Volunteer Coordinator - NYC

Best Friends Animal Society•New York, NY

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Volunteer Coordinators are responsible for the daily functions and growth of volunteer engagement in our lifesaving and advocacy programs. They 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. Volunteer coordinators have an increased level of responsibility or skills, and the ability to make on-the-spot decisions to accomplish objectives. We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

Requirements

A minimum of 1 year of experience leading and organizing volunteers and implementing programs is required.
Experience in supporting, engaging with, and developing relationships with volunteers and donors.
Previous experience working in public facing roles providing high quality, customer/client minded experiences and service.
Excellent communication skills, public speaking, and presentation experience with the ability to professionally advocate Best Friends’ position on issues.
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.
Resourceful, get-it-done, self-starter attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
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.
Prior experience working or volunteering hands on dogs and cats of various sizes, temperaments, and medical statuses; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, volunteer database, or desire to learn.

Nice To Haves

Experience working for or with an animal rescue or shelter is preferred, but not required.
Bilingual or multi-lingual skills are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in our everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person for the value they bring to the table.
Be a role model for the spirit of authenticity, kindness and positive influence with each other, our visitors, and volunteers as well as to the animals every day. This includes listening, being present, being supportive of others and demonstrating compassion and curiosity in conflict.
Coordinate and conduct volunteer engagement programs; introduce, recruit, and engage with organizations, individuals, and stakeholders to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships; implement Best Friends engagement and advocacy strategies; support strategies through communications, events/meetings, service delivery, or other methods.
Evaluate operational needs: develop, and support group and individual volunteer partnerships to implement programs to meet those needs, connecting community members with the programs and organizations they can be a part of, or that can provide help.
Lead and empower volunteers and volunteer teams in support of programs with the goal of utilizing volunteers to the greatest extent possible to expand Best Friends lifesaving capacity; deliver and lead superior customer service.
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.
Travel could be up to 10% -primarily within the region.