At a Glance
- Tasks: Recruit and support volunteer fosterers to help pets find loving homes.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a leading animal welfare charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, wellbeing support, pension scheme, and discounts on pet insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on pets' lives while building community connections.
- Qualifications: Experience managing volunteers and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24976 - 27643 € per year.
Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £24,976 - £27,643
Location: Southampton SO30 2HL
Closing date: Tuesday 2nd June 2026
Interview date: Friday 12th June 2026
We’re looking for a passionate and organised pet Foster Coordinator to join our Rehoming & Fostering team in Southampton. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in helping pets find safe, loving homes while they wait for their forever families. Our fostering service is central to our mission, supporting more pets by providing temporary homes through a dedicated network of volunteer fosterers. In this role, you’ll help grow and support that network, ensuring both pets and people have the best possible experience.
More about the role
As a Foster Coordinator, you’ll recruit, support, and manage a diverse network of volunteer fosterers across your local area. Working closely with the Adoptions Coordinator, you’ll monitor foster capacity, match pets to suitable homes, and ensure a smooth and effective fostering journey. You’ll also build strong relationships within local communities and with partner organisations, promoting fostering opportunities and attracting new volunteers. Alongside maintaining a high-performing fostering service, you’ll ensure fosterers feel valued, supported, and confident in their role. This is a full-time position, working Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm, plus one in three weekends (with two days off in lieu during the week).
About you
You’re a confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with people from all backgrounds. You’ll have experience managing or supporting volunteers, particularly in remote or community-based settings and understand how to motivate and guide them effectively. You’re collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused, with a genuine passion for helping others succeed in their roles. You’re comfortable working in a fast-paced, sometimes emotionally challenging environment, and bring resilience, empathy, and sound judgement to your work.
Essential qualification, skills and experience
- Demonstrable experience of supervision or management of volunteers.
- Experience of having worked in an animal welfare environment.
- Good experience of running and marketing recruitment campaigns for volunteer roles.
- Experience of working with local communities and promoting volunteer opportunities.
- Good interviewing and recruitment skills.
- Experience of working to a high level with minimal supervision.
- Able to prioritise and manage a busy work schedule dealing with complex issues whilst ensuring timely delivery or resolution of issues.
- Good experience of actively managing a bank of clients, volunteers or stakeholders.
- Previous experience in working in a client focused environment where delivering a high level of customer satisfaction is the norm.
- Championing change initiatives, influencing and leading colleagues to embrace the changes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and numerical skills.
- Strong organisational, administration and analytical skills, including use of computerised systems.
- Current full driving licence.
- The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Knowledge of animal behaviour and rescue environments.
- Understanding of relevant animal welfare legislation.
- Experience working collaboratively across teams.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Awareness of safeguarding principles.
How to apply
Please visit our website and complete the online application process before the closing date on Tuesday 2nd June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are. Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays).
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support.
- Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family.
- Health cash plan.
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme.
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution.
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
- Life assurance.
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
- Recognition scheme.
- Annual volunteer days.
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers.
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Foster Coordinator in Hampshire employer: Blue Cross
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of our staff. As a Foster Coordinator in Southampton, you will enjoy generous benefits such as 38 days of holiday, access to mental health support, and opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their foster families. Join us in our mission to create a better world for animals, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Foster Coordinator in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Blue Cross and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed volunteers or dealt with challenging situations. This will showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Foster Coordinator in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for animal welfare shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about helping pets find loving homes and supporting fosterers in their roles.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention any previous work with volunteers or in animal welfare, as this will show us you're a great fit for the Foster Coordinator role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross
✨Know Your Stuff About Fostering
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fostering and animal welfare. Understand the challenges and rewards of fostering pets, as well as the role of a Foster Coordinator. This will show your passion and commitment to the cause.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Foster Coordinator, you'll be working with volunteers and communities. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built relationships and motivated others in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to connect with diverse groups.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle complex situations. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you managed volunteers or dealt with challenging circumstances, and be ready to discuss them.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational abilities. Be prepared to talk about how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. You might want to mention any tools or systems you use to keep everything on track, especially in a busy environment.
