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The Manager of Animal Enrichment and Flow is responsible for leading IndyHumane's canine enrichment, behavior, playgroup, training, and population management programs. This position focuses on increasing canine save rates throughout Marion County and Central Indiana by developing and optimizing enrichment and behavior programs that improve quality of life, reduce shelter stress, and increase adoptability.

This role oversees the daily operation of the Canine Enrichment Team while serving as the organizational subject matter expert for canine behavior, enrichment, training, and population flow. The Manager collaborates across departments to ensure animals receive appropriate behavioral support, enrichment opportunities, training plans, and placement strategies while maintaining safe and humane handling practices.

The position also supports volunteer engagement, staff training, foster placement success, external partnerships, and community-based programs that expand IndyHumane's lifesaving impact.

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Essential Job Functions

Leadership & Team Management

Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and retain qualified Animal Enrichment staff

Develop staff schedules and manage departmental staffing needs

Review and approve employee timecards and attendance records

Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities for staff

Develop, implement, and maintain departmental SOPs, protocols, training materials, and operational procedures

Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-focused work environment

Ensure staff maintain current knowledge of evidence-based canine behavior and enrichment practices

Animal Enrichment & Behavior Programs

Lead organizational efforts related to canine enrichment, behavior modification, and training programs

Develop and implement enrichment programs designed to improve animal welfare, reduce stress, and increase adoptability

Facilitate and oversee canine playgroup programming and related enrichment initiatives

Develop individualized behavior modification plans for animals requiring additional support

Ensure behavior and training plans are documented, maintained, and updated within the shelter management system

Provide behavioral assessments, consultations, and recommendations for animals in shelter and foster care

Support adoption counseling and meet-and-greet activities for behaviorally complex animals

Manage and oversee the Behavior Dog Scholarship Program

Provide organizational expertise regarding canine handling, behavior, enrichment, and training

Population Flow & Shelter Operations

Monitor shelter population levels and capacity management for both canine and feline populations

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure appropriate population flow and animal placement decisions

Assist in evaluating and selecting animals appropriate for entry into IndyHumane programs

Communicate population trends, intake projections, and operational needs across departments

Collaborate with Operations and Medical teams to support safe and effective animal movement throughout the organization

Training, Volunteer & Community Engagement

Collaborate with the Volunteer Department to develop and deliver enrichment-related volunteer training programs

Direct and support volunteer playgroup coordinators and enrichment volunteers

Ensure volunteers receive ongoing training and support related to playgroup and enrichment practices

Partner with Operations leadership to provide staff training related to canine behavior, enrichment, and handling practices

Assist with volunteer programs, educational initiatives, and youth programs as needed

Lead enrichment and training-related activities during summer camp programs when assigned

Collaboration & Organizational Support

Collaborate with Marketing to promote adoptable animals and enrichment success stories

Work closely with Medical Operations staff to identify behavioral concerns that may impact medical treatment or placement

Assist medical staff with animal handling, evaluations, and identification of behavioral or welfare concerns

Collaborate with the Director of Operations to develop and manage departmental budgets

Build relationships with external organizations and develop off-site enrichment, training, and placement opportunities

Support the Canine Behavior Help Line and ensure appropriate response and follow-up

Provide cross-functional support to other departments as operational needs require

Perform additional duties, projects, and assignments as needed

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Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required

Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or advanced training in animal behavior, animal science, shelter management, or a related field preferred

Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or management experience required

Minimum two (2) years of professional canine behavior, training, enrichment, or related animal welfare experience required

Experience with canine playgroup programs required

Dogs Playing for Life training or equivalent certification preferred

Advanced canine behavior or training certifications preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong commitment to IndyHumane's mission and lifesaving goals

Thorough understanding of canine behavior, enrichment principles, behavior modification, and humane handling practices

Ability to safely work with animals displaying a wide range of behavioral and medical challenges

Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Strong organizational and project management abilities

Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines

Ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced and high-pressure environments

Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills

Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, veterinarians, donors, community partners, and leadership

Ability to professionally represent IndyHumane within the community and animal welfare industry

Ability to effectively utilize social media and public communication platforms to educate and engage stakeholders

Technical Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Proficiency with Google Workspace applications

Experience using shelter management software and animal record systems

Ability to maintain accurate records, reports, and training documentation

Ability to learn and utilize organizational software systems and reporting tools

Licenses & Certifications

Valid Indiana Driver's License required

Ability to maintain insurability under IndyHumane's insurance requirements

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in an animal shelter or animal welfare organization

Dogs Playing for Life certification or equivalent playgroup certification

Professional dog training certification

Experience managing volunteers and volunteer programs

Experience developing behavior modification plans and enrichment programs

Experience with population management and shelter flow strategies

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Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move throughout the facility for extended periods

Ability to safely handle animals of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions

Ability to respond to emergencies involving animals or staff

Ability to safely restrain and manage animals when necessary

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Work Environment & Potential Exposures

This position operates within an animal shelter environment and involves frequent interaction with animals, staff, volunteers, adopters, and members of the public.

Potential exposures may include:

Animal-related allergens, odors, dander, and hair

Animal bites, scratches, and other handling-related risks

Exposure to cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and sanitation products

Exposure to zoonotic diseases

Loud noise levels associated with animal housing environments

Emotional situations involving animal illness, injury, euthanasia, neglect, or abandonment

Frequent interruptions and rapidly changing priorities

Employees are expected to follow all organizational safety procedures, animal handling protocols, and professional conduct standards.

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Core Competencies

Leadership & Staff Development

Animal Welfare Advocacy

Behavioral Assessment & Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Collaboration & Teamwork

Decision Making

Adaptability & Flexibility

Customer Service

Time Management

Organizational Skills

Training & Coaching

Relationship Building

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

IndyHumane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

IndyHumane is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. Employees and applicants requiring accommodations should contact Human Resources.

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At-Will Employment Disclaimer

Employment with IndyHumane is at-will. This means that either the employee or IndyHumane may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description should be interpreted as creating a contract of employment.

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Job Description Disclaimer

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. IndyHumane reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and position requirements based on organizational needs.

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Safety Statement

Employees are expected to comply with all workplace safety standards, organizational policies, confidentiality expectations, animal handling protocols, and OSHA-related safety requirements.

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