Volunteer Coordinator - Animal Care and Control

About the role

The Volunteer Coordinator oversees all aspects of the shelter’s volunteer program, ensuring a positive, productive, and mission-aligned experience for volunteers while supporting the daily operations and animal care needs of the shelter. This role blends people management, scheduling, training, and community engagement to build a strong, reliable volunteer team.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to attract new volunteers through outreach, events, partnerships, and online platforms.
• Conduct orientations, provide training on shelter protocols, animal-handling basics, and safety procedures.
• Maintain volunteer schedules, ensure adequate coverage for daily operations, and match volunteers to appropriate roles.
• Foster a positive volunteer culture through communication, recognition programs, and ongoing support.
• Track volunteer hours, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports for leadership or grant requirements.
• Assist with adoption events, fundraisers, and community outreach activities.
• Ensure volunteers follow shelter policies, safety standards, and animal-care protocols.
• Work closely with animal-care staff, adoption teams, and administrative personnel to align volunteer support with shelter needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Clear, compassionate communication with volunteers, staff, and the public.
• Strong scheduling, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Ability to motivate, guide, and support volunteers of all backgrounds.
• Calm, solution-oriented approach to unexpected challenges.
• Basic understanding of safe and humane animal-care practices (training provided if needed).
• Comfortable using scheduling tools, email platforms, and volunteer-management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work or volunteer experience in a nonprofit or shelter environment.
• Experience planning or supporting community events.
• Ability to navigate interpersonal challenges with empathy and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED with three (3) years of relevant work experience in an animal-related or customer service-related field.

Working Conditions

• Frequent movement throughout the shelter, resulting in regular exposure to animal-related conditions.
• Exposure to animal smells, loud noise levels such as barking dogs, and direct contact with animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Frequent use of computers, phones, and digital scheduling systems, as well as handling paper files and documentation.
• A fast-paced environment with interruptions and shifting priorities common in shelter operations.

Conditions of Employment

• The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte.
• The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
• Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
• The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
• Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination.
• During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

How To Apply

To apply, please visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department website and follow the online application instructions. For questions about your application or the hiring process, email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. The City of Charlotte is committed to making its services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.