Volunteer Coordinator

SUMMARY

The Volunteer Coordinator will oversee all aspects of Wags & Walks' volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, engagement, and retention. This role is responsible for building a strong, reliable volunteer community that supports daily operations and advances our lifesaving mission. The ideal candidate is passionate, highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Reports to: Volunteer and Events Program Manager

Status: Full-Time

Location: Nashville, TN

Compensation: $20-$23/hour

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer Program Coordination

• Serve as the primary lead for Wags & Walks' volunteer program, ensuring volunteers have a positive, organized, and meaningful experience from first inquiry through ongoing engagement.
• Manage volunteer and intern recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, scheduling, and day-to-day communication.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer inquiries and maintain timely, professional communication with prospective and active volunteers.
• Maintain volunteer recruitment platforms, including Better Impact, Google Groups, and other outreach channels to support volunteer growth.
• Coordinate volunteer coverage across adoptions, daily operations, transports, events, and special projects by partnering closely with all departments.
• Schedule and facilitate volunteer orientations and trainings, ensuring volunteers understand organizational policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Build strong relationships with volunteers through consistent communication, recognition, and stewardship to encourage long-term engagement and retention.
• Coordinate volunteer support for community events, adoption events, and organizational initiatives, serving as the on-site volunteer lead when needed.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records, schedules, training completion, and volunteer hours within volunteer management systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve volunteer processes, communication, and overall volunteer experience, bringing recommendations to leadership.
• Support volunteer appreciation efforts, including recognition programs, appreciation events, milestone acknowledgments, and volunteer communications.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven volunteer culture that reflects the values of Wags & Walks.

Volunteer Communications & Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with volunteers through newsletters, social media groups, email, and other communication channels.
• Promote volunteer opportunities to support recruitment and engagement.
• Partner with the Marketing team to celebrate volunteer stories and highlight volunteer impact when appropriate.

Program Reporting & Administrative Support

• Track volunteer metrics including recruitment, onboarding, active volunteers, volunteer hours, retention, and event participation.
• Prepare regular volunteer reports and updates for leadership.
• Assist with volunteer program planning and implementation, supporting organizational goals and departmental priorities.
• Ensure volunteer policies, procedures, waivers, and documentation remain current and consistently followed.

QUALITIES

• Must be a dog lover!
• Problem solver and quick thinker
• Not afraid to talk to everyone and anyone about Wags and Walks
• Excellent communication skills
• Special ability to make personal connections in a larger setting while also staying focused on the larger goals
• A team player who works well with others
• Friendly demeanor and positive attitude
• Enjoys working in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Is very detail oriented
• Is very proactive and a self-starter
• Flexibility, able to think on your feet and go with the flow

QUALIFICATIONS

• College Degree preferred
• Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed
• Experience with nonprofits, volunteer coordination, or community engagement preferred
• Computer proficient (Google docs, ability to learn new software, etc)
• Must have a current and valid Tennessee Driver’s License
• Must be comfortable standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Background in animal welfare preferred
• Must be available to work Tuesday - Saturday