Volunteer Manager

Job Description: Volunteer Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt

Starting Salary: $52,000-56,000

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Date: October 2026

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.

Essential Functions:

• 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.

• 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 the teams responsible.

• Lead volunteer retention and recognition efforts, maintain regular communication, and gather feedback through surveys and other channels. Translate feedback into practical improvements.

• 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 for supervising their staff and directing volunteer tasks within

  their departments.

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.

Core Competencies:

Program development, initiative, sound judgment, organization, relationship building, staff coaching, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Models RAL’s mission and values, recognizes volunteer contributions, and promotes collaboration between staff and volunteers.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Work occurs in office and shelter settings and may include outdoor activities. The shelter may have high noise levels and exposure to cleaning chemicals, dust, animal allergens, urine and feces, and the potential for bites and scratches. The position requires computer use, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and animal handling appropriate to the role. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and use assistance for heavier loads. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation.

Schedule and Travel:

Full-time, with weekday hours and evening or weekend work as needed for volunteer activities, orientations, and events. A flexible schedule is required. Regular, predictable, and reliable attendance is essential.

Occasional local travel may be needed for community presentations, partnerships, and events.

Other Duties:

This job description describes the primary responsibilities of the position and is not a comprehensive list. Duties may change based on organizational needs. Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Short Term Disability

• Simple IRA and 3% Match

• Continuing Education allowance

If you are interested in this position, please send your cover letter and resume to careers@ral.org. No phone calls, please.

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.