Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Your Mission:

To advance the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) by supporting volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention efforts that directly impact the care and safety of animals, staff, and the community. In this role, you will work on-site to help build and sustain a strong, engaged volunteer network that is essential to the ARL's daily operations and long-term success.

What You'll Do:

In this role, you will onboard, supervise, encourage, and provide feedback to volunteers while ensuring they have the tools and support needed to contribute meaningfully. You will process volunteer applications and partner with Human Resources to ensure an effective screening process. Collaboration is central to this role, including working closely with Volunteer Coordinators on day-to-day volunteer support and group volunteer activities and facilitating onboarding while maintaining timely and clear communication throughout the process.

You will maintain accurate volunteer information within the volunteer database and support the department with the creation of the Paws for Thought newsletter. You will coordinate the onboarding and involvement of volunteers participating in the TheraPets program and serve as the liaison between ARL volunteers and community partners connected to TheraPets.

Additionally, you will promote initiatives and opportunities for volunteers and partners to contribute to the ARL's mission and maintain a clear, consistent communication plan for the volunteer community. You will help develop recruitment strategies, coordinate volunteer operations with other departments, manage volunteer scheduling and assignments, and support Humane Education programming. Throughout your work, you will uphold positive, professional, and educational interactions while promoting the ARL's mission, services, programs, and events.

What You Bring:

You bring at least two years of experience working in volunteer coordination or a customer service–focused role. A bachelor's degree in business, communication, or a related field is preferred, along with prior experience coordinating volunteer programs or training. You have a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and can operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

You demonstrate excellent customer service, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills and are able to navigate and de-escalate conflict when needed. Strong time-management abilities, sound organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize diverse responsibilities are essential. You are proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable performing routine mathematical tasks. You value collaboration and are committed to supporting a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven volunteer community.

Working Conditions:

This role may require occasional work outdoors in hot or cold environments and may involve exposure to animal-related conditions such as odors, dander, diseases, bites, scratches, animal waste, or moderate noise. The position may require standing or sitting for extended periods. This position requires the ability to work on-site at one of our ARL locations.

Why Work at the ARL?

As a Volunteer Services Coordinator, you play a vital role in empowering individuals to make a meaningful difference for animals and the community. Your work helps create positive experiences for hundreds of volunteers each year and supports a mission-driven organization that values compassion, teamwork, innovation, and growth. This position offers a deeply rewarding opportunity to build relationships, inspire others, and contribute to the lifesaving work of the ARL.

Tuesday through Saturday

40 hours/week