About Us
Dogs Canberra is a growing Canberra charity using the companionship of dogs to improve mental health and strengthen community connections. Through programs including our Community Walking Program, wellbeing events, and assorted support initiatives, we're creating opportunities for both people and dogs to thrive.
As our organisation continues to grow, we're looking for a Foster Manager to join our team and help lead our foster care program. This is an opportunity to use your organisational skills, compassion and love of dogs to make a genuine impact while helping vulnerable dogs find safe, supportive foster homes on their journey to permanent adoption.
Position and Responsibilities
We're looking for a motivated and organised Foster Manager to oversee and grow Dogs Canberra's foster care program. Working closely with the Secretary, Community Manager, Marketing Team and our foster carers, you'll help ensure every dog receives the care, support and training they need while in foster care, setting them up for success in their future homes.
Key responsibilities include (full Position Description available on request):
Foster Carer Recruitment & Support:
- Recruit, assess and onboard new foster carers.
- Match dogs with suitable foster homes based on their needs and each carer's experience and circumstances.
- Provide ongoing guidance, support and regular check-ins for foster carers throughout each placement.
Foster Program Coordination:
- Coordinate dog placements between shelters, trainers, foster carers and adopters.
- Work closely with trainers and volunteers to ensure dogs receive appropriate exercise, enrichment and behavioural support.
- Maintain accurate records of foster placements, carer availability and program outcomes.
Adoption & Program Development:
- Support the Marketing Team by helping develop adoption profiles, success stories and promotional content for foster dogs.
- Assist with adoption events and help match dogs with suitable forever homes.
- Work with the Board to continually improve the foster program, policies and long-term sustainability.
There is also the opportunity to become involved in other aspects of the organisation, whether on the ground in Canberra or remotely.
About You
We're looking for someone who enjoys helping both people and dogs while supporting a meaningful cause.
Experience in animal welfare, rescue, fostering, volunteer coordination, customer service or program management is highly desirable. Previous experience within the not-for-profit or animal welfare sector is welcomed but not essential. We're equally interested in applicants with relevant professional experience or a genuine passion for supporting dogs and the people who care for them.
You'll be someone who communicates well, enjoys building relationships, remains organised when managing multiple priorities, and is passionate about helping dogs thrive in foster care before finding their forever homes.
On average, we expect this position will require around 4–12 hours per week, although this may vary depending on foster placements, dog intakes and organisational priorities.
While preference is given to applicants located within the ACT due to home inspections, foster placements and community events, some aspects of this position can be completed remotely.
Why Volunteer With Us?
- Help shape the future of a growing Canberra charity.
- Play a direct role in helping vulnerable dogs find loving homes.
- Gain valuable experience in animal welfare, volunteer management and program coordination.
- Work alongside a passionate, supportive and collaborative volunteer team.
- Make a direct difference to people's wellbeing through the human-animal bond.
How to Apply
If you're passionate about helping dogs and supporting the people who care for them, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send your resume and a brief statement outlining your interest in the position to [email protected] with "Foster Manager" in the subject line.
Join us in helping improve mental health and community wellbeing through the companionship of dogs.