Manager of Volunteers

DescriptionScheduled Sunday - Thursday or Tuesday - SaturdayExempt, full-time positionReports to Chief Operating OfficerDirect Reports: Assistant Manager of Volunteers, Volunteer Training and Administrative Assistants, volunteersThe Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.The Manager of Volunteers serves as a vital link between our mission and the community, strategically overseeing the entire volunteer lifecycle. This role is responsible for recruiting mission-aligned talent and cultivating a culture where volunteers feel equipped, valued, and deeply connected to our work. By balancing operational logistics with intentional relationship building, the Manager of Volunteers ensures that every volunteer’s efforts make a lifesaving difference.Essential FunctionsLead and motivate Volunteer Management Team and volunteers, cultivating a culture that reflects our valuesDevelop and maintain systems to recruit, onboard, train, engage and celebrate volunteersTrain staff to support our volunteers effectively and cooperativelyHelp identify and respond promptly to volunteer needs from across the organizationMatch volunteers’ skills and interest with organizational needsOrganize and lead volunteer trainingRoutinely evaluate volunteer programming to ensure that it is both effective and efficientEnsure that volunteers have a safe and supportive environment in which to work, encourage open communication, and approach difficult conversations with empathy and compassionWork with the Chief Operating Officer to develop goals and objectives for volunteer programmingCreate and support group volunteer opportunitiesMaintain a schedule of assigned tasks for volunteers with input from department managers and liaisonsMaintain programs to track volunteer activities and hours for reporting and analysis purposesMaintain volunteer communications through different platforms (e.g. Trello, Facebook groups, email, weekly volunteer email newsletter, etc.)Plan activities to build community among volunteers and events to recognize and celebrate their contributionsMaintain relationships with recurring community volunteer partnersRepresent the Richmond SPCA at community events, informational tables, volunteer fairs, etc.Develop and adhere to departmental budgetComplete typical duties of a manager overseeing a team including payroll, regular performance feedback, mentoring, leading department meetings, hiring, training, and moreProvide administrative support for special-focused volunteer groupsOther job-related duties as assignedQualifications, Skills And ExpectationsAlignment with the Richmond SPCA’s mission to achieve and sustain a no-kill community – including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering – and to utilizing reward-based, positive reinforcement (R+) training methodsHigh degree of emotional intelligence, with an ability to successfully navigate emotionally challenging situations professionally and effectivelyPrior management experience with proven ability to creatively solve problems, exercise good judgment, and be diplomaticThree years of volunteer management experience preferredEffective, professional, and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employeesAttitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate, and respectful atmosphere Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, and adapt to and productively accommodate changing demands – all with excellent attention to detail Comfort handling or learning to handle (petting, leash-walking, some lifting and carrying) dogs, cats, and small mammals with a variety of medical and behavioral needsExcellent public speaking skills for in-person and video conference-style presentations and trainingsStrong computer skills (Microsoft 365, Better Impact) and the ability to learn new software quicklyMust work well under pressure and adhere to deadlines Punctuality and reliability are essential, as well as good time management and prioritization skills Maintain confidentiality as requested Must be resourceful and creatively problem-solve with a team-oriented mindset RequirementsDaytime, weekend, and occasional evening availabilityReliable transportation, including during inclement weather18 years of age or olderValid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle record screeningPhysical Job RequirementsAble to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have challenging behaviors), and around loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, allergens (pet dander, peanut butter), various chemicals, and disinfectantsAble to routinely lift 25 lbs.Able to bend, kneel, stoop, use stairs, and use your arms in a repetitive mannerAble to be on your feet for several hours at a timeAble to work at a desk, use a computer, and use the phone for several hours at a timeWork EnvironmentPotential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)Supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulnessRichmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program