Outreach Coordinator at Young Williams Animal Center of East Tennessee – Knoxville, Tennessee

The Outreach Coordinator is responsible for raising awareness, educating, building trust, and connecting pet owners to vital services—particularly YWAC’s Spay/Neuter Solutions and Community Cat programs, both of which address the root causes of pet homelessness and overpopulation.

This program follows the Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life (PFL) model, which emphasizes strategic door-to-door engagement, a consistent presence in the community, and extensive follow-up to build strong, trusting relationships with pet owners who have historically lacked access to animal services.

Typical Tasks / Duties

• Conduct targeted outreach in the area of focus (currently 37921), with emphasis on Western Heights, Lonsdale, Beaumont, and Mechanicsville. Additional outreach includes—but is not limited to—other KCDC housing communities.
• Analyze and plan outreach routes based on previously visited addresses, identifying the next streets and neighborhoods most in need.
• Coordinate and schedule spay/neuter and wellness appointments, including follow-up communication.
• Organize and assist with spay/neuter transport, including picking up and/or returning animals from clients’ homes for surgery. Morning pickups typically occur between 7:00–9:00 a.m.; returns occur between 3:30–6:00 p.m.
• Additional transport duties may be required, such as transporting animals to veterinary visits or retrieving borrowed items from clients.
• Oversee and implement public events such as vaccine clinics, outreach events, and educational sessions.
• Educate community members on humane animal care and provide practical pet behavior advice during outreach, events, and follow-up communication.
• Enter and update records promptly and accurately, including all pet resources provided, veterinary visits, spay/neuter services, and vaccine clinic clients.
• Train volunteers participating in events, door-to-door outreach, follow-up calls, fence building, and other outreach activities.
• Operate a variety of YWAC vehicles, including animal transport vans.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to enhance the effectiveness and reach of the outreach program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Positive, welcoming attitude with exceptional interpersonal skills; able to handle challenging situations with sensitivity and confidence.
• Experience working with diverse communities and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to efficiently complete tasks, anticipate needs, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Knowledge of local and state ordinances, policies, and best practices related to spay/neuter services and community cat care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation ability.
• Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, even with interruptions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members to communicate project goals, issues, and timelines.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish) is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (including PowerPoint and Excel).
• Proficiency with animal shelter software (PetPoint) and clinic software (ClinicHQ).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Willingness to learn, grow, support coworkers, and bring a positive spirit—including a sense of humor!

Education and Experience

• Community relations, social work, customer service, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in animal welfare preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree recommended.

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk door-to-door and engage with community members across various Knox County neighborhoods.
• Ability to assist in setup and preparation for events and activities, which may require evening and weekend attendance.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Work Environment

• Work occurs in a variety of settings: indoors, outdoors, clients’ homes, company vehicles, and clinic environments.
• Frequent interaction with the public in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme heat.
• Typical noise levels include general conversation, traffic, and animal sounds.

Hours and Compensation

This is an hourly, non-exempt position requiring 20-30 hours per week (for part-time status) or 35-40 hours per week (for full-time status). Full-time benefits include paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), health insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance, pet bereavement, and access to the YWAC Care Clinic. Part-time employees are also eligible to use the Care Clinic for their pets.

Vision:
A home for every pet.

Mission:
To lead the community to end pet homelessness, promote animal welfare, and enhance the human–animal bond.

Core Values:
Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, Dedication, Collaboration, and Empathy guide every aspect of our work. These values shape how we care for animals, support our community, and build lasting relationships with the people we serve. Young-Williams Animal Center is committed to providing accessible services, promoting responsible pet ownership, and creating a more humane community where every pet is valued.

Young-Williams Animal Center, the largest animal shelter in Tennessee, began in 2001 as the Knoxville/Knox County Animal Welfare Center. Growing demand led to a public–private partnership that created a new facility in 2004, followed by the Animal Village on Kingston Pike in 2010. YWAC became a private 501(c)(3) in 2012 and now takes in more than 10,000 animals each year. In 2018, YWAC achieved no-kill status for the first time, maintaining a 90%+ save rate by caring for all medically and behaviorally treatable animals.

Updated: November 30, 2025