Foster Care Programs Lead

• Location 3516 West 26th Street,Chicago, IL, 60623,United States
• Base Pay $49,000.00 - $56,000.00 / Year
• Other Compensation Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match;
  Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays
• Job Category Foster
• Employee Type Exempt FT

• Name PAWS Chicago
• Phone

The Foster Program Manager provides day-to-day leadership, team management and coordination support for the organization's foster care program. This people-centered role ensures the program operates efficiently, and in alignment with lifesaving and organizational goals. You will manage foster team staff, implement & support best practices, manage & support day-to-day operations and collaborate cross-departmentally to support timely, thoughtful placements that reduce shelter length of stay and improve animal outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supporting the Director & Assistant Director of this department ensuring alignment with organizational goals and a culture of excellent customer service.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, and support foster staff members including foster coordinators and foster medical lead, by providing performance feedback and professional development.
• Participate in hiring and manage onboarding for new team members and interns
• Cultivate an inclusive, compassionate team culture rooted in collaboration, communication, and accountability.
• Participate in regular team meetings, one-on-ones, and training to build skills, improve communication, and ensure consistency in the foster program.

Foster Program Oversight

• Oversee & support day-to-day operations including appointments, onboarding, training, placement, and retention.
• Guide staff in matching animals to foster homes based on behavioral, medical, and enrichment needs.
• Manage placement strategies with a focus on urgent cases (e.g., neonates, medical recovery, long-stay animals).
• Work cross-departmentally to communicate and coordinate foster priorities based on shelter population trends.
• Develop and implement best practices to improve the foster experience and support team success.
• Ensure continuity of care for animals in foster care by proactively addressing safety, medical, and behavioral concerns.

Foster Program Administration

• Evaluate and improve internal workflows, resources, and communication strategies to enhance program
• Ensure accurate and thorough medical and behavioral documentation is maintained and shared appropriately.
• Provide strategic oversight of foster caregiver education on medical and behavioral topics to promote safe, informed care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Strong knowledge and experience with cat and dog behavior with a passion for animal welfare
• 2+ years of management experience preferred
• Ability to stay focused on the priorities of the job, as well as to work and think independently
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to implement proactive solutions
• Proven organizational skills with attention to detail
• Exceptionally strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle numerous responsibilities at once and work well under pressure
• Excellent leadership skills
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure in a dynamic, team environment
• Weekend and evening availability – This role will work a Tuesday – Saturday schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting and grasping
• Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another
• Able to lift 25 lbs…