Community Advocacy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Community Advocacy Manager

Location: Detroit Warehouse

Hours: Full-Time

Who We Are:

Michigan Humane is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving and saving lives through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals. For over 140 years, Michigan Humane has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals in need, including rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption services. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, Michigan Humane works tirelessly to protect and advocate for the animals and families within our communities.

Why Work with Us:

We’re a mission-based organization, with a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of animals and families within our communities. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, we’d love to talk to you.  In addition to being a part of an organization that truly makes a difference, there are plenty of additional reasons to consider joining us, including:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
• Opportunities for professional development, growth, and continuing education
• A positive and collaborative work environment
• Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!)
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Human & Pet Bereavement
• Clinic discounts to up to 75% off services for your own pet(s)
• Relaxed dress code
• Wellness program with professional counseling services available to employees
• Animal food discount
• Free or discounted adoption fees to adopt a new friend.
• Sabbatical Policy
• Uniform Allowance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Yearly performance reviews & employee engagement surveys
• Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

The Community Advocacy Manager supports Michigan Humane programs dedicated to keeping families together, specifically empowering families with support to be the best home for animals by connecting with human support services and advocating for pets to stay with their people. Direct day-to-day oversight of Community Advocate staff (including human services interns), Safety Net foster program, management of human and animal welfare services relationships and direct support for various Michigan Humane departments as they work to serve whole families, are critical aspects of this position. Exhibits strong customer service focus with an emphasis on empathy & compassion. Committed to educating and providing resources to families we serve, building a more humane community.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, communicate and enforce policies, procedures and best practices for engaging successfully with all members of our community, including pet pantry clients & pets for life neighbors in conjunction with Community Solutions Manager (Pet Pantry).  
• With Director, leads on development and implementation of the Family Support Services Center program at each shelter location, with end goal being direct oversight of staff, interns, and volunteers operating each center day to day.  
• Adopt the vision and mission of the organization by actively supporting Community Solutions programs that enable our Humane Communities vision.  
• Serve as the primary contact for established human service partners. 
• Review and advise on best practices for successful whole family support, regardless of income status or lifestyle choices in partnership with Director.  
• Solicit and respond to regular feedback on resources provided, including emerging or unexpected needs and areas for improvement. 
• Manage the Community Advocate staff including hiring, training and direct supervision. 
• Manage annual student interns (BSW and/or MSW level between 4 and 6). Includes providing on-site supervision, support, and acting as primary liaison with university program(s) providing interns.  
• Manage volunteers supporting all department work where appropriate, with an emphasis on incorporating in the Family Support Services Center model. 
• Work with Director to prepare annual department goals and budget; prepare monthly management reports. 
• Develop methods for collecting and sharing information about MH community work, including impact metrics, implementation successes and challenges, and examples of innovation and best practice.
• Work closely with Director and data team to identify new layers of data measuring to drive program enhancement and impact. 
• Work with Director to make recommendations for organizational approach to servicing clients utilizing best social work practices, including advocating for team members to be present onsite to support MH staff, where relevant.  
• Proactively seek out opportunities to engage with human services organizations and advocate for whole family (pets included) support / resources.  

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited Social Work program 
• LMSW required 
• A minimum of 3 years of post-graduate experience; with interest in the human animal bond. 
• Minimum of 2 years in a supervisory role preferred, including intern supervision.  
• Experience in community outreach including door to door, community organizing, and engagement.  
• Experience providing social work program intern supervision a plus.
• Spanish language fluency a plus.
• Prior experience in a public speaking role is desirable.
• Microsoft Office proficiency and intermediate computer skills are required.
• Must be willing / able to get a chauffeur’s license. 

Join our team at Michigan Humane and make a positive impact, grow your skills and career, and be part of a compassionate and dedicated organization. Apply today!