Volunteer Program Manager

Position: Volunteer Program Manager

Department: Volunteer Services

Reports To: Director of Volunteer Services

Location: 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

The Volunteer Program Manager is responsible for the on-site leadership and management of the volunteer program at DeKalb County Animal Services. This role ensures volunteers are effectively recruited, trained, scheduled, supported, and retained to meet the operational needs of the shelter while maintaining compliance with LifeLine policies and standards. The Volunteer Program Manager serves as the primary point of accountability for volunteer operations at the location and directly supervises the Volunteer Coordinator.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous -- 

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Program Leadership:

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the volunteer program at DeKalb County Animal Services to ensure consistent, reliable volunteer coverage that supports animal care and operations.
• Serve as the primary on-site authority for volunteer-related decisions, escalations, and problem-solving.
• Ensure volunteer activities align with shelter protocols, safety standards, and operational priorities in an effort to save lives. 
• Collaborate closely with shelter leadership to anticipate volunteer needs and adjust scheduling, roles, or training accordingly.

Staff Supervision & Development:

• Directly supervise the Volunteer Coordinator with compassion, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Ensure the Volunteer Coordinator is supported in executing recruitment, scheduling, orientation, and communication responsibilities.
• Address performance concerns and disciplinary issues involving volunteers in accordance with LifeLine policies, escalating to the Director of Volunteer Services as appropriate.

Volunteer Engagement & Support:

• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention efforts at the assigned location.
• Take responsibility to maintain a visible and consistent presence within the shelter to foster strong relationships with volunteers and staff.
• Provide compassionate support to volunteers, including navigating emotionally challenging situations related to animal illness, injury, or euthanasia.
• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful volunteer culture.

Communication & Coordination: 

• Ensure timely and accurate volunteer communications, including schedules, updates, and location-specific announcements.
• Coordinate volunteer participation in special events, off-site adoptions, and community service projects tied to the assigned shelter.
• Courageously serve as the primary liaison between volunteers and shelter staff to ensure smooth collaboration and clear expectations.

Data, Systems & Reporting:

• Oversee accurate maintenance of volunteer records, schedules, and hours within the volunteer database.
• Monitor volunteer participation trends at the location and share insights, challenges, and recommendations with the Director of Volunteer Services.
• Support data collection and reporting requirements for leadership dashboards and internal reviews.

General Responsibilities:

• Respect, embrace, and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset and welcome visitors with a friendly and professional demeanor. 
• Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid LifeLine.
• Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Exhibit exceptional stewardship by maintaining a clean and tidy work area.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Demonstrated compassion for animals and the people who care for them.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with experience supervising staff or leading teams.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to address challenging or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications and experience with volunteer or donor database systems preferred.
• Comfortable working in animal shelter environments and handling dogs and cats of various sizes and temperaments.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules based on program needs.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
• Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent; college degree or relevant coursework preferred.

Minimum of two years’ experience in animal welfare, sheltering, volunteer engagement, or a related field. Prior experience coordinating volunteers and/or supervising staff strongly preferred. Fear Free Sheltering experience preferred.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells and may be required to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased, or behaviorally challenging.