Volunteer Coordinator
Department: DevelopmentReports to: Volunteer and Events Program Manager Status: Full-Time, ExemptLocation: Nashville, TN
About Wags & Walks
Wags & Walks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue with locations in Los Angeles and Nashville. We are a community of animal advocates committed to breaking the stigma around shelter dogs through thoughtful, family-focused foster and adoption programs. We prioritize safe, compassionate care for dogs and responsible, supportive placements for adopters.
Position Summary
The Volunteer Lead will oversee all aspects of Wags & Walks' volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, engagement, and retention. This role is responsible for building a strong, reliable volunteer community that supports daily operations and advances our lifesaving mission. The ideal candidate is passionate, highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesVolunteer Program Coordination
- Serve as the primary lead for Wags & Walks' volunteer program, ensuring volunteers have a positive, organized, and meaningful experience from first inquiry through ongoing engagement.
- Manage volunteer and intern recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, scheduling, and day-to-day communication.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer inquiries and maintain timely, professional communication with prospective and active volunteers.
- Maintain volunteer recruitment platforms, including Better Impact, Google Groups, and other outreach channels to support volunteer growth.
- Coordinate volunteer coverage across adoptions, daily operations, transports, events, and special projects by partnering closely with all departments.
- Schedule and facilitate volunteer orientations and trainings, ensuring volunteers understand organizational policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Build strong relationships with volunteers through consistent communication, recognition, and stewardship to encourage long-term engagement and retention.
- Coordinate volunteer support for community events, adoption events, and organizational initiatives, serving as the on-site volunteer lead when needed.
- Maintain accurate volunteer records, schedules, training completion, and volunteer hours within volunteer management systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve volunteer processes, communication, and overall volunteer experience, bringing recommendations to leadership.
- Support volunteer appreciation efforts, including recognition programs, appreciation events, milestone acknowledgments, and volunteer communications.
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven volunteer culture that reflects the values of Wags & Walks.
Volunteer Communications & Engagement
- Maintain regular communication with volunteers through newsletters, social media groups, email, and other communication channels.
- Promote volunteer opportunities to support recruitment and engagement.
- Partner with the Marketing team to celebrate volunteer stories and highlight volunteer impact when appropriate.
Program Reporting & Administrative Support
- Track volunteer metrics including recruitment, onboarding, active volunteers, volunteer hours, retention, and event participation.
- Prepare regular volunteer reports and updates for leadership.
- Assist with volunteer program planning and implementation, supporting organizational goals and departmental priorities.
- Ensure volunteer policies, procedures, waivers, and documentation remain current and consistently followed.
Qualities
- Must be a dog lover!
- Problem solver and quick thinker
- Not afraid to talk to everyone and anyone about Wags and Walks
- Excellent communication skills
- Special ability to make personal connections in a larger setting while also staying focused on the larger goals
- A team player who works well with others
- Friendly demeanor and positive attitude
- Enjoys working in a fast paced and dynamic environment
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Is very detail oriented
- Is very proactive and a self-starter
- Flexibility, able to think on your feet and go with the flow
Qualifications
- College Degree preferred
- Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed
- Experience with nonprofits, volunteer coordination, or community engagement preferred
- Computer proficient (Google docs, ability to learn new software, etc)
- Must have a current and valid Tennessee Driver’s License
- Must be comfortable standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 lbs
- Background in animal welfare preferred
- Must be available to work Tuesday - Saturday
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
