Senior Manager of Adoptions
23 hours ago
Mission
Job Description Senior Manager of Adoptions Job Description Class: Full Time-Exempt March 2026 Location: Merriam Reports to: Vice President of Shelter Operations Salary Range: $60,000 to $75,000 annually Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability. • Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?, • Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?, • Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?, • Want to make a daily difference for community pets? Position Summary: In partnership with our Vice President of Shelter Operations, this results-focused position is responsible for the leadership, management and development of the Adoptions team, as well as the proactive promotion and movement of our adoptable pets. The Senior Adoptions Manager will maintain a safe and healthy environment for animals, staff and the public and create a structured team environment dedicated to the excellence and success of Great Plains SPCA. Key Responsibilities • Drive the success and growth of our adoptions team and program through excellent leadership, • Coach, train, manage and develop Adoptions Counselors, Senior Adoptions Advisors, and Adoptions Program Manager to create a high-performing team, • In partnership with Vice President of Shelter Operations, develop and implement initiatives to promote and place our adoptable pets, with a proactive focus on placing long term pets, • Lead and measure retail and adoptions goals while ensuring a best in class customer experience, • Efficient management of administrative tasks to ensure consistency and continuity in all areas, • Develop and lead innovative programs to improve our ability to safely matchmake and place adoptable pets, • Ensure consistent and robust staffing coverage for adoptions team at all times, • Ensure staff and volunteer support remains high through a positive and motivating work environment, keeping the staff focused on the life-saving goals and culture of Great Plains SPCA, • Conduct meetings with staff to review policies and procedures, discuss workplace issues and share ideas to improve adoptions, • Collaborate with other departments as required to drive results within adoptions team, • Ensure shelter activities are in compliance with state guidelines, as well as Great Plains SPCA policies and expectations, • Ability to manage performance concerns through prompt follow ups and clear feedback, • Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and customer concerns, • Review and evaluate work schedules, products, methods, and procedures to identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods, • Perform daily walk throughs of shelter to monitor our animal, • Communicate proactively with supervisor and key stakeholders Key Capabilities • Schedule dependent on organization needs (includes weekend days), • Competencies –Drive for Results, Resilience, Customer Focus, Building High Performing Teams, Integrity, Flexibility, and Creating Vision and Purpose, • Strong management and leadership abilities with large teams, • Display strong organizational skills and consistent follow through on job assignments to the team and to key stakeholders, • Excellent people skills; must be able to deal exceptionally well with diverse types of people with an empathetic, non-judgmental approach, • Simultaneously manage multiple situations, people, and tasks, • Ability to work independently or as a team and to self-start, • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, • Displays maturity, good judgment, professionalism, and problem-solving skills, • Ability to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situations, • Compassion and empathy for animals and humans, • Accurate typing, data entry, and computer skills, • Great attention to detail Experience Requirements • Minimum of 3+ years of experience managing and developing large teams, • Must be familiar with computer functions and programs such as Internet and web-based programs, Microsoft Office, and PetPoint, • Work-related experience in animal welfare required Additional Requirements • Possess a valid driver’s license, • High School GED, • Bachelor’s degree preferred Work Conditions • Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs., • Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100lbs, • Lift 50lbs to waist height, • Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching, • Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels., • Work schedule and hours may vary; evenings and weekends may be required., • On call support as needed At Will Employment There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause. Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications. Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization. Great Plains SPCA proudly has a live release rate of 96% as a part of the no-kill shelter movement. GPSPCA offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO, Days of Significance plus 9 paid Holidays, 100% employer covered mental health, disability benefits, life insurance, 403(b), discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets. Plus it is an engaging workplace where our team and animals are our top priority.