Volunteer Manager

Job Description

Richmond Animal League:

Today, RAL is in growth mode, expanding our reach and impact for a future where all cats and dogs are in a loving home with access to the support they need to thrive. We work with over 60 area shelters and rescue partners to reduce euthanasia across Virginia. RAL provides temporary housing, medical treatment, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and loving care to help pets find new homes.

As we approach our 50-year anniversary, RAL is stronger than ever, with plans for continued growth and impact in our communities. We’re proud of the difference we are making, the talented staff, our ambitious board, and our supportive community. This is a pivotal moment for the organization, with exciting plans for our campus, growth, and impact, and it’s a fantastic place to work.

Position Summary

The Volunteer Manager leads RAL’s volunteer program and supervises the Volunteer Coordinator. This position builds sustainable systems for recruitment, onboarding, training, placement, engagement, and recognition so volunteers can contribute effectively across the organization.

The manager partners with department leaders to match volunteer support to operational needs, strengthens staff and volunteer relationships, and develops community partnerships that support RAL’s mission.

As Volunteer Manager You Will

• Develop and implement volunteer program goals, priorities, and improvements aligned with RAL’s mission and departmental needs. Stay current on volunteer management and industry best practices and recommend practical changes.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate the Volunteer Coordinator. Set expectations, assign priorities, coordinate workload and coverage, and address staff performance concerns.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, applications, onboarding, orientation, placement, scheduling systems, and ongoing engagement. Ensure volunteers understand role expectations, safety requirements, and available support.
• Address volunteer concerns and conflicts with professionalism and discretion. Coordinate responses with the relevant department manager and escalate serious or cross-department issues to the COO or appropriate personnel.
• Manage volunteer program decisions, including reassignment, pauses, or separation under RAL policy. Department managers provide daily guidance and report concerns involving volunteers in their areas.
• Oversee accurate volunteer records, training completion, participation, service hours, and program documentation. Maintain confidentiality and ensure adherence to safety and organizational policies.
• Build relationships with community and corporate groups to support volunteer participation with the Development department. Present or coordinate volunteer opportunities, coordinate group service activities, and develop partnerships that meet RAL’s operational needs.
• Collaborate with Development and other departments on community engagement, events, and outreach requiring volunteer support. Coordinate volunteer recruitment and placement while event owners direct event operations.
• Assess volunteer participation, retention, coverage, feedback, and program risks. Report quarterly metrics, identify gaps, and recommend improvements and resource needs to the COO.
• Prepare and monitor the volunteer program budget with the COO. Support development or expansion of community programs when a defined volunteer role and adequate resources are established.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator. Oversees organization-wide volunteer program standards and participation processes. Department managers retain responsibility
• Create and maintain volunteer policies, handbooks, agreements, role descriptions, training materials, and workflows using the service enterprise recommendations. Obtain required approvals and keep program communications consistent across departments.
• Partner with department managers to identify volunteer needs and develop useful assignments. Provide staff with tools and guidance to welcome, train, and support volunteers; coordinate department-specific training with responsible teams.
• Lead volunteer retention and recognition efforts, maintain regular communication, and gather feedback through surveys and other channels. Translate feedback into practical improvements.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or an equivalent combination of relevant experience.
• Ability to develop programs, document procedures, coordinate training, and organize multiple priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including communicating with individuals and community groups.
• Ability to build respectful relationships with diverse staff, volunteers, and community members and handle sensitive situations with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, web-based tools, and database systems.
• Experience working with and managing volunteers.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous volunteer management and staff supervisory experience.
• Experience building or expanding a volunteer program and using participation data and feedback to improve it.
• Experience in an animal welfare or nonprofit organization.
• Experience with volunteer management software, community partnerships, and group service programs.
  
  

This is a full time job

Contact Information

Job Contact Details

Name Anne Auditore

Title HRBP

Email Address careers@ral.org

Website https://www.ral.org/work-at-ral

Closing Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Posting Date: October 6, 2026

Closing Date: November 3, 2026