Adoption Manager

Company: The Asher House Sanctuary
Location: Salem
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description The Asher House is a registered nonprofit sanctuary that advocates for the welfare, protection, and dignity of all animals. Our organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and a lifelong sanctuary for animals in need, with a commitment to end animal suffering and promote humane treatment. Through community education, advocacy, and hands-on care, we work toward a more compassionate world for animals. The Adoption Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and leading an industry-advancing adoption program for The Asher House. This role oversees all day-to-day adoption operations for companion animals—including dog and small animal placements, adoption counseling, and the full adoption lifecycle from inquiry to post-placement support. The Adoption Manager will also manage all return cases with compassion and professionalism, ensuring the best outcomes for both animals and adopters. This position will play a key role in the storytelling and marketing pipeline by creating high-impact narratives, working closely with the communications team to promote adoptable animals across social media, the website, and digital campaigns. They will also lead the development of an adopter support program specializing in behavior guidance, troubleshooting, and long-term success strategies. Additionally, the Adoption Manager will coordinate annual alumni reunions and adoption-community events to strengthen engagement and celebrate successful placements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Program Development & Leadership • Design, build, and manage a forward-thinking, industry-leading adoption program that sets new standards for companion animal placement and adopter experience. • Establish KPIs, data tracking, and adoption workflow processes to ensure efficiency, transparency, and high adoption success rates. • Analyze trends, behavior cases, and adoption outcomes to continuously improve placement strategies. Adoption Operations • Oversee all adoption activities including screenings, interviews, home checks (as applicable), matching, and finalization. • Ensure all adoption documentation, legal compliance, and internal protocols are followed consistently. • Maintain accurate and timely records for all adoptable animals. • Serve as the primary point of contact for adoption inquiries. Returns & Reintegration • Manage all animal return cases with empathy, professionalism, and solution-focused planning. • Conduct behavior and environmental assessments for returned animals. • Track return trends and collaborate with behavior and operations teams to reduce future occurrences. Adopter Support Program • Develop a robust support program that assists adopters with behavior challenges, integration questions, training referrals, and long-term success strategies. • Create structured follow-up communication plans to support adopters after placement. • Build resource libraries for adopters including behavior guides, troubleshooting materials, and training resources. Storytelling & Digital Promotion • Create compelling storytelling content to spotlight adoptable dogs and share their unique personalities. • Work with the social media and communications teams to produce high-quality photos, videos, adoption bios, and digital campaigns. • Execute digital adoption strategies to increase placement rates, especially for harder-to-adopt dogs. Adoption Community Events • Plan and lead 1–2 annual alumni meet-up events for The Asher House adoption community. • Organize additional events or virtual meet-ups to highlight available animals and celebrate past adoptions. Collaboration & Leadership • Partner with medical, behavior, and animal care teams to ensure optimal support for adoptable animals. • Collaborate with communications and fundraising teams to share impactful adoption content. • Train and supervise adoption support staff or volunteers as the program expands. QUALIFICATIONS • 3–5 years of experience in animal rescue, sheltering, or companion animal program leadership. • Strong understanding of dog behavior and placement strategies. • Experience leading or designing adoption programs. • Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills. • Experience with storytelling, social media promotion, or marketing preferred. • Highly organized and able to thrive in a fast-paced sanctuary environment. • Deep commitment to The Asher House’s mission and values. A valid driver's license and a driving record free of major violations are required. Final job offer is contingent upon successful review and approval of driving history.

Keywords: The Asher House Sanctuary, Vancouver , Adoption Manager, PR / Public Relations , Salem, Washington