What are the responsibilities and job description for the Welcome Center Associate position at The Humane Society of Sarasota County?
Welcome Center Associate
Are you passionate about creating meaningful connections and making a lasting impact on the lives of animals and people alike? The Welcome Center at the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) is the vibrant heartbeat of our lifesaving mission, where every interaction brings us closer to creating a community where all animals are loved. As the Welcome Center Associate, you will be at the forefront, ensuring that every adopter, donor, volunteer, and visitor receives a warm, positive, and unforgettable experience. In this role, you will lead with kindness and compassion, overseeing two essential areas: the Adoption & Retail Welcome Center and the Veterinary Services Welcome Center.
You’ll be cross-trained in both centers, offering you the opportunity to engage with a variety of HSSC program participants while helping to recruit and train the incredible volunteers who support our mission. If you're ready to join a team that’s driven by compassion and a shared commitment to improving the lives of animals, we’d love to meet you!
Responsibilities encompass:
- Create a welcoming, compassionate space in both our Adoption & Retail Welcome Center and Veterinary Welcome Center, ensuring every visitor feels valued and supported.
- Schedule, train, and communicate with our dedicated volunteers, leading by example with a positive, upbeat attitude that inspires staff and volunteers.
- Manage and prioritize inquiries, advocating for stakeholders and the public to ensure their needs are met with care and efficiency.
- Support retail operations by managing merchandising, online fulfillment, and inventory.
- Oversee and advocate for supplies for our community pet pantry.
- Actively participate as a member of the marketing, events, and engagement team.
- Capture and share the wonderful moments in the Welcome Center to inspire and connect with the community through social media, promotions, and fundraising efforts.
- Assist with both on-site and off-site events to strengthen the mission and build community support for the animals we care for.
Qualifications:
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create a warm and welcoming environment
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Proven experience in volunteer or staff coordination, including scheduling, training, and communication
- Positive, upbeat attitude with the ability to lead by example
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills to manage inquiries, prioritize tasks, and handle stakeholder communications efficiently
- Ability to oversee and manage supplies with a focus on organization and advocacy
- Proficiency in using social media platforms to capture and share content that promotes the organization’s mission and fosters community connection
- Compassionate and mission-driven mindset, with a genuine passion for supporting the welfare of animals and the community
- Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a flexible, positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word) and other digital tools
- Experience with social media marketing, including content creation and engagement strategies
- Familiarity with Point of Sale systems or similar platforms preferred, though a willingness and ability to learn new systems is essential
- Experience with volunteer management platforms (e.g., VolunteerHub), animal shelter software (e.g., Shelterluv, VitusVet, or Evet) is a plus.
- Comfortable working with and interacting with animals in various settings.
- Ability to support and effectively champion HSSC’s barrier-free adoption policies
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Shift:
- Day shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16 - $18
