Volunteer Manager

WHY A Home of Their Own Animal Rescue Exists:

We founded our rescue after working in other shelters and rescues and seeing the same heartbreaking pattern: good, well-meaning people being turned away without even a conversation. We watched great potential adopters overlooked because of outdated rules and rigid expectations, while animals sat in kennels waiting for the mythical “perfect” home. Meanwhile, those turned away often ended up at breeders — and who could blame them? They were trying to do the right thing and were told they weren’t good enough.

We realized the system was failing both people and animals, and it wasn’t really about the animals’ safety — it was about the peoples’ fears.

So we started our own rescue, one built on conversation, not judgment, and rooted in the belief that adoption should be accessible, educational, and welcoming. That shift allows us to match more animals with adopters based on genuine connection, not unrealistic perfection — saving more lives, encouraging adoption over shopping, and helping people feel seen, supported, and proud to welcome a pet into their lives.

ABOUT A Home of Their Own Animal Rescue and WHAT we are doing:

In just a few years as a 501(c)(3), we’ve rescued hundreds of dogs and cats from all over the country—including Puerto Rico—and placed them in loving homes that fit their needs as well as the needs of their new humans! What started as a reaction to the unnecessary gatekeeping and outdated norms in animal rescue has become a growing movement to make adoption easier, more inclusive, flexible, and rooted in empathy and education.

We’ve built a strong and expanding network of passionate volunteers, partnered with local vets and businesses, and made a real mark in the community. One of our most memorable rescues—a 7-week-old kitten trapped inside a scorching car engine—was featured in The MoCo Show as a symbol of quick action, collaboration, and heart. Read the story here:

We’ve been honored by the trust adopters place in us, reflected in glowing Yelp and Google reviews, and we’re only just getting started.

Our goals go beyond our own rescue: we aim to shift the animal welfare field itself—advocating for nonjudgmental conversations, educating the community about animal welfare topics such as vetting and training/animal behavior, and eliminating barriers deeply rooted in fear and/or bias, including racial prejudice in adoption and foster approvals. We believe rescue should feel accessible, supportive, and human—because when we do better for people, we do better for animals.

What a "day in the life" of a volunteer manager will look like:

From Day 1, you'll step into the heart of our community—the people who make rescue possible. As Volunteer Manager, you’ll begin by learning our communication tools (Slack, Google Workspace), getting to know our systems (onboarding workflows), and connecting with the dedicated team of fosters, transporters, event helpers, and behind-the-scenes heroes who keep AHOTO running. In your first week, you’ll assess current volunteer operations, start organizing schedules, and respond to new inquiries and applications—ensuring everyone feels supported and informed. Your ability to stay organized, manage multiple moving parts, and communicate clearly will shine as you coordinate onboarding, share opportunities, and check in regularly with volunteers. Over time, you’ll help shape a culture of engagement, recognition, and retention—turning casual helpers into passionate, long-term contributors. Whether you’re working remotely or attending a few in-person events each year, your role is crucial: you’re the link between the mission and the people who make it happen. With every message you send and connection you build, you help animals find their way home.

Qualifications & Experience Necessary for the Role:

• Based in the United States
• Available to respond to emails/messaging/inquiries within 24 hours
• Willing to learn or current familiarity with certain tech tools/software helpful (i.e. PMS Systems, Slack, Canva Pro, Google Workspace, etc.)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Comfortable working independently and remotely
• Experience in volunteer coordination, onboarding, or HR preferred
• Basic understanding of animal rescue operations (or willingness to learn)
• Passion for animal welfare and supporting rescue efforts
• Availability to attend 4 in-person events per year (locations vary in MD area)

Our process/next steps:

Submit application through the form here (must copy into browser address bar):

1. Application is received and qualifications/submitted credentials reviewed.
2. An interview will be scheduled with two current board members with prospective candidates.
3. Informal interview will take place on Zoom/Google Meet.
4. Recommendations are submitted to the remaining relevant board members.
5. AHOTO staff will reach out with an acceptance, rejection, or remaining requests.

Volunteer Perks

• Lead a vital area of the organization and directly influence outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with other managers and directors to shape rescue-wide systems and culture.
• Grow leadership, operations, and project management skills in a mission-driven environment.
• Be seen as a go-to expert and trusted leader within the rescue community.
• Make high-impact decisions that save lives and strengthen community ties.
• Receive support, mentoring, and recognition from both peers and the board.