Training & Enrichment Manager

Position Summary:

The Enrichment and Training Manager is a key leader on campus, responsible for designing and overseeing enrichment and training programs that promote animal well-being, increase adoptability, and reduce the number of adoption returns. This role focuses on equipping frontline animal care teams and volunteers with practical, consistent enrichment strategies while fostering a culture of collaboration and compassion across departments.

The manager supports all teams, contributes to interdepartmental planning, and builds systems that connect adopters with animals who are well-matched to their lifestyles and expectations.

• Develop and implement facility-wide enrichment protocols that are usable and sustainable for frontline animal care teams and volunteers.
• Build innovative programs that improve adoption rates and reduce returns by addressing behavioral wellness and shelter stress.
• Create and manage tools that guide potential adopters toward animals who are a good fit for their home and lifestyle.
• Build an enrichment schedule with input and buy-in from all departments to ensure consistency and accountability.

Team & Volunteer Training:

• Lead the development and delivery of training on enrichment practices, low-stress handling, and basic behavior support.
• Train and coach staff and volunteers to confidently and consistently implement enrichment protocols.
• Provide ongoing support and serve as a resource to all departments to build a unified approach to animal wellness.

Animal Monitoring & Support:

• Collaborate across departments to monitor animal behavior and ensure that behavioral needs are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
• Support outcome planning and disposition decisions in cases where behavior is a factor.
• Ensure clear documentation of enrichment and training activities, including progress notes, scheduling, and individual animal needs.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Act as a supportive and visible leader across the organization, offering behavior and enrichment expertise wherever needed.
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings to align behavior and enrichment work with shelter-wide priorities.
• Promote strong communication and shared ownership of animal well-being across medical, intake, adoption, and animal care teams.

Core Expectations:

• Lead with empathy, teamwork, and shared purpose in support of the organization's mission.
• Collaborate across departments to create unified approaches to animal enrichment and wellness.
• Model excellent care, service, and professionalism at all times.
• Continuously improve programs to meet the evolving needs of animals, adopters, and staff.