Transfer Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Transfer Manager will build and maintain relationships with transfer partners and oversee the planning and execution of animal transfers to maximize shelter capacity and increase positive live outcomes for adoptable shelter animals. The Transfer Manager provides leadership and oversight of the transfer program, including personnel management, financial accountability, operational planning, and the development of strategic partnerships. This position ensures that transfer activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational goals, animal welfare standards, and core values.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Transfer Program Management and Operations

• Establish and maintain partnerships with humane associations and rescues through written pleas, phone calls, and ongoing relationship development.
• Assess the suitability of potential transfer partners through research and facility tours when applicable.
• Monitor shelter space and animal population to determine transfer needs while taking into account the needs and priorities of other departments.
• Develop, coordinate, and carry out multiple transfers each month to maximize available shelter space and positive live outcomes.
• Communicate with foster, shelter, and clinic teams regarding upcoming transfers and necessary preparations.
• Work with the Training and Enrichment team to create profiles on potential transfer animals, including photos, videos, biographies, behavior assessments, and medical notes.
• Coordinate incoming transfers from local shelter partners when space allows.
• Maintain positive relationships with transfer partners by meeting their requirements, expressing gratitude, gathering feedback, and providing assistance with health or behavioral concerns and return requests.

Financial Oversight and Accountability

• Develop, manage, and monitor the transfer program budget in collaboration with the Shelter Director.
• Ensure responsible fiscal management of transfer-related expenses, including transportation, fuel, supplies, medical needs, and other operational costs.
• Monitor expenditures, identify budget variances, and communicate financial concerns or anticipated needs to the Shelter Director.
• Make informed financial decisions regarding the allocation of resources to support transfer operations while maintaining cost-effectiveness and high standards of animal care.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce expenses, and maximize the impact of available resources.
• Ensure appropriate documentation, tracking, and accountability for transfer-related expenses and resources.
• Participate in financial planning and forecasting related to the growth and ongoing needs of the transfer program.

Personnel Management and Staff Development

• Directly supervise, support, and develop the members of the Transfer Team.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and retention of transfer team personnel.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, and delegation of responsibilities to meet operational needs.
• Address performance concerns and personnel matters promptly, consistently, and in accordance with organizational policies.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and accountability.
• Model organizational core values, and ensure values are prioritized in transfer initiatives.
• Recognize employee contributions and support staff growth, engagement, and job satisfaction.
• Ensure team members receive appropriate training and understand established protocols, safety procedures, and expectations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position supervises all transfer coordinators and drivers. The Transfer Manager is responsible for providing day-to-day leadership, direction, an d oversight of the transfer team, including:

• Establishing performance expectations and ensuring accountability for assigned responsibilities.
• Managing employee schedules, workload distribution, and staffing needs.
• Providing coaching, feedback, training, and performance evaluations.
• Addressing personnel concerns and supporting employee development.
• Promoting effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration.
• Ensuring staff compliance with organizational policies, animal care standards, and safety protocols.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ethics and Values
• Caring About Direct Reports
• Strategic Agility
• Written and Verbal Communication
• Decision Quality
• Drive for Results
• Financial Acumen
• Managing and Developing People
• Leadership and Accountability
• Planning and Organizing
• Conflict Management
• Collaboration and Relationship Building

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 2 years related experience in shelter, rescue or other animal caregiving role
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership, direction, or supervision to others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Time management, planning, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
• Basic financial management skills, including budget monitoring, expense tracking, and responsible resource allocation.
• Ability to provide direction, delegate responsibilities, and hold team members accountable for performance expectations.
• Written communication skills
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 lbs
• Ability to learn protocols, direct others and provide hands-on support to ensure safe transport of animals
• Ability to make timely and tough decisions for the good of the animals, our team members and our partners
• Drive to achieve results despite the enormous challenges facing animal welfare communities nationally
• Willingness to learn, think creatively and adapt in order to adjust to changing requirements/circumstances

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS or equivalent work experience
• Free Free Shelters Graduate
• Experience administering medications and/or vaccines and performing diagnostic tests
• Dog/Cat First Aid certification
• Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms/means of transmission, and ability to assess changes in animal status
• Experience with Pet Point or similar animal care software

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Often requires lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Occasionally requires handling dogs weighing up to 120 lbs
• Exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes
• Possible exposure to contagious diseases
• May be required to use strength or agility in handling more active animals
• Will require working outdoors when loading transport vehicles or walking dogs
• Occasionally requires driving animals to rescues or to/from boarding facilities and foster homes, though this is primarily the role of the Transfers Driver

This position performs in accordance with the organization’s expectations for animal care, teamwork, and interpersonal relations, and actively contributes to improving service delivery, communication, and consistency.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Espanola, NM 87532