Adoption & Foster Programmes Manager Freelancer (Dog Behaviour & Training Specialist) for ROLDA UK

Contract Type: Self-employed, permanent

Hours: Part-time (potential for full-time for the right candidate)

Location: Remote

Reporting To: CEO

Organisational Structure:

Works closely with Head of Fundraising (adoption success stories), Social MediaManager (social media promotion), and Adoption coordinator (shareddog allocation between the UK, Sweden etc).

About us

Thank you for your interest in our Adoption and Foster Programmes Manager role.

ROLDA United for Vulnerable Animals Worldwide is a small but dedicated animal welfarecharity committed to improvingthe lives of dogs, cats, and other animals in Romania andinternationally. Since its establishment in 2006, ROLDA has been a beacon of hope for themillions of vulnerable stray animals in Romania—one of Europe’s economically poorestnations.

Our mission is to manage the homeless animal population, estimated to be in the millions,through six key areas of focus:rescue, rehabilitation, sheltering, sterilisation, rehoming, andeducation. Within our shelters—designed with inspiration from British kennel models andmaintained to meet EU animal welfare standards—we can accommodate up to 700 stray rescued animals at a time. Here, they receive full veterinary care, rehabilitation, and preparation foradoption.

Since 2006, we have helped over 100,000 animals, primarily dogs and cats, and have builttwo dedicated dog shelters and a facility for disabled and senior cats. In addition to ourdirect rescue and rehoming efforts, we provide financial support,primarily through smallgrants to other charities in Romania and a dozen of shelters in Ukraine. Our rehomingefforts primarily focus on Switzerland, Sweden, and the UK.

Beyond rescue and sheltering, ROLDA actively addresses the root cause of Romania’shomeless animal crisis through comprehensive neutering programmes and educationalinitiatives.

We are proud of the work we do and remain committed to building a better future forRomania’s stray animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term solutions.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Adoption & Foster Programmes Manager with expertise in dogbehaviour and training tooversee and enhance our adoption and foster care initiatives. Thisrole requires strong experience with stray dogs, excellent communication skills, and theability to build relationships with adopters, foster carers, and behaviourists.

Key Responsibilities

Adoption Programme:

• Ensure smooth adoption processes by clearly communicating guidelines andexpectations to adopters before the adoption is approved/dog is transported inthe UK.
• Conduct pre- and post-adoption home checks in collaboration with volunteerorganisations.
• Provide ongoing post-adoption support, answering queries and addressing concerns.
• Maintain regular communication with adopters to gather feedback and updates.
• Ensure dogs available for adoption are well-advertised.
• Create a sustainable foster programme.
• Establish 3-5 reliable foster homes (to start with) for cases where adoptions fail.
• Develop a plan to expand the foster network over time.
• Determine the costs associated with the foster programme and identify potentialfunding sources to support it.
• Provide training tips and behavioural guidance to adopters.
• Build and maintain relationships with 1-2 UK-based dog behaviourists
• Offer expert advice to adopters on handling behavioural challenges.

Communication & Relationship Management:

• Act as the key contact for adopters, providing timely advice and support inemergencies.
• Handle difficult situations with professionalism, ensuring positive representation ofROLDA.
• Gather and manage adopter feedback to improve the adoption process.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience working with stray dogs, ideally having adopted or fostered strayspersonally.
• Strong knowledge of dog behaviour and training techniques.
• Ability to connect with and collaborate with professional dog behaviourists.
• Experience in managing or developing foster care programmes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain processes clearly andsupport adopters effectively.
• Patience and professionalism when dealing with challenging situations.

Person Specification

• Experience working with stray dogs, ideally having adopted or fostered strayspersonally.
• Strong knowledge of dog behaviour and training techniques.
• Ability to provide clear training advice and behavioural support to adopters.
• Experience in managing or developing foster care programmes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain processes clearly andsupport adopters effectively.
• Patience and professionalism when dealing with challenging situations.
• Ability to work independently and proactively to improve the adoption and fosterprograms.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy.
• Good organisational and administrative skills, including record-keeping and follow-ups.
• A flexible approach to working, including occasional tasks outside coreresponsibilities.
• Previous experience in an adoption or fostering role within an animal welfareorganisation.
• Established connections with professional dog behaviourists in the UK.
• Knowledge of fundraising and budgeting to support the foster programme.
• Experience using social media or online platforms for dog adoption promotion.
• Understanding of UK dog adoption regulations and requirements.
• Familiarity with home-check procedures and adoption screening.

Qualifications & Training

• Professional experience in dog behaviour, training, or welfare (may be throughhands-on work rather than formal education).
• Knowledge of animal welfare standards and best practices in adoption and fostering.
• Demonstrable experience working with dogs, particularly strays or rescue dogs.
• Formal qualification in dog behaviour, training, or animal welfare (e.g., Level 3 orhigher qualification in Animal Care, Canine Behaviour, or similar).
• Certification from a recognised dog training or behaviour body (e.g., IMDT, APDT,IAABC, or ABTC-accredited course).
• Qualification or training in animal welfare legislation and home-checking procedures.
• First Aid for Dogs certification.
• Training in conflict resolution or customer service, especially in animal welfarecontexts.

Additional Requirements & Flexibility

• The successful candidate must be willing to take on occasional tasks outside theircore responsibilities as needed.
• The role requires adaptability as the adoption and foster programmes evolve.
• Must be willing to travel as needed to support the charity’s adoption, foster, andrescue initiatives, as well as to collaborate with partner organisations.
• Flexible work arrangements: To support your work-life balance, we offer flexiblework hours and the option to work remotely.
• Meaningful work: Join a team dedicated to making a real difference to animals inneed and see the direct impact of your efforts.
• Opportunities for leadership: Take on this leadership role and gain valuableexperience and career growth opportunities.
• Inclusive culture: Be part of a diverse, inclusive team that values and respects allmembers.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of stray dogs,ensuring they find loving and well-prepared homes. If you are passionate about dog welfareand have the skills to manage adoption and foster programmes, we would love to hear fromyou.

ROLDA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of allbackgrounds and experiences.

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