Volunteer and Community Engagement Specialist

Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist

Salary Range: $60,000–$67,000 Location: On-site: Riverwoods, IL, and off-site locations

Job Summary

The Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist ensures the daily operations of Orphans of the Storm’s Volunteer Program run smoothly and effectively. This role oversees all volunteer activities, including recruitment, placement, training, scheduling, communication, and retention, and supervises the Volunteer & Events Coordinator, providing guidance, mentorship, and accountability.

The Specialist serves as the primary liaison between volunteers and shelter staff, fostering an environment where volunteers feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the care and enrichment of shelter animals.

This role sits within the Operations team; collaboration with the other departments occurs on an as-needed, project-based basis, such as providing volunteer stories, data, or insights to support donor communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Program Operations

• Ensure the Volunteer Program runs smoothly day to day, including recruitment, onboarding, training, placement, and appreciation efforts.
• Coordinate and deliver training for new volunteers and volunteer trainers, maintaining consistency, safety, and adherence to shelter protocols.
• Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from volunteers and the community.
• Maintain and administer VolunteerHub and other systems, ensuring accurate, actionable volunteer data; run reports, complete monthly audits, and optimize system use.
• Oversee volunteer communications through VolunteerHub, Constant Contact, and volunteer Facebook groups.
• Supervise, mentor, and support the Volunteer & Events Coordinator, including oversight of off-site location events and showcases.
• Coordinate with Shelter Managers on operational needs involving volunteers.
• Collaborate with relevant colleagues on off-site volunteer events as needed.

Volunteer Engagement & Support

• Build strong, supportive relationships with volunteers of all experience levels while upholding program standards.
• Lead and support special-needs volunteer groups, ensuring safety, meaningful engagement, and accommodation where appropriate.
• Assist with volunteer-related events and recognition initiatives.
• Evaluate and, if appropriate, revisit the potential implementation of a Volunteer Advisory Committee.
• Ensure volunteer task supplies are available and organized to support smooth shelter operations.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

Project-Based Development Collaboration

• Provide volunteer stories, profiles, and impact data upon request for fundraising appeals or donor communications.
• Share relevant volunteer insights that may assist Development in donor stewardship or cultivation.
• Contribute volunteer-related content to the monthly volunteer newsletter, social media channels, and, when needed, to the organization-wide newsletter.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or similar.
• Experience in volunteer coordination, volunteer management, or related fields.
• Proven supervisory experience (staff, interns, or volunteer teams).
• Experience working in an animal shelter is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting special-needs volunteer groups preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; familiarity with Constant Contact is a plus.
• Proficiency with VolunteerHub and familiarity with DonorPerfect or similar CRMs preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities; able to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
• Comfortable with public speaking and representing the shelter at events.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Passion for animal welfare and the mission of Orphans of the Storm.
• Must be able to perform physically active duties on occasion, including lifting and carrying up to 50+ pounds, standing and walking for extended periods, and safely driving the organization’s vehicle as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required; driving is an essential function of this role.

Health benefits package included.

Paid time off included.