Foster Program Manager
Reports to:
Director of Animal Placement
Compensation:
$48,000 – $52,000 per year
Schedule
Weekdays and some weekends
Position Overview
The following statements describe the essential functions of this job
and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered a complete list of work
requirements. All SAPA! employees must understand and agree that we are expected to work
as a team, which may from time to time require all employees to complete duties not regularly
required of their position. As a Foster Manager, you are expected to communicate
professionally and respectfully with staff, adopters, rescues, fosters, networkers and others
from the community. You are expected to work in a fast-paced environment to help increase
the live release rate of SAPA! and the city.
Key Responsibilities
Manage all animals placed in foster care, maintaining professionalism, a positive
attitude, and a high level of support for foster caregivers at all times.
• Provide direct support to fosters through daily email and phone communication and by
assisting Foster Coordinators with moderating and responding to inquiries within the
Facebook Foster Forum.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Animal Placement and cross-functional teams to
stay informed of intake plans, population trends, and anticipated foster home needs.
• Analyze reports related to long-term foster placements to ensure animals receive timely
medical care, including vaccinations and medications, and escalate concerns as
necessary.
• Maintain accurate, systematic data for all animals in foster care and work with The
Director of Animal Placement when animals exceed appropriate length-of-stay
benchmarks.
• Ensure foster caregivers remain engaged and compliant with SAPA! foster policies,
addressing and escalating noncompliance issues as needed.
• Assist with screening all new foster applications within 24 hours and ensure timely
onboarding.
• Match animals appropriately to foster homes based on medical, behavioral, and
environmental needs, and monitor foster success in maintaining animal health and
wellbeing.
• Maintain a strong focus on animals with behavioral needs by identifying and supporting
suitable foster placements and coordinating with the Behavioral Trainer for consistent
guidance.
• Manage and lead a team of Foster Support Coordinators, providing oversight in animal
placement, foster communication, and daily operational support.
• Collaborate with SAPA! management and medical teams to ensure foster animals
receive adequate medical care and progress toward adoption as quickly as possible.
• Respond effectively during periods of high intake or population surges by recruiting and
coordinating sufficient foster homes to meet increased demand.
• Provide emergency and crisis support when necessary, demonstrating strong problem
solving and decision-making skills.
• Develop and support a foster mentor program, emphasizing ongoing education for
medical and behavioral cases.
• Oversee foster training initiatives, town hall meetings, foster appreciation events and
educational events to strengthen foster engagement and retention.
• Assist with scheduling spay and neuter surgeries and coordinating related logistics as
needed.
• Execute and oversee placement of at-risk dogs from Animal Care Services of San
Antonio with approved rescue transfer partner.
• Assist with managing the Public Intake/ Pass Intake Program.
• Be available to work on-site as operational demands require.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of SAPA!.
Personal Attributes
• Must be able to lift to 50 pounds regularly
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions- approximately 60% of this job involves
outside work.
• This job is labor-intensive; physical exertion is required. Includes bending, stooping,
kneeling, reaching above/below the waist, pushing/pulling movements, lifting, walking,
standing for long periods of time.
Qualifications & Experience
• Physical Requirements: ability to work with and around animals (including diseased,
injured, and/or behaviorally challenged animals), loud noises, chlorine or other
chemicals, inclement weather, and evening, weekend, and holiday work.
• Licenses and Certificates: must have a valid Texas driver’s license and a satisfactory
driving record.
• Compassion: must have affection for all animals, and concern for their welfare.
• The ideal candidate will have excellent management skills and the ability to develop and
build a cohesive and positive team, which will be customer service and animal oriented.
He or she will need to be well organized, innovative, and professionally motivated to
develop and implement the goals, objectives, and policies for SAPA