Volunteer and Community Programs Manager

Volunteer and Community Program Manager

Job Description

Class: Exempt, Full-Time                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      September 2026

Location: Merriam

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Manages/Supervises: Volunteers

Salary: $55,000 - $58,000

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically? 
• Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
• Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.? 
• Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

Position Summary: The Volunteer and Community Programs Manager leverages networking, relationship building, and recruiting to develop and build community volunteer support for Great Plains SPCA. The ideal candidate is highly driven, professional, confidential and capable of independently managing their workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced ever-changing environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a mission-driven service organization in the animal welfare industry. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Proactively engage, develop, train, and recruit volunteers to consistently fill essential roles that support Great Plains SPCA
• In collaboration with other department leaders, work to create, implement, and maintain specialized volunteer roles that provide well-rounded support to the organization
• Lead and manage recruitment process for volunteer event coverage, including planning various events and attending as needed
• Attend regular community events to promote Great Plains SPCA and attract volunteers
• Be available for volunteer questions and concerns, creating a welcoming and supportive environment at Great Plains SPCA 
• Schedule, manage and lead community group requests from corporate, school and scout organizations
• Lead and manage tour groups and individual volunteers in collaboration with other Great Plains SPCA teams
• Create and implement creative ideas to increase volunteer engagement and retention
• Deliver communications to provide news and procedural changes to volunteers and fosters including weekly newsletter
• Become a subject matter expert and lead administrator of the Great Plains SPCA volunteer software platform. Manage all administrative duties for our CRM.
• Handle volunteer conflict resolution as needed and involve Leadership as appropriate 
• Provide regular and proactive updates to the Vice President of Operations and Leadership regarding program progress, challenges, successes, and opportunities.
• Track key volunteer program metrics and provide regular reports and analysis highlighting program successes, challenges, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Fully support in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities and decisions of GPSPCA 
• Serve as a GPSPCA ambassador to donors, volunteers, community leaders
• Other duties as needed

Key Capabilities 

• Key Competencies- Drive for Results, Resilience, Integrity, Problem Solving, and Customer Focus
• High level of confidentiality, tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to effectively work with diverse groups of people and confidently navigate difficult or crucial conversations
• High value for quality, compassion, teamwork, collaboration and fun
• Able to work well under pressure within an ever-changing, fast paced environment
• Practices the highest levels of respect for animals and people

Experience Requirements

• Three to five years of experience in volunteer management, people leadership, community engagement, or a related field preferred.
• Sales, recruitment, networking and relationship development experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of animal behavior and training a plus
• Strong Microsoft Office and computer software skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills 
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service and professionalism

Additional Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license and insurance coverage

Work Conditions

• Standard Schedule: Wednesday – Sunday. Hours may vary; evenings may be required.
• Physical requirements are those present in normal office environment conditions. Employee is required to sit at a desk and work at computer for long periods of time 
• Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs. 
• Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs. 
• Lift 50 lbs. to waist height
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels. 
• Local travel may be required
• Perform daily animal handling and other shelter-related responsibilities as needed.

At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause. 

Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications. 

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
• 100% employer‑covered mental health support
• Disability and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets