Volunteer Coordinator

Position: Volunteer Coordinator

Department: Operations

Reports To: Director of Volunteer Services

Location: 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336

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 Coordinator is responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of volunteers with the goal of efficiently supporting the facility operations and assisting with events requested by other departments. This position maintains volunteer records and coordinates volunteer schedules, prepares volunteer program reports, and liaises with the community to attract new volunteers and drive volunteer engagement. 

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

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Recruit, direct, guide, and train volunteers in performance of the respective duties.
• Exhibit exceptional stewardship by evaluating, implementing and keeping current volunteer applications and screening process, volunteer handbook and training manuals on a regular basis.
• Manage the volunteer database to keep track of all volunteers, orientation dates, training dates, moneys collected, and all other information pertaining to individual volunteer job skills and work preference. 
• Support saving the lives of animals by maintaining clear, strong communication with the volunteers to ensure all animal care and handling is done according to protocol.
• Provide opportunities for volunteers to give feedback, understand policies and interact in professional and social settings.
• Compassionately offer emotional support to volunteers, including engaging in sensitive conversations related to animals in distress or situations involving euthanasia.
• Provide guidance and coaching to volunteers, and address disciplinary matters in accordance with the standards and procedures outlined in the Volunteer Manual.
• Respect, embrace, and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset and reminding our volunteers to practice the same. 

Communication and Collaboration:

• Build positive relationships with volunteers by greeting on-site volunteers daily. 
• Support the implementation of volunteer job descriptions and volunteer training manuals.
• Facilitate professional interaction between volunteers and LifeLine staff. 
• Schedule and conduct volunteer orientations.
• Schedule and confirm volunteers for special events and other activities as requested from other departments. 
• Schedule volunteers for Off-Site adoptions (and additional locations on an “as needed” basis) and confirm on a weekly basis. 
• Record cancellations and make necessary changes to ensure adequate coverage of volunteer help. 
• Draft, edit and publish a weekly newsletter to volunteers. 
• Work in conjunction with the public and companies/organizations that are interested in community service projects. 
• Courageously coordinate with other departments in the development and implementation of new volunteer programs.
• Keep record of special project volunteer hours and write letters of completed service when requested.
• Take responsibility to schedule volunteers for various positions in the shelter to ensure consistent and even coverage.
• Interface and cooperate with other departments within the organization by being involved in various planning committees. 
• Perform customer service to the standards set forth in LifeLine’s employee manual.

General Responsibilities:

• Maintain a general understanding of all shelter operations, including animal care, adoption policies, volunteer opportunities, foster programs and any other operational processes.
• Stay informed about current animals in the shelter, including their needs, personalities, and status. 
• Collaborate with other shelter staff to address any issues or concerns that arise.
• Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid all department teams.
• Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Maintain 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.

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., MS Office, Google Workspace, email) and experience with database systems is a plus.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments to ensure efficient shelter operations.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain composed under pressure.
• Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly. 
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
• Must have a means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
• Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; college degree or relevant coursework preferred. 

18 years or older. 

One or more years’ experience in animal related field or animal sheltering preferred. 

Previous experience in volunteer engagement or a similar role is highly desirable. 

Fear Free Sheltering preferred. 

Work Environment:

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