Foster & Adoption Program Coordinator - Now Hiring

Pooches in Pines, Inc. is a volunteer-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Pembroke Pines, Florida. Its primary mission is to reunite dogs found within the city with their owners. When an owner cannot be located, the organization provides veterinary care, temporary shelter, training, foster placement, and adoption support to help each dog find a permanent home.

The organization works alongside the Pembroke Pines Police Department’s Animal Assistance Program. Dogs typically enter its care following police calls for service involving lost, abandoned, or displaced animals. Pooches in Pines then coordinates owner searches, veterinary appointments, temporary care, foster placements, rescue partnerships, and adoptions.

Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Work arrangement: Hybrid and field-based; regular local travel required
Employment: Part-time, hourly, non-exempt
Schedule: Approximately 30 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday, with up to two scheduled Saturdays per month
Pay: $24–$29 per hour, depending on relevant experience and qualifications
Estimated annual compensation: $37,440–$45,240 based on 30 hours per week
Additional compensation: Mileage reimbursement for approved local travel and a monthly mobile-phone stipend
Reports to: Board President or designated board member
Direct reports: None; coordinates volunteers and foster participants

The Foster & Adoption Program Coordinator manages the day-to-day movement of dogs from intake through reunification, foster placement, rescue transfer, or adoption. This person keeps cases organized, supports foster families and volunteers, communicates with applicants and community partners, and makes sure each dog’s records and next steps remain current.

This is a practical, community-facing position for someone who can balance animal welfare, responsive communication, and accurate administrative work. It combines remote coordination with visits to kennel facilities, foster homes, veterinary providers, adoption events, and other locations throughout the Pembroke Pines area.

• Maintain accurate case records for dogs in the organization’s care, including intake information, owner-search activity, veterinary appointments, foster placement, medication, behavior notes, expenses, and adoption status.
• Coordinate foster recruitment, screening, onboarding, placement, and ongoing support while monitoring available foster capacity.
• Review adoption applications, schedule conversations and meet-and-greets, coordinate home checks, and document placement decisions.
• Communicate with police personnel, veterinarians, rescue partners, trainers, foster families, adopters, and members of the public.
• Arrange approved transportation for veterinary visits, foster placements, rescue transfers, and adoption events.
• Keep online dog profiles accurate and work with volunteers to obtain current photographs, behavior notes, and adoption information.
• Help organize adoption and fundraising events, including volunteer schedules, supplies, dog participation, and applicant follow-up.
• Identify urgent medical, behavioral, or placement concerns and promptly escalate them to the appropriate board member or professional provider.

Required

• At least two years of experience in animal rescue, shelter operations, foster coordination, volunteer programs, case management, or a comparable community-facing role.
• Experience managing several active cases, appointments, or client relationships at the same time.
• Clear and compassionate written and verbal communication.
• Reliable recordkeeping and comfort using shared spreadsheets, email, online forms, cloud storage, and basic social media tools.
• Confidence working around dogs of different sizes, temperaments, and training levels while following established handling procedures.
• A valid Florida driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to complete regular local travel.
• Availability for occasional evening events and up to two scheduled Saturdays per month.

Preferred

• Previous experience with a foster-based rescue or municipal animal services program.
• Knowledge of adoption screening, lost-pet reunification, microchip procedures, and basic canine behavior.
• Experience recruiting, training, or coordinating volunteers.
• Professional proficiency in both English and Spanish.

A college degree is not required. Relevant paid work, volunteer service, and transferable coordination experience will all be considered.

During the first six months, the coordinator will be expected to establish reliable case records, improve response times for foster and adoption inquiries, maintain regular contact with active foster families, and give the board a clear view of every dog’s current status and next step.

Success will also be measured by the quality of placements and communication rather than adoption volume alone. The goal is to support safe reunifications, sustainable foster arrangements, and responsible permanent homes.

• Paid leave: Accrued paid time off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay based on the employee’s regular schedule.
• Work-related support: Mileage reimbursement for approved travel, a monthly mobile-phone stipend, and necessary supplies for organization-related work.
• Development: Paid training in animal handling, foster-program practices, volunteer coordination, and relevant recordkeeping systems.
• Scheduling: Flexible placement of administrative hours, including the ability to complete appropriate documentation and communication from home.

Because this is a part-time position with a small nonprofit organization, it does not include group medical insurance or a retirement plan.

The coordinator will generally work approximately 30 hours per week. The regular schedule will be agreed upon at the start of employment and may include four or five weekdays. When a Saturday event or adoption appointment is scheduled, weekday hours will be adjusted so the regular weekly schedule remains approximately 30 hours.

The role involves working around dogs, entering kennel environments, driving between local locations, and occasionally handling cleaning supplies or donated materials. The employee must be able to remain active for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds independently or heavier items with assistance.

This position does not include routine overnight on-call coverage. Occasionally, an urgent animal-placement issue may require a timely response outside normal administrative hours.

1. A 30-minute introductory call with a board representative to discuss the role, schedule, relevant experience, and interest in the organization’s mission.
2. A structured interview with two members of the organization’s leadership team.
3. A 45-minute live working session based on a sample foster-placement and adoption case. Candidates will review the information, identify priorities, and explain how they would communicate with the people involved. No take-home assignment is required.
4. Final reference and employment checks, followed by a conditional written offer. Any role-related driving-record or background check will be completed with the candidate’s authorization before the confirmed start date.

Pooches in Pines welcomes qualified applicants with different professional, volunteer, and educational backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the interview process and employment.

Required qualifications:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• 16 years or older

Preferred qualifications:

• Valid driver's license