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

Volunteer Director

Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control

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.

To Apply

Accepting applications until 10/1/2026. FoDACC is an equal opportunity employer.

:- Board members are expected to disclose involvement with other animal welfare organizations and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with FoDACC’s mission, values, and policies.

:- Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control is a force-free and anti-breed-specific legislation (anti-BSL) organization committed to providing an inclusive environment where all volunteers are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic.