Humane Education Manager

About the APA:

The Animal Protective Association of Missouri is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people and pets together, advancing humane education and creating programs beneficial to the human/animal bond.

Originally formed in 1922 to help prevent cruelty to animals, the focus of the organization has shifted over the years to emphasize education, wellness and adoption. Throughout this time, however, we have remained leaders in the humane treatment of animals in the St. Louis area. Our organizational accomplishments include:

• Forming the first area therapeutic animal visitation program, PetReach, in 1983. For more than 30 years, PetReach volunteers have taken their companion animals into hospitals, nursing homes and even prisons to bring pet companionship to those who live without them.
• Acting as the founding site for the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation in 1992. This group works on a statewide level to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals.
• Performing pediatric spay/neuter surgeries several years before any other humane organization in our area. This bold step undoubtedly curbed tens of thousands of unwanted litters.
• Developing the first and only Domestic Violence Pet Assistance program in the St. Louis area. Since 1998, this program has assisted women leaving abusive homes by fostering their pets while they regain their independence.
• Most recently, creating the APA Pet Transfer Program. This program brings animals from overcrowded shelters in our area to our Adoption Center, where we have a larger pool of adopters and the resources to assist. In 2018, the APA transferred in 2,004  animals. To date, the program has a 98% success rate.

Job Summary:

The Humane Education Manager is a key member of the organization’s leadership team and works with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Education Committee, Community Partners, organizational leadership and volunteers to formulate, coordinate and implement all aspects of community education programming for the APA Adoption Center. The primary goals of this position are to strengthen the human-animal bond, promote responsible pet ownership, and encourage positive behaviors towards animals while simultaneously positioning the APA as leaders in animal welfare.

Responsibilities:

• Plans, directs, implements, and evaluates a well-coordinated and comprehensive humane education plan designed to strengthen the human-animal bond, promote responsible pet ownership, encourage positive behaviors towards animals, and increase awareness of APA services and general animal welfare issues.
• Supervise, develop, evaluate, and provide direction to humane education team members and volunteers.
• Strategically identify and cultivate relationships with schools and community partners to develop and grow humane education programs.
• Develop, design and implement research-based curriculum, educational materials and lessons to schools, youth groups, camps, adult learners, and community organizations.
• Identify volunteer needs for humane education programming and work with volunteer manager and other team members to recruit, train and maintain volunteers who assist with program implementation.
• Develop and maintain valid evaluation methods to ensure high-quality delivery of programs and impact reporting to donors and grant-making foundations.
• Strategically identify and act on opportunities to promote the APA and educational programs through a variety of community outlets including community groups, civic organizations, media, and events.
• Provide oversight for all scheduling and communication related to on-site, school-based and community-based programming.
• Serve as a resource and develop/facilitate training for staff and volunteers assisting with the implementation of educational and community programs.
• Prepare and maintain annual budget for area of responsibility.
• Provide regular reports to Executive Director and Board regarding progress towards goals.
• Manage and ensure accuracy of department systems and reporting. This includes development and completion of department reports for board meetings, tracking of grant funding, recording of education volunteer hours, etc.

Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge:

• Commitment to excellence and a passion for the APA’s mission and work
• Bachelor’s degree in elementary, middle school or high school education or related field; plus 3+ years classroom teaching or related experience
• Engaging, positive and caring approach to educating individuals and groups of all ages
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with schools and community organizations
• Experience that includes knowledge of teaching methods which accommodate students’ varied learning processes
• Program development knowledge including curriculum development and research methods
• Excellent time management, multi-tasking and organizational skills
• Ability to inspire, train, motivate, challenge and supervise volunteers
• Confident when speaking in public with a strong ability to communicate ideas verbally and in writing
• Proficient in use of MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), desktop publishing and database software

Application Information:

Full-time position requiring some evening and weekend hours with competitive salary and benefits. Qualified candidates may submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements via email to sarah@apamo.org or by mail to APA Adoption Center, 1705 S. Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63144.