Volunteer | Director of Volunteering | Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control

Vision

Our Vision Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control is committed to saving animals’ lives, ensuring equal access to companion animals for those of all socio-economic levels, and raising the level of care for animals living in the city of Detroit.

Core Values

Our Core Values Our goal is to create and train a team of volunteers who are knowledgeable of canine and feline body language, adept at handling animals in the most humane way, practice current scientifically based training methods, and who are advocates for this city, its citizens, and all animals. Our goal is to supplement the budget allocated to the shelter by the city of Detroit in order to operate a fully functional shelter with innovative and lifesaving programs by applying for grants, holding fundraisers, forming relationships with and stewarding donors and foundations, and accepting all material and in-kind donations from our volunteers and supporters. Our goal is to work with DACC to expand and perfect their adoption program, foster program, and transfer/transport program. We want to host off-site adoption events and get animals from Detroit adopted back into Detroit, as well as surrounding communities. We also want to work with partner shelters in other regions of the state and country to move dogs and cats from our overpopulated area to areas where there is not such an abundance of homeless animals. We also want to expand our shelter intervention services to stem the flow of animals into the shelter in the first place by keeping them in their homes or reuniting them quickly if they become displaced. Our goal is to practice and promote science-based training methods that are not harmful to a dog’s mental or physical state and encourage and strengthen the bond between humans and animals. Our goal is to promote education both inside and outside the organization and community that all dogs are individuals, that breed-specific legislation and policies don’t work, that no cat should be declawed, and that community cats should be cared for in line with progressive humane programs like trap-neuter-return.

Position Summary

The Volunteer Director is responsible for recruiting, training, supporting, and retaining volunteers who advance the mission of Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control (FoDACC). The Director oversees volunteer engagement for both on-site and virtual opportunities, serves as the primary liaison between volunteers, the Board of Directors, and Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC), and promotes a safe, knowledgeable, and welcoming volunteer environment. The Volunteer Director is also responsible for evaluating volunteer management systems and implementing processes that improve communication, scheduling, reporting, and volunteer engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain a diverse and engaged volunteer workforce.
• Be on site at Detroit Animal Care and Control at least once per week to volunteer.
• Recruit and develop a FoDACC volunteer leadership committee.
• Develop volunteer opportunities for individuals of varying ages, abilities, and availability.
• Coordinate volunteer orientations, buddy programs, and continuing education.
• Maintain regular communication with DACC staff regarding volunteer activities and operational needs.
• Oversee volunteer communications, including volunteer email accounts and online volunteer communities.
• Develop approaches / processes for volunteer recognition, engagement and retention.
• Maintain volunteer records, including volunteer hours and participation metrics.
• Maintain volunteer equipment and supplies.
• Update volunteer orientation materials, training resources, and the Volunteer Handbook as needed.
• Research and recommend volunteer management software and process improvements.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding volunteer program performance.

Qualifications

• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recruit, mentor, and lead volunteers with varying levels of experience.
• Ability to respond promptly to volunteer communications and scheduling requests.
• Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds.
• Commitment to continuing education through conferences, seminars, or professional development opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fear Free, CPDT-KA, IAABC, First Aid/CPR, or similar certifications (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience managing volunteers or leading teams.
• Current tetanus vaccination.

Performance Expectations

• Grow and retain an active volunteer base.
• Ensure volunteers receive consistent training and support.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive volunteer culture.
• Maintain strong communication between volunteers, DACC staff, and the Board.
• Promote best practices in animal welfare and volunteer engagement.

Time Commitment

Approximately 5–7 hours per week, including regular on-site participation at Detroit Animal Care and Control.

Compensation

This is an unpaid volunteer Board position.