Manager, Embed Project Operations (Travel Based role)

You’ve spent years improving the animal shelters you’ve worked in - leading teams, inspiring change, and saving lives. Now, imagine doing that on a national scale. 

Join the National Shelter Embed Team  

We're a dynamic group of professionals working side by side with animal sheltering agencies across the U.S. to implement proven strategies and save more lives. This job isn’t a manager in the traditional sense - it’s about managing change. You’ll be embedded in shelters, helping build stronger systems, improve outcomes, and create lasting impact. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and deeply rewarding. 

Life on the Road 

• Remote-based, but travel-heavy (up to 90%).

• Typical deployments range from 2–12 months (yes, your pets may come!).

• Travel and relocation costs are covered by Best Friends (but you'll need your car). 

• Short breaks provided between deployments to recharge and prep for the next project. 

What You'll Do 

• Collaborate with shelter staff to implement customized action plans. 

• Strengthen shelter programs like playgroups, pathway planning, biosecurity, field services, and more. 

• Advocate for modern policies with local stakeholders. 

• Be the reason animals get a second chance.

Who You Are 

• A seasoned animal shelter professional with practical experience managing teams across the full spectrum of shelter operations. 

• Adaptable and confident, with a knack for resolving conflict and building trust.

• Drive meaningful and sustainable change through influence and mentorship.

• Equally at ease cleaning kennels or presenting to city councils.

• Thrive in dynamic, mission-driven environments where collaboration is key.

Got grit, heart, and the skills to drive change in shelters across the country? Let's talk. 

Location: Remote, but deployed or traveling up to 90% of the time. 

Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $74,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits. 

This is an ongoing program, and interviews will occur weekly until the positions are filled. 

Skills and experience:  

• 5+ years of experience working within animal shelter(s) garnering a comprehensive understanding of proven animal sheltering and field operations strategies to increase dog and cat lifesaving is required. 

• At least 3 years of demonstrated management experience in a shelter environment, including overseeing staff, implementing lifesaving strategies, and driving change management initiatives. 

• Experience facilitating play groups and monitoring dog to dog interactions is strongly preferred. Dog behavior knowledge and experience with dog training in a shelter environment is a plus. 

• Strengths and experience in utilizing statistical information to inform, develop, and implement division and department-level strategic plans, including change management strategies and program direction; proven attention to detail with advanced organizational and time management skills.  

• Prior experience, comfortability, and understanding of diplomacy needed when working with internal and external stakeholders, including those in government offices. 

• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual skills preferred, but not required. Ability to understand and converse in conversational Spanish preferred. 

• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with nonjudgmental philosophies.  

• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to act decisively with a get-it-done attitude in difficult and fast-paced situations; strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to initiate and influence change; a team player, upbeat, energetic, tactful, and diplomatic, able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.    

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with public speaking and presentation experience. Ability to professionally advocate Best Friends’ positions on issues; experience in supporting, engaging with, and developing relationships with volunteers and donors. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn, comfort learning new systems, including online information systems.    

Physical Requirements:  

• Must be able to routinely lift 50 pounds.  

• Extended periods of time working on the computer with repetitive typing, arm, and hand motion.    

• Ability to be in a shelter environment and work in the presence of both cats and dogs, including organizations where cats and dogs are currently being killed for space.    

• Bend, stoop, reach, climb, twist, crawl, stand and walk for an extended period.   

• Must be able to work in weather with temperatures varying between extreme hot and extreme cold.   

• Able to work varying hours, which may include early morning and/or late evening hours.      

• Ability to travel via various forms of transportation.  

• Must have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance, ability to travel and/or drive on behalf of Best Friends, including overnight stays, when needed.   

• Frequent extended travel and on-going temporary relocation is part of this role.   Travel is expected to be up to 90%.