Adoptions Lead

Description

SUMMARY: 

Annenberg PetSpace, located in Playa Vista, is a unique community space featuring pet adoptions, a humane education program, and a leadership institute for animal science and welfare advancement. Annenberg PetSpace focuses on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and community impact of that relationship.

The ideal candidate will bring experience in the animal welfare industry, paired with strong customer service skills. This role involves working with animals across a wide range of behaviors and socialization levels, while engaging directly with the public and potential adopters. It’s essential to have the ability to assess situations and know when to escalate or de-escalate, including when to involve a manager.

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, positive, and adaptable—a true team player who’s ready to roll up their sleeves, pivot as needed, and support the animal care team during slower periods. Success in this role also requires comfort in a fast-paced environment, strong time management skills, and the ability to take ownership of day-to-day responsibilities while working within established protocols. The right candidate will know when to move forward independently and when to seek guidance. This is a deeply rewarding position where your contributions help change the lives of people and animals every day.

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Adoptions Lead position is a full-time role. The standard week of work for regular full-time employees is 37.5 hours. Employee work schedules will include weekend days. The schedule will be set in advance; working hours may vary on occasion based on business needs. The Adoptions Lead will perform adoption procedures, communicate adoption educational plans to staff, provide adoption resources to potential adopters, offer post-adoption support and vaccine scheduling for adopters, and complete various other adoption-related tasks. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

 The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.   

 In coordination with the Adoptions Coordinator, the Adoptions Lead will be responsible for the following: 

· Assist in the PetSpace adoption process from start to finish; initial communication with guests, animal meet & greets, adoption processing

· Act in accordance with an open adoptions philosophy to provide a judgment-free and barrier-free adoption experience

· Support and assist potential adopters in selecting appropriate animals

· Assist Adoptions Coordinator with daily adoption floor oversight during open hours

· Help maintain adoption areas; stock and keep inventory for adoption kit items, prepare adoption signage, etc.

· Provide pre- and post-adoption support to guests; answering adoption emails, phone calls, general inquires and questions

· Under the direction of the Adoptions Coordinator, work with the PetSpace Marketing team to ensure adoption photos and animal bios are completed in a timely manner

· Collaborate with the Adoptions Coordinator and PetSpace Marketing team regarding ideas for marketing long term pets

· Assist with conducting pre-adoption audits on each animal’s ShelterLuv profile prior to making the animal adoptable, ensuring that all necessary information and records are uploaded

· Participate in public education programming and off-site adoption events

· Supports in training Animal Care Specialists on adoption counseling and protocols

· Supports with foster communication and supply preparation as needed

· Provide support to the Animal Care department, as needed, performing tasks such as dog and cat suite cleaning, cat socialization, dog walking, laundry, and dishes.

· Assist with volunteer training and supervision, as needed

· Communicate in an effective and professional manner with public, Annenberg PetSpace staff members and volunteers

· Always represent Annenberg PetSpace in a professional and courteous manner

· Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience:

· Associate degree or equivalent education, training, and experience

· Minimum of 1 year working in animal welfare, including at a shelter or with a rescue organization 

· 2 years customer service experience in a fast-paced setting 

· Experience supervising others in a workplace environment

· Must be 18 years or older

Knowledge, Skills, and   Abilities:

· Weekend and holiday hours required

· Valid CA Driver’s License required

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent animal handling  skills with animals of diverse behaviors and socialization levels

· Excellent customer service and public speaking skills 

· Critical evaluation and observation skills

· Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and selected software/databases 

· Effective written and oral communication skills with ability to compose routine correspondence, possess the ability to work   efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions 

· Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork, and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life.

· An individual who can contribute to the culture of respect for all individuals and animals.

· Commitment to, and passion for, the mission of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift, push or pull 80 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting food and animal care supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers; flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist. May be required to clean and care for animals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK CONDITIONS: Standard office environment with exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and caring for animals. 

Benefits:

• 100% paid medical insurance, dental and vision for employee + family. 
• We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution after 1 year of employment. 
• Vacation & sick days. 
• Company paid holidays. 
• Gym membership. 
• Cellphone stipend. 
• Mileage reimbursement. 
• Professional development allowance. 
• Pet adoption discount. 

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce. 

Upon notice, the company engages with applicants and employees requesting reasonable accommodations. Please notify Human Resources to explore further.