Adoption Manager
Job Description: Adoption Manager
Classification: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Benefits: Full Benefits
Starting Salary: $52,000-56,000
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Date: October 2026
Position Summary: The Adoptions Manager leads RAL’s cat and dog adoption program and supervises the adoption team. This position develops efficient, welcoming processes grounded in open adoptions, reduces barriers to placement, and supports lasting success for animals and adopters.
The manager coordinates with shelter and foster teams, uses outcome data to improve the program, and ensures consistent customer service and accurate adoption records.
Essential Functions:
Oversee daily adoption operations, including inquiries, appointments, meet-and-greets, adoption counseling, agreements, and placement of animals in shelter and foster care. Complete adoptions and provide hands-on coverage as needed.
Apply RAL’s open adoption policies consistently. Ensure adopters receive accurate and transparent medical and behavioral information, practical care guidance, and available support resources.
Supervise, coach, and evaluate Senior Adoption Coordinators and Adoption Coordinators. Set expectations, coordinate schedules and coverage, delegate work, and address staff performance concerns.
Provide role-specific training and daily guidance to adoption volunteers. Partner with the Volunteer Manager on recruitment, placement, engagement, and concerns requiring volunteer program action.
Collaborate with medical, animal care, and foster teams to confirm adoption readiness, communicate animal needs, and support efficient animal flow and reduced length of stay.
Maintain adoption policies, workflows, forms, and training materials. Obtain required approvals and align practices and messaging with other departments.
Lead adoption-related customer issue resolution, including complex concerns.
Coordinate cross-department responses and escalate matters to the COO when needed.
Coordinate adoption returns and rehoming inquiries, including triage of walk-in requests. Offer practical retention support when appropriate and coordinate intake decisions and arrangements with the responsible teams.
Develop post-adoption follow-up and support processes. Maintain accessible resources for adopters and owners in collaboration with relevant departments.
Plan adoption promotions and on-site and off-site events with Development and other teams. Coordinate animal selection, staffing, logistics, and adoption procedures; keep animal bios, photos, and availability current across promotional channels.
Ensure accurate and timely PetPoint records, adoption documentation, payment handling, and daily reconciliation. Maintain confidentiality and follow animal welfare, safety, and organizational policies.
Monitor adoptions, returns, length of stay, customer feedback, and operational risks. Report quarterly metrics, recommend improvements, and prepare and monitor the adoption program budget with the COO.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct supervision of the Senior Adoption Coordinators and Adoption Coordinators. Provides daily guidance to volunteers assigned to adoption activities in partnership with the Volunteer Manager.
Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of customer service experience and one year of staff supervisory experience.
Working knowledge of animal health, behavior, humane handling, and adoption counseling.
Ability to develop procedures, organize workflows, prioritize competing needs, and use program data to guide decisions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with people of varied backgrounds.
Proficiency with email, documents, spreadsheets, and database systems.
Valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive RAL vehicles under organizational and insurance requirements.
Complete Fear Free Sheltering training within the first 60 days of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
At least two years of relevant animal welfare experience and two years directly supervising staff.
Experience with open adoptions, program improvement, adoption events, and post-adoption support.
Experience with PetPoint, PetBridge, or comparable shelter software.
Core Competencies:
Initiative, sound judgment, organization, attention to detail, adaptability, delegation, staff development, and professional resolution of sensitive situations. Models RAL’s mission and values and builds positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position. The schedule includes one weekend day each week and may include evenings (until 8 pm), holidays, and occasional schedule changes based on shelter needs. Regular, predictable, and reliable attendance is essential.
Minimal local travel is expected for adoption events and other program needs.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work occurs in office and shelter settings and may include outdoor activities. The shelter may have high noise levels and exposure to cleaning chemicals, dust, animal allergens, urine and feces, and the potential for bites and scratches. The position requires computer use, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and animal handling appropriate to the role. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and use assistance for heavier loads. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation.
Other Duties:
This job description describes the primary responsibilities of the position and is not a comprehensive list. Duties may change based on organizational needs. Other duties may be assigned.
Benefits:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Short Term Disability
Simple IRA and 3% Match
Continuing Education allowance
If you are interested in this position, please send your cover letter and resume to careers@ral.org. No phone calls, please.
At Richmond Animal League (RAL), we believe in equality for all. We are committed to ensuring every employee and applicant has an equal opportunity, regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
