Manager of Volunteer Programs (Animal Rescue)

Job Description

Job Description

Manager of Volunteer Programs

Location: Columbia, SC.
Job Type: Full-Time.
Salary: $40,000 - $44,000 per year.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, with occasional Saturdays and special events as needed.

About Pawmetto Lifeline:

Pawmetto Lifeline is a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to creating a no-kill community and state through adoption, shelter diversion, rescue partnerships, and affordable veterinary services. Our team is driven by a shared belief that no pet should die simply because they are homeless.

We are seeking a passionate, organized, and energetic professional to join our team as the Manager of Volunteer Programs . This position plays a critical role in engaging volunteers who support our mission and help save thousands of animals each year.

Benefits:

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Short-Term Disability Insurance.
• SIMPLE IRA with Company Match.
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave.
• Discounted Veterinary Care, Vaccinations, and Medications for Employee Pets.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Volunteer Programs is responsible for the recruitment, training, scheduling, engagement, supervision, and recognition of volunteers across all Pawmetto Lifeline programs. This position serves as the primary point of contact for volunteers and works closely with department leaders to ensure volunteer resources effectively support organizational needs.

In addition, this position oversees the logistics and administration of Pawmetto Lifeline's pet food assistance program, Pet Soup , ensuring the successful collection, preparation, and distribution of donated pet food to community members in need.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Volunteer Program Management:

• Develop, promote, and maintain a diverse range of volunteer opportunities throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with department leaders to assess volunteer needs and identify meaningful volunteer assignments.
• Ensure adequate volunteer staffing for Animal Care, Adoptions, Veterinary Services, Administrative Support, Community Programs, Special Events, and other operational areas.
• Develop and maintain volunteer position descriptions and service expectations.
• Recommend effective volunteer utilization strategies and identify future volunteer workforce needs.
• Coordinate and conduct volunteer orientations, onboarding, and ongoing training programs.
• Schedule volunteer activities, continuing education opportunities, organizational updates, and appreciation events.
• Develop, implement, and maintain volunteer policies, procedures, and standards.
• Organize volunteer recognition programs and appreciation initiatives.
• Evaluate volunteer programs regularly and implement improvements to increase effectiveness and engagement.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records, participation statistics, and activity reports.
• Recruit, train, educate, and retain volunteers through positive engagement and relationship-building.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to publicize volunteer opportunities and recruit participants.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, civic organizations, businesses, and volunteer groups throughout the community.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, staffing, and execution of Pawmetto Lifeline's Birthday Paw-ties and Fur Friends Summer Camp programs.

Volunteer Relations and Support:

• Serve as the primary communication contact for all volunteers.
• Provide ongoing support, coaching, and guidance to volunteers.
• Address concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote a positive volunteer experience.
• Ensure volunteer check-in procedures are followed and volunteer hours are accurately recorded.
• Foster a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for volunteers in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.

Communications and Public Engagement:

• Create and distribute volunteer communications, including weekly updates and program announcements.
• Develop and publish volunteer newsletters on a regular basis.
• Share organizational updates, success stories, and adoption outcomes with volunteers.
• Create presentations and training materials for volunteer meetings and orientations.
• Conduct presentations both in-person and virtually using Microsoft Teams.
• Represent Pawmetto Lifeline professionally at community events, recruitment opportunities, and volunteer outreach activities.

Pet Soup Pet Food Pantry Program:

• Coordinate the collection, transportation, and distribution of donated pet food.
• Oversee food storage, inventory management, bagging, and preparation of distribution packages.
• Maintain client records and ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Assist with program reporting and operational improvements to maximize community impact.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree preferred.
• Previous experience managing volunteer programs, volunteer engagement, or community outreach initiatives required.
• Experience working within a nonprofit organization, animal welfare organization, or community service environment preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of volunteer management principles and best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with volunteer management software, such as Volgistics, preferred.
• Strong organizational, planning, and recordkeeping skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting to large groups.
• Ability to create professional presentations, training materials, and newsletters.

Core Competencies:

• Passion for animal welfare and Pawmetto Lifeline's mission.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in challenging situations.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Flexibility to adjust work hours to support special events, volunteer activities, and organizational needs.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work in animal care environments with exposure to animals, cleaning products, and varying noise levels.
• Ability to travel locally for volunteer recruitment, community outreach, and pet food pantry operations.

Why Join Pawmetto Lifeline?

When you join Pawmetto Lifeline, you become part of a team dedicated to saving lives and strengthening the human-animal bond within our community. Every volunteer recruited, every pet food bag distributed, and every relationship built helps create a brighter future for animals and the people who love them.

If you are passionate about animal welfare, volunteer engagement, and community impact, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information:

• All new hires are subject to a 90-day probationary period.
• Candidates must be able to reliably commute to Columbia, SC 29212 or plan to relocate before starting employment.
• Work Location: In person only.