Volunteer & Field Operations Manager

About Colorado Pet PantryColorado Pet Pantry started in 2013 with a single bi-monthly pet food bank at a human food bank partner to keep pets in their loving homes. Recognizing the significant need, we expanded to four monthly pet food banks by 2014 under a fiscal sponsor. In 2018, we became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to ensuring families have the resources to consistently feed their pets and prevent shelter surrenders. Demand skyrocketed during the 2020 pandemic, catalyzing statewide expansion of our work. Today Colorado Pet Pantry is the largest organization of its kind in the U.S., distributing pet food at more than 100 monthly pet food banks across 35 Colorado counties and supporting more than 100 animal rescues statewide.Currently, we have 17 staff members and more than 1,400 volunteers, working together to build out and enhance organizational systems that support our programs, staff, volunteers, and partners.About the PositionThis position directly supports our mission to keep pets in their loving homes. Colorado Pet Pantry started as an all-volunteer organization; our volunteers remain the backbone of our work, enabling distribution through 100 pet food pantries each month.The Volunteer & Program Operations Manager is a salaried, exempt, full-time position responsible for leading the volunteer program statewide and coordinating pet pantry operations on the Front Range. This role balances hands-on coordination with systems-building to support long-term sustainability. The position serves as a liaison between volunteers, pantry leads, warehouse staff, and internal teams to ensure operations remain effective and well-supported.This role will fill in when volunteers are unavailable and will assist or co-lead two locations in Greeley and Loveland. This role will fill in when volunteers are unavailable and will assist or co-lead two locations in Greeley and Loveland (but please note that this role is based in Denver-metro and most work will be in Denver-metro). The role is also responsible for building and evolving a scalable volunteer system that supports all areas of the organization—including food distribution, donation collection, outreach, and special events—while recognizing that successful, community-led sites may operate differently.This role requires strong judgment in balancing consistency with flexibility. Many pantry leads and volunteers have been with the organization for years and operate highly effective sites with their own rhythms. Success means supporting and strengthening those efforts—rather than over-standardizing—while ensuring core standards and mission alignment are met.This position reports to the Deputy Director.Essential Functions of the JobPet Pantry & Program Operations Support (Statewide Oversight, Front Range Ownership)Build strong relationships with pantry leads statewide, with hands-on management of Front Range programsWork with pantry lead volunteers to ensure sites are appropriately staffed and supportedFill in onsite when necessary, while prioritizing sustainable staffing solutionsSupport client service needs in partnership with internal teamsIdentify and address operational gaps across locationsCo-lead or assist at least two monthly pantry locations (Greeley and Loveland)Volunteer Program Leadership (Statewide)Lead and oversee volunteer functions across pantry operations, donation collection, outreach/events, and special initiativesDesign and implement a formal volunteer lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and engagementCoordinate and support adequate volunteer coverage across programs, with priority on Front Range operationsBuild systems to reduce last-minute staffing gaps and improve communicationBuild trust-based relationships with long-term volunteers, using influence and coaching rather than enforcement to guide alignment with best practicesSystems, Data & Tools ManagementMaintain and improve volunteer and pantry systems (e.g., AppSheet, tracking tools)Assist with Volunteer Portal database managementManage user setup, troubleshooting, and data accuracyImprove systems for scheduling, communication, and reportingUse data to identify trends and opportunities for improvementRecruitment, Outreach & EngagementDevelop and manage volunteer recruitment channels (community outreach, partnerships, events)Coordinate volunteers for outreach and community engagement effortsSupport expansion of donation collection programsCreate consistent communication strategies to keep volunteers informed and engagedTraining & Process DevelopmentCreate and maintain training materials, playbooks, and SOPsStandardize onboarding processesDevelop best practices while recognizing implementation may vary by location and allowing flexibility where outcomes are strongEnsure volunteers and pantry leads have the tools and clarity needed to succeedContinuously improve processes to increase efficiency and consistencyCoordination & CommunicationAct as liaison between volunteers, pantry leads, warehouse staff, and internal teamsCoordinate logistics related to inventory and distribution needsSupport problem-solving across regions, including rural and high-demand areasPreferred (not required): Bilingual in English and Spanish.Performs other duties as assigned.Success in this role includes maintaining strong volunteer relationships, minimizing unnecessary friction, and using sound judgment about when to standardize versus when to support existing practices.Qualifications & ExperienceThis role exercises strong judgment, prioritizing relationships, trust, and mission outcomes over rigid process enforcement.Experience managing or coordinating volunteers or community programsStrong systems thinker able to build practical, usable processesProactive, adaptable, and solution-orientedExcellent relationship builder with strong communication and diplomacy skillsDemonstrates patience, humility, and the ability to prioritize relationships and mission impact over “being right”Self-starter able to work independently and take initiativeHighly organized and able to manage multiple prioritiesComfortable with technology and willing to learn new systemsRequired Qualifications 2–4 years of relevant experience (volunteer coordination, nonprofit, community engagement, or similar)Experience in nonprofit, social services, or community-based workDemonstrated ability to lead and motivate volunteers or teamsFamiliarity with volunteer management systems or CRM platformsPreferred: Bilingual in English and SpanishWork Environment & Physical RequirementsHybrid work environment with regular Front Range travel; occasional statewide travelReliable transportation requiredAbility to lift up to 40 lbs. repeatedlyAbility to attend regular evening and weekend events as neededAbility to drive cargo vans or box trucks (clean driving record required)Ability to work extended hours as neededPrimary Work LocationsColorado Pet Pantry Fundraising, Marketing and Volunteer departments operate out of two primary work locations: Boulder and Englewood. Employees may also work remotely when approved.Regular Work Locations:Boulder office: Regular in-person meetings occur every Tuesday. Employees may work from this location anytime. Englewood warehouse: Used frequently for operational work, but visits are scheduled as needed rather than on a fixed schedule. Both locations are considered assigned work locations.Additional DetailsIf you don’t meet 100% of the criteria above but are interested in the role, please apply. No one checks every box and we are open to a bold, talented individual with transferable experience.Colorado Pet Pantry recognizes that the team members we hire come from all walks of life. We believe that people from underrepresented backgrounds not only help us to be stronger, but also allow our team to connect, belong, and grow. If you share our values and our desire to build meaningful, diverse, and lasting relationships, we highly encourage you to apply.Pay & Benefits$60,000 annuallyTwo weeks paid vacation per year, accrual begins on first daySeven holidaysWellness Stipend: $400 monthly (subject to funding)Maternity/paternity leave, up to 6 weeks at 50% average pay after one year of employmentFlexible scheduleIn accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the approximate annual base compensation range is listed above. The actual offer, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be determined by a number of factors including the applicant’s experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity among our team.This Colorado Pet Pantry job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. All employees report to and perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.At the Colorado Pet Pantry, we celebrate and welcome diversity within our workforce. We strive to hire from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives because we know we are a stronger advocate for others when all voices are represented.The Colorado Pet Pantry is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes qualified applicants without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.How to ApplyWrite a cover letter detailing your experience and why you’re passionate about this role. Send your cover letter and resume to job@coloradopetpantry.org. Job posting will close once the right candidate is selected.Equal Opportunity EmployerColorado Pet Pantry is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.