Coordinator Foster Program

Coordinator, Foster Program
Fixed-term Contract
About Us

The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has been an animal welfare leader in the Edmonton community since 1907. We strive to be a model of excellence in the advancement of animal welfare and to lead the movement in creating a more humane world. EHS is a safe haven for thousands of homeless animals each year, providing veterinary treatment, behavioral rehabilitation, care, enrichment and rehoming. Beyond animal sheltering, we engage with the community through various programs and services to support happy, lifelong bonds between people and pets.

The Role

The Coordinator, Foster Program, reporting to the Manager, Animal Flow, leads our foster care program and supports animals in need of temporary homes. This role plays a key part in the success of our foster network by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, while ensuring effective coordination with shelter teams to maintain appropriate animal flow in and out of foster care.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Program Administration

• Manage and maintain the database of foster volunteer information.
• Provide counselling and advice to foster volunteers regarding animal care and medical concerns.
• Prepare and administer animal medications as required.
• Ensure accurate animal weight tracking at drop-off and pick-up.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Identify opportunities to recruit new foster volunteers.
• Manage intake and training completion for new volunteers.
• Develop and maintain training materials and resources for the foster program.

Training & Volunteer Support

• Coordinate and deliver ongoing training and recognition initiatives.
• Partner with other departments (medical, animal care, behavior) to provide specialized training.
• Address volunteer questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely manner.
• Participate in cross-departmental collaboration to support EHS goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Responsibilities

• High School Diploma or equivalent (post-secondary education in a related field an asset).
• Veterinary Medical Assistant Certificate required.
• Minimum 2 years of customer service experience.
• Experience with animal handling, preferably in a shelter or veterinary environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of Shelter Buddy, Moodle, Biostar, and JotForm considered an asset.

Skills & Abilities

An ideal candidate will have strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills, along with the ability to effectively manage and motivate volunteers. They will bring experience in foster or volunteer management, a solid background in animal welfare, and familiarity with volunteer management systems or databases, as well as the ability to learn new software and adapt to evolving program needs.

Compensation & Hours

• Compensation: EHS offers a competitive not-for-profit compensation
• Hours: 40 hours a week; however, is expected to work hours as required to fulfill department responsibilities. Some evenings and weekends may be required.

The Edmonton Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer and we thank all applicants for submitting their resume. However, only those candidates considered for employment will be contacted.

The Edmonton Humane Society was founded on the principles of creating positive change in our community. Our hiring practices embrace compassion, support for our staff and volunteers and our role as a community leader. We understand that creating a culture of belonging where people's unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, respected, and viewed as an asset helps us serve our community and animals better. Our commitment to employment practices representing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and reconciliation helps us support pet owners facing access to care challenges, strengthens the human-animal bond, and builds a more compassionate, engaged, inclusive society.

The Edmonton Humane Society is a COR-certified employer, recognized by Alberta's Certificate of Recognition program for its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for staff, volunteers, and the animals in our care.

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