Volunteer Coordinator

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Reporting to the Community Engagement Manager, the Volunteer Coordinator manages all aspects of the shelter’s volunteer program to include recruitment, onboarding, training, communications, supervision, recognition, and retention. As a member of the shelter’s leadership team, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible to develop and innovate the volunteer program and provide support and direction for current and prospective volunteers. Through continuously assessing and identifying needs, the Volunteer Coordinator ensures volunteers are well-matched into meaningful roles that help support the mission and day-to-day operational needs of the Riverdale Animal Shelter.

• Work Schedule: Work schedule is five eight-hour days per week. One weekend day is generally required. Some evenings required for special events and trainings.
• Work Location: Riverdale Animal Shelter 12155 Park Blvd. Brighton, CO 80601

Examples of Duties for Success

• Develop and lead continuous processes to effectively recruit, train, and retain volunteers.
• Facilitate orientations, presentations, meetings, and trainings.
• Respond to volunteer inquiries. Screen and onboard potential volunteers.
• Monitor the performance and wellbeing of volunteers. Proactively engage in timely and respectful conversations to address concerns, provide feedback, and support growth.
• Engage staff to identify organizational needs and develop volunteer roles and procedures.
• Implement targeted marketing and volunteer recruitment strategies that encourage broad participation and ensure equal opportunity for all applicants.
• Coordinate volunteer recognition initiatives and events. Maintain an active recognition plan.
• Compose and distribute weekly volunteer communications.
• Develop and update volunteer position descriptions and training materials ensuring effectiveness and inclusivity.
• Accurately maintain all volunteer files, documents, and database records.
• Prepare monthly statistics of volunteer service hours and other performance metrics.
• Foster collaboration with local animal welfare organizations, schools, and community groups.
• Support the Community Engagement Manager with internship programs and volunteer centric community events.
• Work closely with the county Communications team to update and promote volunteer opportunities and enhance website and social media pages.
• Ensure workplace safety for volunteers by identifying risks, implementing guidelines, and following all safety protocols and procedures.
• Work with shelter employees to maintain positive and collaborative volunteer-staff relationships.
• Provide support and co-supervision of foster volunteers as needed.
• Serve on the shelter’s Management Team and act as the Manager on Duty as needed.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Exercises direct supervision over volunteers.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications for Success

• Working knowledge of the principles and best practices for volunteer management.
• Prior experience with the direct supervision of employees or volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, including the ability to exercise good judgment in highly sensitive situations.
• Experience collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds and fostering an inclusive, respectful environment.
• Prior public speaking or group facilitation experience, and an enjoyment of and comfort level with speaking in front of large groups.
• Understanding of animal welfare and a commitment to the humane treatment of animals.
• Training in or the ability to become trained and certified in fear-fear animal handling.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and consistently meet project deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office to include, Word, Outlook, Power Point, and Excel.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn volunteer and animal-specific database programs (including Better Impact and Chameleon).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

More Qualifications for Success

Education/Training:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Bachelors’ degree in related field strongly preferred

Experience:

• Two (2) years of professional experience supervising volunteers or paid employees required.
• One (1) year of direct volunteer management experience strongly preferred.
• One (1) year experience in an animal shelter or other animal welfare organization strongly preferred.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver's License.

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Other:

• Bilingual Spanish a plus. Would be compensated for ability upon successful completion of required testing.
• Work can be emotionally taxing and is performed throughout shelter and internal office settings.
• Exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, potentially fearful/fractious animals.
• Allergies to animals and chemicals used to sanitize facilities must be controllable through medication or other means.
• Ability to provide hands on volunteer training and operational support, including occasional assistance with cleaning animal kennels.
• Potential for standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time. Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 40 pounds. Frequent computer use.