Volunteer Program Manager

DOGS INC • Palmetto, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Volunteer Program Manager oversees and integrates the volunteer programs, ensuring a cohesive, well-supported volunteer experience that advances the organization’s mission. This role is responsible for recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, engagement, and retention of a large and diverse volunteer base, including campus volunteers, puppy raisers, puppy parent hosts, dog hosts, and ambassadors. The Volunteer Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for volunteers and internal departments, collaborates closely with cross-functional teams (training, veterinary, events, and operations), and ensures consistent communication, program quality, and volunteer satisfaction across programs.

Requirements

• Passion for service dogs and commitment to the organization’s mission.
• Experience supervising staff and providing leadership, feedback, and professional development to direct reports.
• Passion for leading teams and working across various departments to implement change.
• Proven experience in volunteer management, nonprofit operations, animal care, or a related field.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage large, diverse volunteer populations with varying levels of experience.
• Proficiency in volunteer management software and standard office tools (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with service dogs, animal training, or animal behavior.
• Experience with disability-focused or animal-focused nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with puppy raising, placement processes, or volunteer-based operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Staff Leadership & Supervision Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for volunteer program administrative staff, including the Puppy Placement Coordinator, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Puppy Raising Coordinator, and Canine Host Coordinator.
• Ensure coordinated workflows and clear role alignment across puppy raising, campus volunteers, puppy parent hosts, and dog host programs.
• Set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and monitor workloads to ensure timely and accurate program support.
• Support staff development through regular check-ins, feedback, training, and goal setting.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture aligned with organizational values.
• Program Coordination & Development Oversee daily operations of all volunteer programs and volunteer-supported campus functions, including welcome desk and gift shop coverage, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and volunteers, ensuring clear expectations, consistent communication, and timely support.
• Develop, implement, and refine volunteer programs and activities that align with organizational goals and service dog standards.
• Coordinate volunteer schedules using volunteer management software to ensure appropriate coverage for campus operations, events, training sessions, and puppy-related needs.
• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve engagement, efficiency, and outcomes.
• Address escalated visitor or volunteer issues in alignment with organizational standards.
• Volunteer Recruitment, Onboarding & Training Develop and manage comprehensive recruitment strategies for all volunteer programs.
• Oversee onboarding processes to ensure volunteers feel welcomed, informed, and prepared for their roles.
• Understand and oversee the implementation of training protocols for volunteers and puppies, in collaboration with training and veterinary teams.
• Provide ongoing education, refresher training, and skill development opportunities to support volunteer success and program standards.
• Engagement, Retention & Support Foster a positive, inclusive volunteer culture that builds community, commitment, and long-term retention.
• Act as a mentor and resource for volunteers, addressing questions, concerns, and challenges in a timely and professional manner.
• Represent the volunteer program at community events, orientations, and outreach opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Event Manager to plan and execute volunteer appreciation activities, recognition programs, and community-building events.
• Ensure volunteer feedback is gathered, reviewed, and used to improve programs and volunteer experience.
• Administrative & Reporting Responsibilities Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation, hours, roles, puppies, and training progress.
• Track and report key metrics related to volunteer engagement, puppy development, and program impact.
• Prepare regular reports and insights for leadership to support data-informed decision-making.
• Review and update program policies, procedures, training materials, and documentation as needed.
• Approve program-related purchases, invoices, and expenses responsibly and in alignment with budget guidelines.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.
• Retirement Match: A discretionary retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees after one full year of employment.
• Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday).
• Time to Recharge: Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure). Enjoy 14 paid holidays—including your birthday!
• Reward-Based Programs: Our Learn and Earn education program and Pawsitive Strides walking program offer many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.
• Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed