Admissions Shift Supervisor

Lead compassionate support for pets and people during important moments.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a compassionate and confident Admissions Shift Supervisor to support the daily operations of our Admissions team. This role provides shift supervision for the Pet Help Center, Call Center, and Animal Services desk while helping ensure members of the public and their pets receive respectful, accurate, and empathetic support.

This is a great opportunity for someone with customer service, supervisory, animal welfare, social services, hospitality, call center, administrative, or client-facing experience who enjoys leading people, solving problems, supporting emotionally sensitive conversations, and helping connect pets and people with the right resources.

Schedule

• Full-time, salaried position
• Ideal schedule: Saturday through Wednesday
• Schedule may include varying shifts based on Admissions and operational needs.

About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources.

Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do

• Provide daily shift supervision for Admissions, including the Pet Help Center, Call Center, and Animal Services desk.
• Lead, train, coach, schedule, and support Admissions team members.
• Hire, onboard, manage performance, and support employee development for direct reports.
• Ensure team members are cross-trained and scheduled to support department needs.
• Support positive customer interactions through professional, courteous, and educational communication.
• Assist with de-escalating customer situations and supporting emotionally sensitive conversations, including pet intake and end-of-life decisions.
• Coordinate with multiple departments regarding animal health, behavior, intakes, evaluations, and transfers.
• Accurately complete intake forms, process financial transactions, balance cash drawers, and maintain proper data entry in ARL systems.
• Collaborate with volunteers and support their training, engagement, and contributions to department goals.
• Maintain clean and organized lobby and work areas while monitoring supply needs.
• Follow and model ARL policies, safety procedures, OSHA requirements, and compassionate animal-handling practices.

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of customer service experience preferred.
• At least one year of supervisory, lead, training, or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong communication, customer service, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and empathetic in fast-paced or emotionally challenging situations.
• Ability to coach team members and support a positive, accountable work environment.
• Comfort working with the public, staff, volunteers, and animals with varying needs.
• Ability to handle financial transactions and complete basic math accurately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn ARL systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees

The ARL is proud to offer competitive, market-driven compensation and a mission-focused culture. In addition, a variety of benefits are available to full-time employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works in an active animal shelter and customer service environment and may require standing, sitting, walking, moving throughout the facility, safely handling animals, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

The role may involve exposure to animal odors, animal waste, moderate noise, zoonotic diseases, cleaning products, and the possibility of bites or scratches while following established safety procedures. This position may also involve emotionally challenging conversations related to animal intake, lost pets, end-of-life decisions, and pet support needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join the ARL?

As an Admissions Shift Supervisor, your work helps guide the people, processes, and daily interactions that connect pet owners and community members with support, resources, and care. You will play an important role in helping the Admissions team provide compassionate service during moments that may be stressful, emotional, or deeply meaningful for pets and people.

If you are a thoughtful leader who enjoys supporting people, solving problems, and helping pets and families navigate important next steps, we would love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.