Volunteer & Foster Coordinator

Alaqua Animal Refuge•Freeport, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Alaqua Animal Refuge is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and people-focused Volunteer & Foster Coordinator to build and support a community of volunteers and foster families. The role creates a positive experience for volunteers, grows the foster network, and connects people with opportunities to support animal welfare. The coordinator works with volunteers, foster families, visitors, and teams across the Refuge to help animals receive care and find temporary homes. The position oversees volunteer recruitment, orientation, screening, training, support, records, scheduling, communications, and group service activities. It also coordinates foster applications, family support, animal placements, and placement logistics in collaboration with animal care teams. In addition, the coordinator supports guest experiences, community programs, events, social media communications, and administrative operations. The work takes place in a dynamic animal welfare environment and requires flexibility, sound organization, and collaboration across departments.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including professional communication with staff, volunteers, foster families, and the public.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle concerns, complaints, and challenging conversations with patience, tact, and professionalism.
Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn and maintain database and scheduling systems.
Familiarity with social media platforms, including Facebook, and ability to create engaging posts and share timely updates.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multiple departments.
Positive, flexible, solutions-oriented attitude and willingness to step in wherever needed.
Genuine passion for animal welfare and commitment to Alaqua’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience coordinating volunteers, managing foster programs, working in animal welfare, or supporting nonprofit programs.
Experience with volunteer management software such as Volgistics and/or animal shelter software.
Experience organizing events, educational programs, community outreach, or group service projects.
Experience creating social media content and promoting community engagement opportunities.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary liaison among volunteers, foster families, the Adoptions Team, and Animal Operations.
Recruit and engage volunteers through events and partnerships with local businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, and other community groups.
Respond to prospective volunteers, explain opportunities, and coordinate orientation scheduling.
Plan and lead volunteer orientations covering Alaqua’s mission, opportunities, expectations, rules, and safety procedures.
Screen, train, support, and supervise volunteers, providing guidance and feedback.
Maintain accurate volunteer records in Volgistics, including contact and participation information and signed liability waivers.
Help volunteers with scheduling, clocking in and out, shift selection, account updates, and other program needs.
Manage volunteer Facebook groups and other communication channels, sharing schedules, announcements, opportunities, needs, and updates.
Build relationships between volunteers and staff and address questions, concerns, and complaints professionally.
Coordinate volunteer group workdays, corporate service projects, and community volunteer opportunities.
Keep volunteers informed about organizational updates, policy changes, events, and opportunities.
Engage individuals and families to grow and strengthen the foster program.
Review and process foster applications, communicate with prospective foster families, and guide applicants through next steps.
Connect potential foster families with animals needing temporary placement.
Coordinate animal selection, scheduling, meet-and-greets, and placement logistics with animal care teams.
Prepare foster packets and welcome bags with information and supplies for foster families.
Communicate with foster families about animal updates, care needs, veterinary appointments, and anticipated return dates.
Support, inform, and appreciate foster families throughout their fostering experience.
Share foster opportunities and urgent placement needs through volunteer channels and social media.
Collaborate with Animal Care, Medical, and Adoption teams to support successful foster placements.
Help create welcoming and educational visitor experiences that connect guests with animal welfare and Alaqua’s mission.
Supervise volunteers assisting with guest interactions and guide them in maintaining a positive visitor experience.
Promote volunteer opportunities, foster needs, educational programs, and special events through social media and other channels.
Maintain organized, accurate, and up-to-date volunteer and foster records.
Monitor incoming inquiries and ensure timely, professional follow-up.
Assist with scheduling, communications, documentation, and administrative tasks supporting Refuge operations.
Communicate policies, procedures, and updates to volunteers and foster families.
Respond calmly and professionally to concerns, research issues, and coordinate appropriate resolutions.
Collaborate across departments to improve volunteer engagement, foster participation, and program effectiveness.
Provide additional support to operations and organizational events as needed.