Volunteer Coordinator

Lifeline Animal Project Inc • Atlanta, GA

5d • $0 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

The Volunteer Coordinator recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to support facility operations and events requested by other departments. The role maintains volunteer records and schedules, prepares program reports, and works with the community to attract volunteers and encourage engagement.

The position upholds LifeLine Animal Project’s standards and values while supporting animal care and shelter operations. It includes providing guidance and emotional support to volunteers, maintaining volunteer program materials and records, coordinating coverage across shelter and off-site activities, and collaborating with staff, other departments, community members, and organizations. The coordinator also helps volunteers understand and follow animal care and handling protocols and supports customer service standards.

The role requires compassion for animals and people, effective communication and organization, comfort working with dogs and cats of varying temperaments, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, changing shelter environment. The employee may encounter unpleasant kennel smells and animals that are stray, injured, diseased, or vicious.

Requirements

• Compassion for animals and the people who care for them.
• Honesty and integrity when serving the public and fellow employees.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and collaborate across departments.
• Comfort working with dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
• 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.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on shelter needs.
• Means of travel that ensures prompt arrival for work shifts.
• Must pass a background check.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Nice To Haves

• College degree or relevant coursework.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications such as MS Office, Google Workspace, and email; experience with database systems is a plus.
• One or more years of experience in an animal-related field or animal sheltering.
• Previous experience in volunteer engagement or a similar role.
• Fear Free Sheltering.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, direct, guide, train, and supervise volunteers.
• Maintain and update volunteer applications, screening processes, handbooks, and training manuals.
• Manage the volunteer database, including volunteer skills, preferences, schedules, orientation and training dates, and collected money.
• Communicate with volunteers about animal care and handling protocols and provide opportunities for feedback and interaction.
• Offer emotional support to volunteers, including sensitive conversations involving animals in distress or euthanasia.
• Coach volunteers and address disciplinary matters according to the Volunteer Manual.
• Greet on-site volunteers and facilitate professional interactions between volunteers and staff.
• Schedule and conduct volunteer orientations.
• Schedule and confirm volunteers for special events, other department activities, off-site adoptions, and shelter positions; record cancellations and adjust coverage as needed.
• Draft, edit, and publish a weekly volunteer newsletter.
• Work with the public and organizations interested in community service projects.
• Coordinate with other departments to develop and implement volunteer programs and participate in planning committees.
• Track hours for special-project volunteers and provide letters confirming completed service when requested.
• Maintain an understanding of shelter operations, current animals, their needs and status, and relevant policies and programs.
• Collaborate with shelter staff to address issues and support volunteers across department teams.
• Participate in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area and perform other assigned tasks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED