Reports to:

Development Manager Supervises:

Volunteers and volunteer program support as assigned

Status:

Fulltime 32-40 hours a week

Position Summary Dorchester Paws Volunteer Coordinator Reports To:

Development Manager Position Type:

Part-Time / Potential for

Full-Time Compensation:

$18.00 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining a strong volunteer program at Dorchester Paws. This position serves as a primary point of contact for volunteers and is responsible for creating a welcoming, organized, and positive volunteer experience. The Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with the Development Manager and other members of the Dorchester Paws team to recruit, train, schedule, engage, and retain volunteers while supporting shelter operations, community programs, and special events. This position requires an outgoing, organized, dependable individual who is comfortable speaking with and managing both small and large groups of people. The ideal candidate enjoys working with people, is comfortable working with animals, and can confidently represent Dorchester Paws in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruit, communicate with, schedule, and coordinate volunteers for daily shelter needs, special events, adoption events, and community activities. Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers and respond to volunteer questions, emails, and concerns in a timely and professional manner. Conduct volunteer orientations, tours, trainings, and group presentations. Comfortably speak to and manage both small groups and large groups of volunteers and community members. Help organize, staff, and execute Dorchester Paws events, including recruiting and coordinating volunteers and assisting directly with event activities when needed. Create volunteer schedules and ensure appropriate volunteer coverage for events and shelter activities. Be willing to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required by events and organizational needs. Adjust the regular work schedule when necessary to accommodate events or activities occurring outside normal shelter hours. Develop, create, and implement volunteer programs and educational or engagement programs for both adults and children. Assist with community outreach and volunteer recruitment initiatives. Develop new opportunities for volunteers to participate in and support the mission of Dorchester Paws. Maintain accurate volunteer records, schedules, communications, and other program information. Work closely with staff to identify areas where volunteers can provide meaningful assistance. Provide guidance and support to volunteers while maintaining appropriate boundaries and organizational policies. Assist with general shelter activities and animal-related events as needed. Be comfortable working around and interacting with both cats and dogs. Be willing and able to learn to safely operate and drive large commercial vans used by Dorchester Paws. Maintain a professional, positive, and welcoming attitude when interacting with volunteers, donors, adopters, community members, staff, and the public. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous volunteer coordination, event planning, community outreach, education, or customer service experience preferred. Experience working with animals is a plus. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable speaking in front of both small and large groups. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and priorities. Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team. Must be dependable, professional, and able to maintain good attendance. Must be comfortable working with cats and dogs. Must have a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Must be willing and able to learn to drive a large commercial van. Must be flexible with scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays. Must be able to work effectively with people of varying ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires frequent interaction with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. The Volunteer Coordinator will spend time both indoors and outdoors and may work at the shelter, off-site events, adoption events, and community activities. The position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and perform other physical activities as necessary. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or move supplies and equipment.

SCHEDULE

This position requires flexibility. The typical schedule may include daytime hours; however, the Volunteer Coordinator must be available to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays based on events and organizational needs. When an event or engagement occurs outside normal working hours, the schedule may be adjusted accordingly.

BENEFITS

Dorchester Paws offers supplemental insurance benefits . These may include options such as telemedicine, dental, vision, and accident insurance . Dorchester Paws does not currently offer traditional comprehensive medical health insurance, such as a standard Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plan.

ABOUT DORCHESTER PAWS

Dorchester Paws is committed to promoting the humane treatment of companion animals through protection, placement, education, and example. Every team member plays an important role in supporting our animals, volunteers, adopters, donors, and community. The Volunteer Coordinator is an important ambassador for Dorchester Paws and should demonstrate professionalism, compassion, enthusiasm, and a commitment to the organization's mission at all times.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$18.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Work Location:

In person