Pet Admissions & Retention Manager in Merriam, Kansas at Great Plains Spca
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Job Description
Pet Admissions and Retention Manager
Job Description
Class: Exempt – Full Time September 2026
Location: Merriam
Reports to: Vice President of Operations
Salary: $55,000-$60,000
Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area; a platinum rated GuideStar charity that serves 5,000 animals annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.
- Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
- Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
- Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?
- Want to make a daily difference for community pets?
Position Summary: In partnership with the Vice President of Operations, this community-focused position is responsible for managing and improving the daily operations of the Admissions team and department in an ethical, professional, and compassionate manner. The Pet Admissions and Retention Manager will maintain a safe and healthy environment for animals, staff and the public and will create a structured team environment dedicated to the excellence and success of Great Plains SPCA.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage incoming volume of animals by scheduling appointments for returns and surrenders, coordinating transfers and partnering with Animal Control for stray/seized animals
- Through appropriate management of incoming animals, ensure the organization is always operating within its capacity for care
- In partnership with VP of Operations, create and manage pet retention initiatives, focusing on keeping pets in their homes through allocation of resources and support for the community
- Process incoming animals by weighing, aging and vaccinating them. Communicate all abnormal behavior or medical concerns to VP of Operations, Behavior Department and/or Shelter Medicine.
- Ensure all animals are correctly processed and entered into the shelter management system accurately
- Ensure that all policies and procedures are adhered to including city ordinances, state laws, and Great Plains SPCA policies
- Create partnerships with other animal shelters and rescues to coordinate transfers of in-need animals
- Provide excellent customer service for pet owners, Animal Control Officers, community outreach workers, shelter, rescue and transport partners and all other guests
- Coordinate with other departments (adoptions, behavior, animal care, shelter medicine team) about animal movement and incoming and outgoing animals with the objective of moving animals through the process as efficiently as possible
- Handle lost animal calls and maintain lost animal database, posting all pets on appropriate websites and checking sites for pets which may be in the shelter
- Supervise, train and mentor Admissions and Pet Retention Specialists. Track performance metrics, provide coaching, and conduct performance reviews
- Implement operational and process improvement assigned by Vice President of Operations successfully and on time
- Assist with coverage and distribution of tasks in the event of absent staff member or other routine disruption
- Fully support in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities and decisions, of GPSPCA
- Participate in end-of-day pet help and support daily shelter operations as needed.
- Other duties as needed
Key Skills
- Key Competencies – Integrity, Problem Solving, Action Oriented, Detail Oriented
- Comfortable and experienced with handling dogs and cats including many with behavioral issues
- Uphold Great Plains SPCA’s mission and culture
- Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start
- Resilient to working in a fast paced, ever-changing environment
- High level of emotional resilience and tolerance for seeing animals in difficult situations
- Communicate professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, fosters, and members of the public at all times
- Customer service focus
- Meet deadlines, coordinate projects, multitask, prioritize, and manage time wisely
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Bilingual preferred but not required
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Previous experience working with animals
- Previous experience with computer functions and programs such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and Pet Point
Work Conditions
- Standard Schedule: To be determined based on organizational and departmental needs.
- Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
- Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
- Lift up to 50lbs to waist height
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
- Comfortable working in environments with noise, odor, and potential exposure to zoonotic disease.
At Will Employment
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.
Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.
Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.
GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
- 100% employer‑covered mental health support
- Disability and life insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets