Volunteer Coordinator (Part-Time)
Help Build the Volunteer Experience Behind Iowa's Largest Animal Welfare Organization
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking a passionate, organized, and people-focused, part-time Volunteer Coordinator to support the recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention of volunteers who make our mission possible.
Volunteers are at the heart of the ARL's success. From caring for animals and supporting adopters to assisting at events and serving the community through programs like TheraPets, volunteers play a vital role in advancing animal welfare across Iowa. As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will help create meaningful experiences that inspire volunteers to stay engaged, grow their involvement, and make a lasting impact.
This part-time, non-exempt position is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, coordinating programs, communicating with diverse groups of people, and supporting a mission-driven organization.
Your Role
As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will oversee many aspects of the volunteer experience, including recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, communication, recognition, and ongoing support. You will serve as a primary point of contact for volunteers and community partners while helping ensure volunteers have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to be successful.
You will collaborate closely with staff across the organization to coordinate volunteer opportunities and support operational needs while maintaining a positive and welcoming environment for volunteers and community partners alike.
A significant portion of this role will involve supporting and coordinating the ARL's TheraPets program, including volunteer onboarding, communication, and partnership engagement with organizations participating in the program.
What You'll Do
You will process volunteer applications, support volunteer screening efforts, facilitate volunteer onboarding, and help guide individuals through the process of becoming active volunteers. You will provide ongoing supervision, encouragement, coaching, and feedback to volunteers while helping foster a positive and rewarding volunteer experience.
You will maintain volunteer records and reporting through Volgistics and ensure information is accurate, organized, and up to date. You will coordinate volunteer schedules and assignments while working collaboratively with departments throughout the organization to identify volunteer needs and opportunities.
You will assist with volunteer recruitment efforts and help develop strategies that attract, engage, and retain volunteers. You will also support volunteer recognition and appreciation initiatives designed to celebrate the contributions volunteers make to the ARL's mission.
This role will coordinate volunteer involvement in the TheraPets program and serve as a liaison between volunteers, community partners, and ARL staff to ensure successful program participation and communication.
In addition, you will support Humane Education programming, answer volunteer inquiries, contribute to volunteer communications and newsletters, and help maintain a consistent communication plan that keeps volunteers informed and engaged.
What We're Looking For
Successful candidates will have at least two years of experience in volunteer coordination, customer service, community engagement, program coordination, or a related field. Previous experience managing volunteer programs, training volunteers, or coordinating community partnerships is highly preferred.
A bachelor's degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, education, or a related field is preferred but not required.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication, customer service, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills are essential. Candidates should be comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and helping create a welcoming and inclusive volunteer experience.
Candidates must possess a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with volunteer management software is a plus.
Why Join the ARL?
Every year, hundreds of volunteers donate thousands of hours to support the ARL's mission. As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will play a key role in creating meaningful experiences that connect people with animals, strengthen community partnerships, and expand the impact of animal welfare throughout Iowa.
This is an opportunity to combine your passion for people, community engagement, and animal welfare while helping volunteers make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
This position requires the ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time and occasionally work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Work may involve exposure to animals, animal dander, animal waste, contagious animal diseases, odors, moderate noise levels, and the possibility of bites or scratches.
Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any lawful reason.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.