Manager of Behavior, Training, & Enrichment

Description

Position Overview 

The Manager of Behavior, Training & Enrichment is a strategic, hands-on leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive behavior, training, and enrichment program that supports shelter animals, staff, volunteers, fosters, and the broader community. 

This role blends direct animal work, staff and foster coaching, community-facing training services, and program development to improve behavioral wellness, reduce length of stay, increase adoption retention, and prevent unnecessary shelter intake. A core expectation of this position is to design and operate a financially self-sustaining behavior and training program through earned revenue while remaining aligned with LASPCA’s open-admission mission and operational realities. 

This position also supports community-based initiatives by providing behavior assessments and guidance that help keep pets safely in their homes, improve placement success, and reduce surrender risk. 

Core Focus Areas 

Revenue generation through group classes and private consultations 

Shelter dog behavior, enrichment, and assessment 

Staff, volunteer, and foster behavior support and coaching 

Community behavior consultations, training, and diversion support 

Prison-based dog training program oversight and expansion 

Research, innovation, and implementation of best practices 

Data-driven program evaluation and continuous improvement 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

(Include, but are not limited to:) 

Behavior, Training & Enrichment Leadership 

Oversee and implement behavior evaluations, individualized training plans, and enrichment protocols to improve animal welfare, adoptability, and placement success. 

Manage and maintain shelter enrichment schedules, ensuring consistent, species-appropriate mental and physical stimulation. 

Provide hands-on training support for adoptable dogs, focusing on basic manners, confidence-building, and behavior modification strategies. 

Revamp, standardize, and maintain humane, evidence-informed behavior assessment tools for shelter and community use. 

Community Training, Consultations & Initiatives 

Serve as a primary point of contact for behavior-related community inquiries, adoption counseling, and post-adoption challenges. 

Conduct behavior assessments in support of community initiatives, including intake diversion, rehoming assistance, and foster support. 

Provide pre-adoption counseling, hands-on training for prospective adopters, and post-adoption behavior support for families experiencing challenges. 

Deliver group training classes and private consultations that support pet owners while generating sustainable program revenue. 

Support community members in preventing and resolving behavior challenges that could otherwise result in relinquishment. 

Prison-Based Dog Training Program 

Oversee and expand LASPCA’s prison-based dog training program, increasing capacity and consistency of services. 

Develop training standards, documentation, and outcome tracking for dogs participating in the program. 

Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to align the program with shelter flow, behavior goals, and adoption readiness. 

Staff, Foster & Volunteer Support 

Serve as a mentor and subject-matter resource for staff, volunteers, and fosters through training, coaching, and case discussions. 

Provide regular behavior and enrichment training to ensure consistency in handling and support across programs. 

Strengthen staff and foster confidence in managing animals with a wide range of behavioral needs. 

Research, Innovation & Best Practices 

Monitor and evaluate emerging best practices in shelter behavior, enrichment, training, and assessment methodologies. 

Pilot, implement, and refine evidence-informed practices that improve outcomes while remaining operationally realistic. 

Translate research and industry trends into practical, scalable protocols and tools for shelter and community use. 

Collaboration, Compliance & Animal Welfare 

Collaborate closely with veterinary, animal services, animal care, foster, and volunteer teams to ensure high standards of animal health, welfare, and lifesaving outcomes. 

Ensure behavior, training, and enrichment practices align with the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. 

When required and appropriately credentialed, make humane euthanasia recommendations in accordance with organizational policy and ethical decision-making frameworks. 

Program Reporting & Administration 

Maintain accurate behavior notes, documentation, and program records. 

Track and report key metrics including consultations, classes, assessments, outcomes, and revenue. 

Use data to evaluate program effectiveness, inform leadership, and support continuous improvement. 

Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and customer service in all interactions. 

Perform other duties as assigned in support of LASPCA’s mission. 

Time Allocation (Approximate – 40 Hours/Week) 

Task Area 

Hours/Week 

Group classes & private consultations 

18–22 

Community triage & assessments 

5–7 

Shelter dog training, enrichment & assessments 

4–6 

Staff, foster & volunteer training 

4–6 

Resource development & workshops 

3–5 

Prison program oversight 

2–4 

Administration & reporting 

4–6 

Requirements

Financial Sustainability 

This position is designed to be largely self-sustaining, with earned revenue generated through group classes and private consultations. Projections assume 46 working weeks per year to account for holidays, vacation, and cancellations. 

Projected Annual Revenue: ~$70,000 

This model supports the proposed salary while allowing for modest program growth. 

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary: $70,000 annually 

Benefits: Standard LASPCA benefits package 

Rationale: Competitive with similar nonprofit behavior and training leadership roles and sustainable through projected earned revenue. 

Education, Experience & Qualifications 

Required: 

Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in dog and/or cat behavior, training, and enrichment. 

Demonstrated knowledge of animal behavior principles, enrichment strategies, and humane handling practices. 

Strong understanding of current animal welfare issues. 

High School diploma or equivalent. 

Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and maintain an insurable driving record. 

Preferred / Highly Desirable: 

Animal shelter employment or volunteer experience. 

Professional certification such as CPDT-KA, IAABC, or equivalent (or actively working toward credentialing). 

Fear Free certification (required within a defined period after hire). 

Experience delivering public-facing training, consultations, or workshops. 

Expected Outcomes 

Improved behavioral wellness and enrichment for shelter dogs, increasing adoptability and live release outcomes. 

Consistent, humane behavior assessments that support safe placements and community retention. 

Expanded prison training program capacity and impact. 

Increased staff, volunteer, and foster confidence in managing behavior and enrichment. 

Accessible, affordable community training resources that reduce surrender risk. 

A financially self-sustaining program that covers salary costs while delivering measurable mission impact.