Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement

Best Friends•Los Angeles, LA

8h•$23 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Volunteer Engagement Coordinators are responsible for the daily functions and growth of volunteer engagement in our lifesaving and advocacy programs. Coordinators act with urgency to accomplish important objectives and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. Coordinators may receive intensive assignments in a particular program, based on organizational needs. This position is an in-office role with an expectation of travel and support as needed at offsite events or activities.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED or 1-2 years’ experience in customer service, volunteer coordination, or similar.
Strong communication skills.
Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with a conversational adoption process.
Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn.
Must be able to routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion.
Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
Ability to travel via various forms of transportation including transport vehicles of varying sizes.
Valid driver's license, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance, ability to travel and/or drive on behalf of Best Friends, including overnight stays, when needed.
Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.
After-hours flexibility to monitor a designated phone line for urgent foster care or volunteer-related issues, such as animal emergencies, or scheduling issues.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years’ experience leading volunteers and implementing programs preferred but not required.
Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee a structured volunteer program that aligns and supports the achievement of operational goals and objectives for the lifesaving center or hub; maintain up-to-date position descriptions, scheduling calendars and training materials that integrate local needs with established organizational requirements; ensure program aligns with national standards, policies and practices while incorporating local needs.
Build and execute recruitment strategies to attract diverse volunteers through online platforms, community partnership, local schools, and events; engage with community stakeholders to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships to augment recruitment of individual volunteers and group volunteer opportunities; ensure all onboarding processes are aligned with national standards and maintained and stored appropriately.
Develop and deliver training sessions and refresher courses as needed, identify unique volunteer roles that may require additional support and onboarding for volunteer success such as animal care, adoption counseling, greeter/front desk and event support; ensure volunteer training materials and courses align with organizational brand standards, philosophies and national training requirements
Serve as the first point of contact for volunteer questions, feedback or conflict resolution; provide coaching and corrective action when needed; plan and implement volunteer appreciation efforts, such as recognition events, awards and public acknowledgments to encourage long-term engagement and retention; communicate updates, opportunities, policy changes and important reminders to the volunteers through all channels, email, newsletters, social media, and/or in-person meetings; reciprocate communication to staff when needed.
Work closely with all department teams, particularly those within Community Programs, to evaluate current and future volunteer needs to support each team; coordinate daily, weekly and event-based volunteer schedules to ensure consistent coverage while minimizing overlap or underutilization; utilize volunteer management system, Digital Cheetah, and KPI reporting to track volunteer performance, hours, attendance and impact, compare metrics against monthly and annual goals; provide regular updates to management and identify opportunities for improvement
Foster a welcoming, team-oriented environment where staff and volunteers work collaboratively to provide an exceptional experience for animals, volunteers and visitors alike; ensure both staff and volunteers are well versed in the organizational customer experience philosophy and apply those principles in day-to-day interactions.
Assist or oversee the creation of engaging content for social media platforms, including creation and/or editing of written, video, and photo content. Work collaboratively with other departments and marketing teams to identify engagement opportunities with social media and PR to support lifesaving outcomes and programmatic needs at the center. Represent Best Friends in media relations when requested and ensure to maintain Best Friends’ voice across all communications.
Assist other teams in providing basic care such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and medicating animals housed or transported within Best Friends’ vehicles, buildings, or facilities; follow all policies and local standard operating procedures when completing daily functions to ensure health and safety standards are upheld.
Work collaboratively with and assist Best Friends’ team members in all areas of operations to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals; follow policies, procedures, and task lists, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.
Maintain a safe workplace, value, and model safe work practices, adhering to organizational safety practices and rules, and addressing or communicating to leadership about unsafe practices and conditions. Regularly review and update volunteer activities to meet legal, safety and insurance requirements as outlined in organizational policies.