TNR, Cats at Work, pet transport, and outreach events—run smoothly and efficiently. Hands-on involvement in programs varies depending on the skill level of staff and volunteers, allowing the Supervisor to focus on coaching, workflow oversight, and operational problem-solving while maintaining program quality. YOUR IMPACT: • Broaden Access to Care: By enhancing the reach and consistency of Tree House’s community cat services, more cats and caretakers receive life-saving support., • Build Volunteer Leadership: Your work will transform passionate individuals into confident, skilled partners in our mission., • Elevate Team Capability: Through coaching, clear systems, and role alignment, you’ll help staff and volunteers thrive and work more effectively., • Strengthen Community Trust: Your visibility, responsiveness, and alignment with Tree House’s values will deepen community relationships and reinforce our reputation as compassionate, solution-driven leaders. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Operational & Staff Leadership (approx. 60%) • Lead and participate in daily program operations, including TNR, Cats at Work, vaccine clinics, pet transport, pet food pantry, and community tabling., • Conduct weekly team huddles to review priorities, vehicle and supply needs, and progress toward goals., • Supervise and coach Community Programs staff and contract trappers, providing feedback, guidance, and mentorship in daily operations., • Act as the first point of escalation for operational, volunteer, or caretaker issues., • Ensure that volunteers and staff are scheduled, equipped, and prepared for all program activities., • Monitor and maintain program supplies, vehicles, and equipment; ensure proper usage and safety compliance., • Support staff development and onboarding, including operational training, field coaching, and performance feedback., • Assist in implementing departmental policies and SOPs as directed by the Senior Manager; provide input on operational improvements.Volunteer Leadership & Engagement (approx. 30%), • Integrate volunteers into all aspects of the programs, providing hands-on training, coaching, and supervision., • Maintain volunteer schedules, ensure adequate staffing for field and outreach activities, and provide recognition and ongoing communication., • Identify opportunities for volunteer leadership roles (e.g., Trap Team Lead, Clinic Lead) and mentor volunteers in these positions., • Support volunteers in field operations, outreach events, and administrative tasks while ensuring program consistency and quality.Community & Program Support (approx. 10%), • Represent Tree House in the community during program activities and outreach events, modeling best practices in public engagement., • Document program activities, including updates for the Senior Manager, and track daily operational outcomes., • Assist with special projects, educational events, and community programs as assigned., • Maintain alignment with Tree House’s mission, vision, and values in all staff, volunteer, and public interactions. A Week in the Life: The Community Programs Supervisor leads a dynamic, hands-on week, balancing fieldwork, volunteer mentorship, and operational oversight. You’ll join staff and volunteers in TNR operations, Cats at Work projects, and community outreach events, ensuring programs run smoothly and volunteers are well-supported. Weekly responsibilities include coordinating schedules, managing equipment and supplies, coaching staff, integrating volunteers into all program areas, and providing updates to the Senior Manager. The role combines active participation in programs with leadership and problem-solving, keeping teams aligned and communities engaged. QUALIFICATIONS: • High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree or relevant coursework preferred., • Spanish proficiency required., • Valid Illinois driver’s license in good standing., • Minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory or team lead role; two (2) years in animal welfare, social services, or community-based programs preferred., • Strong communication, empathy, and relationship-building skills with staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders., • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills., • Proficiency in using Google Suite and database systems., • Comfortable working in the field, with volunteers, and in dynamic outdoor environments.SCHEDULE & WORK ENVIRONMENT:, • Full-time, Tuesday through Saturday (typical shifts 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) with flexibility for evenings or weekends to support events and training., • Field-based roles, frequent outdoor work, and physical demands, including lifting, bending, and transporting equipment or animals., • Dynamic, mission-driven work environment with direct interaction with the public, caretakers, staff, and volunteers.CORE COMPETENCIES:, • Leadership with Compassion: Hands-on guidance, mentorship, and support for staff and volunteers., • Volunteer & Community Focus: Develops volunteers’ skills and integrates them into all facets of the programs., • Operational Excellence: Coordinates logistics, resources, and workflows for smooth program execution., • Collaboration & Communication: Works across teams and with the public to foster trust and engagement., • Alignment with Mission & Values: Ensures programs reflect Tree House’s focus on compassionate, community-centered cat care. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and/or stooping may occur., • Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl., • Continual exposure to outside weather conditions., • Must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 pounds., • Occasional pushing and pulling of carted items weighing up to 100 lbs., • Animal contact and related injuries may occur., • Pace of work is active and demanding, requiring a high degree of multitasking and ability to adapt to changing priorities while managing concurrent projects/tasks to completion. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.