What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer Coordinator position at Greater Birmingham Humane Society Inc?
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“GBHS”) is seeking a dynamic and highly organized Volunteer Coordinator to lead and manage a comprehensive volunteer services program. This role is responsible for the recruitment, training, scheduling, coordination, and engagement of volunteers to support all areas of the organization.
The Coordinator plays a critical role in integrating volunteer resources into daily operations and strategic initiatives, including planning, scheduling, coordinating, and staffing events with volunteer support. This position ensures that volunteer engagement enhances organizational capacity, strengthens community relationships, and advances the mission of GBHS.
Additionally, the Coordinator oversees the scheduling of shelter tours and manages the Volunteer Office in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports to the Director of Development and Marketing
- Collaborates with the CEO, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams
- Works closely with Development, Marketing, Communications, and Program staff
- Serves as the primary liaison to volunteers, community partners, corporate groups, and civic organizations
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteer Program Development & Management
- Design, implement, and continuously improve a best-practice volunteer program aligned with GBHS’ mission
- Develop and maintain volunteer service descriptions and staffing plans
- Assess organizational needs and strategically deploy volunteers to support operations
- Establish program goals, metrics, and evaluation processes
Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement
- Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract diverse and skilled volunteers
- Promote volunteer opportunities through community outreach and partnerships
- Manage onboarding, screening, and placement processes
- Foster a positive and inclusive volunteer culture that encourages retention and engagement
Event Coordination & Volunteer Staffing
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate volunteer staffing for all GBHS events, including on-site, off-site, fundraising, and community engagement activities
- Develop and manage event staffing plans to ensure appropriate volunteer coverage and alignment with operational needs
- Serve as the central point of coordination between event organizers, staff, and volunteers to ensure seamless execution
- Coordinate group service days and corporate volunteer engagements, including scheduling, communication, and on-site management
- Ensure volunteers are properly trained, briefed, and equipped to support events effectively
- Evaluate event outcomes and volunteer performance to inform future planning
Volunteer Operations & Administration
- Maintain volunteer records, scheduling systems, and tracking software
- Oversee volunteer scheduling to ensure adequate coverage across all departments
- Manage inquiries, communications, and confirmations for individual and group volunteers
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and risk management standards
Training, Leadership & Support
- Provide orientation and ongoing training to volunteers
- Train staff on effective volunteer engagement and supervision
- Support conflict resolution and ensure a positive experience for volunteers and staff
- Implement recognition programs to acknowledge volunteer contributions
Program Oversight & Reporting
- Monitor program performance, budgets, and resource allocation
- Prepare reports on volunteer engagement, impact, and program outcomes
- Ensure a safe, compliant, and supportive environment for all volunteers
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- 3–5 years of experience in volunteer management, event coordination, or related field preferred
- Experience coordinating events and managing volunteer or workforce scheduling preferred
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (or equivalent experience)
- Certification in Volunteer Management or related field is a plus
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with event planning, logistics, and volunteer coordination
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Proficiency in database and scheduling systems
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Ethical and mission-driven leadership
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Ability to build and sustain community partnerships
- Highly organized with attention to detail
- Collaborative and team-oriented
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role operates in both office and animal shelter environments and may require standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 pounds, or 75 pounds with accommodation), and exposure to animals, cleaning agents, and varying environmental conditions. The position requires flexibility, including occasional evenings, weekends, and local travel to support events and volunteer activities.
The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
The typical schedule for this role is Tuesday - Saturday from 8:00am-5:00pm but is subject to change based on organizational need.
Salary : $45,000