Director of Community Outreach and Engagement

Animal Protective Foundation Of Schenectady•Glenville, NY

About The Position

The Director of Community Outreach and Engagement (DCOE) advances the Animal Protective Foundation’s mission by overseeing volunteer programs, humane education initiatives, and community engagement. The role recruits, screens, trains, schedules, supervises, and recognizes volunteers supporting shelter operations, spay/neuter services, community pet wellness clinics, adoption events, administrative functions, special events, and outreach initiatives. The DCOE also serves as an APF ambassador, building relationships with schools, businesses, community organizations, service groups, and other stakeholders to expand volunteer engagement, strengthen partnerships, and increase public awareness. The position leads volunteer program administration, including developing meaningful volunteer opportunities, maintaining records and schedules, evaluating program outcomes, addressing volunteer concerns, and coordinating volunteer support for events. It also represents APF at community events and educational opportunities, develops and delivers humane education programming, and works with development and marketing staff on outreach efforts. The DCOE develops annual plans, tracks program metrics, reports to leadership, and continually evaluates and improves programs. The schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Flexibility is required for extended hours as necessary, including occasional evenings or additional weekend hours for events, meetings, and training. Compensation is $26–$29 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. Full-time employees are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match.

Requirements

Associate-level degree or equivalent work experience, such as managing volunteer programs.
Ability to problem-solve and work independently with self-motivation and leadership qualities to build and manage diverse teams.
Ability to represent APF in public settings.
Proficiency with computer applications, including shelter or constituent tracking software, internet use, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent written communication and public speaking experience.
Strong supervision and management, interpersonal communication, and team-building skills to recruit and manage a diverse corps of volunteers.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to develop and manage a budget.
Strong organization, deadline management, and problem-solving skills.
High level of manual dexterity; ability to bend, squat, and kneel repeatedly; ability to stand and sit for significant periods and work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours.
Ability to carry and lift light objects up to 30 pounds.
Close vision and ability to focus clearly and see fine details in a variety of situations.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee volunteer recruitment, screening, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, retention, and recognition.
Collaborate with management and staff to identify and expand meaningful volunteer opportunities across the organization.
Maintain knowledge of APF shelter and clinic operations, programs, policies, and procedures to recruit, train, assign, and support volunteers effectively.
Conduct volunteer orientations and ongoing training programs.
Maintain the volunteer database and ensure accurate assignments, documentation, and reporting.
Prepare and distribute volunteer schedules and monitor participation and compliance.
Evaluate volunteer effectiveness and satisfaction through surveys, feedback, and direct observation; provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback.
Document safety concerns and incidents and communicate findings to leadership and the safety committee when appropriate.
Address volunteer conflicts and disciplinary matters, including dismissal when necessary.
Review and update the volunteer handbook, training materials, job descriptions, and related documents.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on volunteer engagement, recruitment, retention, and program outcomes.
Coordinate volunteer staffing and support for adoption events, community pet wellness clinics, outreach activities, fundraising, and special events.
Build and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, businesses, service clubs, and volunteer groups.
Represent APF at community events, speaking engagements, shelter tours, educational programs, and public outreach opportunities.
Coordinate and participate in special events, adoption events, fundraising events, and tabling opportunities.
Seek opportunities to expand APF visibility through partnerships, media opportunities, and educational initiatives.
Promote volunteerism and community involvement through outreach and relationship-building activities; respond to inquiries about volunteer opportunities and humane education.
Collaborate with the development and marketing team on outreach, campaigns, events, and community initiatives.
Develop, coordinate, and deliver humane education programs for schools, youth groups, scout troops, and community organizations.
Organize shelter tours, classroom presentations, reading programs, and educational workshops.
Promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and APF services through educational initiatives and serve as a resource for educators and community members.
Develop goals, strategies, and annual plans for volunteer and community engagement programs.
Track program metrics, maintain accurate records, prepare reports for leadership, and continually evaluate and improve programs.