Full-Time Volunteer Coordinator

Job Description: Volunteer Coordinator

Classification: Hourly – Non-Exempt

Starting Salary: $40,000 -$42,000 Annually

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday

Reports to: Senior Manager of Customer Experience

Position Summary: The Volunteer Coordinator is the heartbeat of Richmond Animal League’s volunteer program, leading recruitment, training, scheduling, and support for a dedicated and growing volunteer community essential to our mission. This is a highly visible, hands-on role that spends the majority of time on-site, supporting volunteers in real time, solving problems, and ensuring shifts run smoothly.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven, culture builder who thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads with emotional intelligence and transparency, and is always willing to jump in -  from onboarding new volunteers to stepping into animal care support when needed. Strong operational skills and thoughtful stewardship are key to success in this role.

Core Responsibilities:

On-Site Leadership & Daily Operations

• Serve as the visible, accessible “go-to” leader for volunteers.

• Ensure shifts are fully staffed, supported, and running effectively.

• Provide real-time troubleshooting and hands-on operational support.
  Maintain organized, safe, and well-stocked volunteer spaces.

• Monitor attendance, engagement, and policy compliance while modeling a clean, mission-focused environment.

Recruitment, Onboarding, & Training

• Develop and implement strategies to recruit volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

• Review applications promptly and match volunteers to roles aligned with their strengths and organizational needs.

• Lead engaging orientation and onboarding experiences that connect volunteers to RAL’s mission.

• Assess training needs and coordinate ongoing development or corrective support as needed.

Volunteer Engagement & Stewardship

• Build strong relationships through consistent, face-to-face communication and check-ins.

• Respond to questions, concerns, and feedback with professionalism and emotional intelligence.

• Lead recognition efforts, appreciation initiatives, and milestone celebrations.

• Produce clear volunteer communications, including updates, newsletters, and training announcements.

• Foster a culture where volunteers feel valued, connected, and empowered.

Collaboration & Organizational Partnership

• Partner closely with the Senior Manager of Customer Experience and maintain transparent communication.

• Collaborate across departments to create meaningful volunteer opportunities.

• Mobilize volunteers for events, outreach, fundraising, transport, clinic support, and urgent needs.

What Success Looks Like

• Fully staffed and well-supported volunteer shifts.

• Engaged volunteers who feel appreciated and committed to the mission.

• Strong collaboration between staff and volunteers.

• Clear, proactive communication and organized systems that support operational excellence.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with 2 years of volunteer management experience.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Strong organizational skills, time management, and independent decision-making ability.

• High emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate difficult conversations calmly and professionally.

• Technological proficiency, including CRM/database systems (Bloomerang experience a plus).

• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  

Preferred:

• Experience managing volunteers

• A genuine passion for animal rescue and a "whatever it takes" attitude.

• Recruiting experience.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a shelter and clinic setting with high noise levels and exposure to cleaning chemicals, dust, animal urine and feces, and potential animal bites or scratches. The role requires frequent walking, standing, bending, lifting, and both indoor and outdoor work.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits include: health care coverage, dental and vision, SIMPLE IRA match, short-term disability, generous PTO, an Employee Assistance Program, flexible scheduling, and professional development opportunities.

To apply: Please send all resumes to Anne Auditore at careers@ral.org. Please include your resume, a cover letter or a statement of interest for the position, and let us know how you heard about the job. We’re excited to hear from you!

At Richmond Animal League (RAL), we believe in equality for all. We are committed to ensuring every employee and applicant has an equal opportunity, regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.