Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager

In order to be considered for this position, a cover letter must be uploaded here or submitted to Gina Lamagna at lamagna@animalprotective.org. In your cover letter, tell us about a relationship you've built—personal, professional, or volunteer-related—that you're particularly proud of and why.

This position works Tuesday - Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with flexibility required to work extended hours as necessary, including occasional evening or weekend hours for community events, meetings, and training.

The rate of pay is $24 - $27 per hour.

The Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager (VCEM) plays a vital role in advancing the APF’s mission by overseeing volunteer programs, humane education initiatives, and community engagement efforts. The VCEM recruits, screens, trains, schedules, supervises, and recognizes volunteers who support shelter operations, spay/neuter services, community pet wellness clinics, adoption events, administrative functions, special events, and community outreach initiatives.

The VCEM serves as an ambassador for the APF, building meaningful relationships with schools, businesses, community organizations, service groups, and other stakeholders. This position is responsible for expanding volunteer engagement, strengthening community partnerships, enhancing public awareness of the APF, and ensuring volunteers are equipped to provide exceptional support to the organization and the animals in our care.

The VCEM will be professional, self-motivated, organized, collaborative, and passionate about animal welfare, with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Essential Functions

Volunteer Program Management:

• Develop, implement, and oversee all volunteer recruitment, screening, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, and retention.
• Collaborate with management and staff to identify, develop, and expand meaningful volunteer opportunities across the organization.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of APF shelter and clinic operations, programs, policies, and procedures to effectively recruit, train, assign, and support volunteers.
• Conduct volunteer orientations and ongoing training programs.
• Maintain volunteer database, ensuring accurate assignments, documentation, and reporting.
• Prepare and distribute volunteer schedules and monitor participation and compliance.
• Regularly evaluate volunteer effectiveness and satisfaction through surveys, feedback, and direct observation.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to volunteers.
• Document safety concerns and incidents, and communicate findings to leadership and the safety committee, where appropriate.
• Address volunteer conflicts and disciplinary matters, up to and including volunteer dismissal when necessary.
• Develop and coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation initiatives.
• Review and update volunteer handbook, training materials, job descriptions, and related documents.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports regarding volunteer engagement, recruitment, retention, and program outcomes.
• Ensure volunteers are utilized effectively, treated respectfully, and recognized for their contributions.
• Coordinate volunteer staffing and support for adoption events, community pet wellness clinics, outreach activities, fundraising, and special events.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, businesses, service clubs, and volunteer groups.
• Represent the APF at community events, speaking engagements, shelter tours, educational programs, and public outreach opportunities.
• Coordinate and participate in special events, adoption events, fundraising events, and tabling opportunities.
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteer support for community events and outreach activities.
• Seek opportunities to expand APF visibility through community partnerships, media opportunities, and educational initiatives.
• Promote volunteerism and community involvement through outreach and relationship-building activities.
• Respond to community inquiries regarding volunteer opportunities and humane education.
• Work collaboratively with the development and marketing team to support outreach efforts, campaigns, events, and community initiatives.

Humane Education

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver humane education programs for schools, youth groups, scout troops, and community organizations.
• Organize shelter tours, classroom presentations, reading programs, and educational workshops.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to expand educational programming and outreach efforts.
• Promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and APF services through educational initiatives.
• Serve as a resource for educators and community members seeking information related to animal welfare and humane education.

Program Administration

• Develop goals, strategies, and annual plans for volunteer and community engagement programs.
• Track program metrics and prepare reports for leadership.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Continuously evaluate programs and implement improvements to increase effectiveness and impact.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience: A successful candidate in this position typically has an associates-level degree or equivalent working experience such as managing volunteer programs. Must have the ability to problem solve, be self-motivated, and leadership qualities to build and manage diverse teams. The ability to represent the APF in public settings is essential.

• Knowledge: Must be proficient with computer applications including shelter/constituent tracking software, internet use, and Microsoft Office Suite. Must have excellent written and public speaking experience.
• Skills: Must possess strong supervision/management, interpersonal communication, and team-building skills to effectively recruit and manage a diverse corps of volunteers. Must have excellent customer service skills. Must be able to develop and manage a budget. Must be highly organized, effectively meet deadlines, and demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

• Have a high level of manual dexterity.
• The ability to bend and squat.
• The ability to stand and sit for significant periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to focus clearly.
• Carry and lift light objects up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours.
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
• Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations