Coordinator, Community Cats

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Coordinator, Community Cats

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager, Community Programs

SUPERVISES: N/A

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, Full-Time, Hourly

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2/11/2026

About Tree House Humane Society

Tree House Humane Society is dedicated to fostering healthy communities for cats and people through compassionate care, community-based programs, and innovative approaches that support cats and their caretakers. Our programs-including Community Cats, TNR, Cats at Work, vaccine clinics, and outreach initiatives-focus on empowering caretakers, strengthening community connections, and creating sustainable solutions for cat overpopulation.

SUMMARY: The Community Cats Coordinator supports the operational and promotional aspects of Tree House’s Community Cats and Cats at Work (CAW) programs. Working with considerable independence under the guidance of the Supervisor, the Coordinator coordinates projects, tracks program data, and assists volunteers or other key stakeholders to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Using a non-judgmental approach, this role helps reduce the outdoor cat population in Chicago while empowering colony caretakers to make informed decisions about the cats in their care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Cats & TNR Coordination (≈55%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact and program administrator for the Community Cats program, coordinating case management for TNR projects from intake through completion.
• Coordinate scheduling and logistics for TNR projects, including trapping support, transport to and from the facility for surgery, exams, transfer, and return-to-field.
• Coordinate deployment of volunteers and contract trappers to project sites in collaboration with the Supervisor.
• Support care and treatment of cats receiving services, ensuring adherence to established protocols and providing hands-on operational support as needed.
• Respond to general community cat inquiries from caretakers, community members, and partner organizations, including site visits when appropriate; escalate complex or sensitive concerns to the Supervisor.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal departments, registered Feral Cat Colony Caretakers, and partner organizations, ensuring alignment with Cook County’s Managed Care of Feral Cats ordinance.
• Track program activity and outcomes by collecting, recording, and maintaining accurate data in ShelterLuv, Google Drive, and related systems.
• Maintain inventory and organization of Community Cats supplies (traps, shelters, covers, food, etc.) and communicate supply needs to the Supervisor.
• Participate in Community Cats-related education and outreach efforts, including presentations, workshops, and the annual shelter build.
• Stay informed on community cat best practices and share recommendations with the Supervisor for program improvement.
  
  

Cats at Work (CAW) Program Coordination (≈35%)

• Serve as the primary coordinator for CAW projects, supporting intake, documentation, and day-to-day case coordination.
• Coordinate CAW placement and relocation logistics, participating in placements as needed.
• Work with transfer and placement partners to arrange cat transfers and support live outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Community Programs team to identify appropriate live outcomes for cats, following established protocols and ordinances.
• Maintain inventory and organization of CAW materials (crates, tarps, bells, etc.) and communicate supply needs to the Supervisor.
• Stay informed on local and national working cat program practices and share relevant insights with the Supervisor.
• Analyze cat behavior and CAW site trends to identify gaps and provide insights that inform program enhancements.
• Support volunteers involved in CAW activities by providing guidance, resources, and clear communication under Supervisor direction.

Cross-Program & Departmental Support (≈10%)

• Participate in other Community Programs activities as needed, including spay/neuter transport, community vaccine clinics, and pet food pantry support.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new staff in established operational procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides guidance and training to volunteers and new staff involved in program processes.
• Does not have formal supervisory authority over staff, performance management responsibilities, or organizational-wide decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional relevant education preferred.
• Minimum 2 years working knowledge of animal welfare issues.
• Minimum 2 years of customer service experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate organizational vehicles as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic office equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, including handling emotionally charged client interactions professionally.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills; able to prioritize multiple tasks and make operational decisions within established guidelines.
• Experience with data entry, reporting, and administrative processes, maintaining accurate records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is primarily field-based and requires frequent outdoor work.
• Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Regular physical activity is required, including bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, balancing, and handling animals.
• Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods; occasionally required to sit.
• Work is performed in a variety of settings, including outdoor locations, shelter, and clinic environments.
• Continual exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to animals, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, and noise typical of animal care environments.
• Regular interaction with staff, volunteers, community members, and members of the public in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• May involve interaction with individuals in high-stress or emotionally sensitive situations.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Reliable Execution: Demonstrates dependability and punctuality. Consistently meets deadlines, follows through on commitments, and delivers high-quality work with guidance from supervisors.
• Organizational Excellence: Maintains accurate records and plans ahead to ensure smooth program operations.
• Time & Priority Management: Manages workload effectively, balancing daily tasks with larger projects. Uses sound judgment to escalate challenges when needed.
• Operational Excellence: Coordinates logistics and resources efficiently, anticipates obstacles, and applies problem-solving skills within established procedures.
• Collaboration & Communication: Communicates clearly and respectfully with team members, volunteers, and community partners. Shares updates promptly and maintains transparency.
• Volunteer & Community Support: Provides guidance and assistance to volunteers and community members under supervisor direction. Models empathy, professionalism, and best practices in program operations.
• Empathy & Client Care: Demonstrates patience and professionalism when assisting clients. Provides compassionate, nonjudgmental support while following program guidelines.
• Mission Alignment & Ethical Integrity: Demonstrates commitment to Tree House Humane Society’s mission. Maintains confidentiality and upholds ethical standards in all work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand.
• Frequently required to walk.
• Occasionally required to sit.
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.

• Continual exposure to outside weather conditions.
• Must occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 pounds.
• Additional remarks regarding work environment: Frequent exposure to potentially harsh outdoor environments including areas infested with rats or dirty conditions.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sunday to Thursday, some Saturday's required. Hours will vary depending on daily operations.
Typically 7:00am to 3:00pm and 8:00am to 4:00pm.