Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of underserved kids in New York City?
Do you understand and are passionate about the power of the animal-human interaction?
If so, this position may be a good fit for you.
Modeled after successful prison dog programs, A Fair Shake for Youth offers a hands-on therapy dog program that helps underserved NYC middle school youth build greater empathy and self-esteem. The dogs -- honest, non-judgmental, and loving, make it safe for the kids to let their guard down and learn about themselves and each other in ways that are not possible in a traditional classroom.
A Fair Shake for Youth has served over 3900 youth in partnership with over 70 schools and community organizations from the South Bronx to East Harlem and Bushwick. A Fair Shake for Youth is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and was founded in 2010.
Each week an instructor and three therapy dog teams work with middle school students using a structured curriculum. The students learn to give commands and teach tricks, play games and encourage the dogs through a tunnel or over a jump. The kids use positive reinforcement and see the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication. They discuss dog-related topics that often resonate with their own life experience -- animal shelters and rescue, breed discrimination, and resilience.
Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Program and Volunteer Manager will
- Serve as liaison with both volunteers and partnering schools. Manage day-to-day scheduling and logistics of therapy dog volunteers, transport, and field trips.
- Support Fair Shake volunteer recruitment and outreach initiatives including setting up therapy dog classes, open houses, identifying dog-centric events, and developing collaborations with rescue organizations.
- Spearhead and manage all social media marketing campaigns to build awareness of AFSY, recruit new therapy dog teams and build community.
- Manage events for current AFSY volunteers to build commitment and affinity to the organization.
- Manage databases and all administrative systems, including communications, responses to pre- and post-program questionnaires, and invoicing and processing payments.
Candidate Requirements
A Fair Shake seeks a passionate self-starter to play a significant role in expanding AFSY.
Position requires 20 hours per week primarily remote, but some office presence will be needed. Individual will need to be available to field volunteer emails/calls re last minute cancellations and changes out of normal work hours.
College degree required and 5 years of relevant experience. Personal or professional experience with, and passion for dogs, children and/or underserved communities a plus.
The candidate must be comfortable working independently and taking the lead. The individual must be an excellent oral and written communicator who enjoys and can relate to people of all different ages and positions. Good judgment, the ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and problem solve are all critical for success. Professional experience with social media highly desirable.
Strong computer skills including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Mailchimp, etc.
