Volunteer Program Coordinator

Humane Rescue Alliance

Job Description

Salary Range:
$19.00 Hourly Onwards

Job Summary:

At HRA, our team of more than 1200 volunteers serve in over 65 different opportunities across 17 unique program areas. Our Volunteer Program staff work directly with our volunteer team and program leaders throughout the organization to ensure everyone has the necessary skills and resources to grow and develop our available services to our local DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities.

We are looking for a passionate people-person with demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, process-driven, collaborative workspace to fill the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Our ideal candidate is driven by their connection to the people AND animals, both within the organization and externally, and seeks to increase their knowledge, skills and abilities through valuable shared experiences.

While our team is highly collaborative, this position requires is primarily responsible for performing the duties and responsibilities outlined below with a specific focus on fulfilling the needs of our animal care and in-shelter programs, including dog walkers, cat socializers, Behavior, Adoptions, Customer Care, Medical, and more.

Preferred candidates will include a cover letter with their application outlining their interest in this position and their unique skills and experience specifically related to this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Infrastructure:

Develop and maintain written descriptions of volunteer roles and responsibilities, volunteer manuals and SOPs. Track and accurately report on volunteer data, including hours and number of volunteers.
Manage comprehensive recruitment, intake, orientation, and training of all volunteers throughout their tenure at HRA, including inventory and maintenance of technology, supplies, and safety equipment.
Ensure volunteer adherence to policies and procedures and intervene when necessary to resolve noncompliance, maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
Foster an environment that embraces positivity, diversity, inclusion, development, and connection.
Strategic Planning:

Collaborate with Volunteer Program Manager to identify new organizational needs, develop volunteer initiatives to address those needs, and fulfill requests for volunteers quickly and efficiently.
Communicate with staff and volunteers in ongoing opportunities to re-evaluate program needs, understand successes, and identify barriers to engagement.
Gather feedback from staff and volunteers to develop positive, mission-focused solutions.
Relationship-building:

Serve as volunteers’ main point-of-contact and respond to all inquiries quickly with compassion.
Assist volunteers with identifying available roles that best match their availability, knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests.
Seek to get to know all volunteers. Remember what they share and connect with them personally.
Identify and develop volunteers to consider for leadership opportunities.
Produce volunteer newsletter and utilize other outreach communication tools to increase volunteer engagement.
Evaluate volunteer performance and provide constructive feedback when needed using empathy and firmness as appropriate.
Collaborate with staff to build interconnected webs of human resources to meet organizational needs.
Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization. 
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Knowledge of volunteer management best practices in nonprofit sector. Preferred candidate will also have a basic knowledge of animal behavior.
Demonstrated ability to engage a diverse group of constituents and build and maintain those relationships.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.
Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.
Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, internet and database management software. Knowledge of Get Connected preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible and detail-oriented.
Demonstrated ability to exhibit sound judgment and handle confidential matters.
Demonstrated ability to be a team player with a positive, can-do mentality and pro-active approach who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
Access to reliable transportation.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias. 
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Availability and ability to work regular weekend or weeknight hours. The regular schedule for this role is in-person, onsite, Sunday through Thursday.
Regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment.
Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
Comfortable working with and around cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including but not limited to: lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting and bending. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
Education and Experience:

Minimum 1 year of experience in animal behavior, animal sheltering, volunteer management, program management. Experience in public-facing, customer-service oriented roles preferred.
Proficiency in the Spanish language preferred.
Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.

This is a full time job