SUMMARY:

This is a temporary, full-time "pinch-hitter" role covering maternity leave and interim needs. The role supports the Advancement team (includes Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications) with donor stewardship, monthly giving (Constant Companions), content collection and copywriting (newsletters/donor communications), PR/media coordination, internal communications, and entry-level corporate relations support. APA! is a volunteer-powered organization, and this role is central to maintaining a collaborative culture where staff and volunteers work together to save lives.

This position may involve shift flexibility, weekend hours, and responsiveness during times of high need. 

Every individual at APA! is responsible for working in collaboration with volunteers; making sure volunteers are recruited, trained and feel impactful through their efforts at APA!. A core part of this role is creating a welcoming and empowering experience for volunteers, including assisting with onboarding, training, and volunteer engagement as part of the day-to-day workflow.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the Constant Companions (monthly giving) program, acknowledge gifts, conduct donor stewardship (cards, phone calls, emails), and support acquisition strategies.
• Write donor stories and newsletters, and assist with content collection for donor communication campaigns.
• Assist with media outreach, story sourcing, and representing APA! at corporate and community events.
• Support the Corporate Philanthropy Officer role by managing and triaging partner inquiries, drafting invoices and contracts, and conducting prospect research and outreach.
• Support internal messaging and team communication needs.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers to complete day-to-day tasks, contributing to a culture of shared effort and mutual respect.
• Actively contribute to a volunteer-powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift and helping create an inclusive, welcoming environment
• Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks, ensuring the work is shared and collaborative—not siloed
• Support the recruitment and onboarding process by welcoming new volunteers and helping them get oriented to the program
• Help retain volunteers by offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback during shared work
• Recommend strong volunteers for deeper involvement or specialized roles to your supervisor or volunteer manager
• Contribute to a positive culture by recognizing volunteer contributions through appreciation, gratitude, and shoutouts
• Help set volunteers up for success by clearly explaining tasks, providing hands-on guidance, and offering in-the-moment support

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work to be performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.  

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work around animals (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, and inclement weather. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• If reasonable accommodations are requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship to the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-2 years experience in philanthropy, communications, or a similar field (Internships and senior-level university coursework may count).
• Excellent written communication skills with a flair for crafting stories.
• Working proficiency in Google Suite.
• An authentic passion for animals and commitment to APA!'s mission.

EXPECTATIONS

• Committed to embodying APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart
• Commitment to APA!'s customer experience expectations
• Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s mission
• Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support; dedicated to working well with volunteers across all roles
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and serving as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materials
• Self-starter with strong time management; able to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm and professional presence in all situations
• Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality
• Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed
• Dedicated to delivering an exceptional and inclusive customer experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Animal shelter office environment, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and near animals
• Uses own transportation to travel and transport
• Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required
• Exposure to unpleasant odors and noises.
• Exposure to bites, scratches and animal waste
• Possible exposure to contagious diseases
• Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to support program needs

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• This position reports directly to the Director of Advancement 

TIME COMMITMENT:

• This is an exempt, full-time, seasonal position of 40 hours per week
• This is a seasonal position of up to 90 days
• Shift and schedule flexibility is required, as weekly schedule is subject to change
• Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

LOCATION(S):

• This is an onsite position with time split between three of our locations (days at each site vary, dependent on need):
• APA! Main - Town Lake Animal Center 1156 West Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78703
• APA! Shelter Pet Hospital - 4942 US HWY 290, Austin, TX 78735
• Tarrytown Corporate Office, 2414 Exposition Blvd, Suite B-100, Austin, TX 78703
• May travel to offsite locations as needed

BENEFITS

All employees are eligible for access to an Employee Assistance Program, Discounted Perks Programs, fully subsidized Pet Insurance and time off incentives.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

Austin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we engage on. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, women, transgender and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply. 

Austin Pets Alive! does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Austin Pets Alive! is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, community focus, and innovation.

APA! is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact Talent Acquisition at job@austinpetsalive.org  at least one week in advance of your interview.