Adoptions Manager

Reports to: Senior Director of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Adoptions Manager oversees all day-to-day operations of the Adoptions team, ensuring a welcoming, efficient, and values-aligned adoption experience for every person and animal. This role leads a dedicated team of adoption counselors and volunteers, drives open adoption practices, and partners closely with Behavior, Medical, and Communications staff to maximize placement outcomes. The ideal candidate is a people-first leader who brings both operational discipline and a genuine passion for community-centered animal placement.

This is a full-time position that includes regular weekend, evening, and holiday shifts.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Directly supervise Adoptions team staff, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and professional development


• Foster a team culture grounded in open adoption principles, empathy, and continuous learning


• Conduct regular one-on-ones and team meetings; coordinate with volunteers supporting the adoptions department


• Develop and maintain adoption standard operating procedures and ensure consistent implementation

Adoptions Operations

• Oversee the full adoption process from initial inquiry through placement, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for adopters


• Ensure all animals have accurate, compelling website listings, appropriate kennel signage, and timely updates in PetPoint


• Monitor PetPoint holds for accuracy and ensure animals are moved to appropriate stages efficiently


• Collect, file, and track all bite disclosures; ensure disclosures are in each animal’s file and flagged in PetPoint


• Collect and analyze monthly adoption data; provide regular reports to supervisor

Community & Cross Departmental Collaboration

• Champion an open adoption model with all team members and volunteers, ensuring consistent application


• Collaborate with Behavior, Medical, Foster, and Communications teams to align on placement decisions and animal readiness


• Identify and develop creative programs and community partnerships to promote adoptions and support pet retention


• Leverage social media, rescue partnerships, and local business relationships to increase adoption visibility

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage scheduling to ensure adequate coverage across all shifts, including weekends and holidays


• Oversee restock of adoption materials, filing of contracts, creation of adoption folders, ordering of tags and supplies


• Support data entry and reporting as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises Adoptions team staff and provides direction to adoption volunteers. Partners with the Foster & Transfer Coordinator on shared animals and cross-departmental workflows.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred


• 3+ years of professional experience in an animal shelter or animal welfare environment


• Prior supervisory or team lead experience


• Strong knowledge of animal care, animal behavior, and shelter operations


• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and counseling skills


• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team


• Comfort with conflict resolution and navigating difficult adopter conversations


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite; experience with PetPoint or similar shelter database preferred


• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in fast-paced, emotionally charged environments


• Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed


• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record


• Genuine commitment to AWLA’s mission and values

Physical & Mental Demands

Requires frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, walking/standing, eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator, and other equipment or machinery. Will have exposure to injured and deceased animals, disinfectant solutions, and variable indoor and outdoor temperatures. May assist in animal restraint and deal with distressed or dangerous animals, and could be subject to bites and scratches. Requires manual dexterity to keep a strong animal on leash or operating a door while holding a strong animal on leash simultaneously. May be required to lift heavy items or animals (upwards of 50 lbs) and be otherwise physically active. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Also requires flexibility and adaptability to work with frequent interruptions. Must be comfortable around dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife.

Vaccination Requirement

Upon hire, employees will be required to receive rabies prophylaxis and tetanus vaccinations.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and program participants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.