Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
About Us: Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) is a registered non-profit charity located in Calgary, Alberta helping over 6,000 animals each year. Our mission is to rescue and rehome animals in need and provide community support programs that help people and their pets.
AARCS is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to oversee and support our volunteer program and help foster an engaged, welcoming, and well-organized volunteer community.
This role is a great fit for someone who is naturally positive, friendly, approachable, and confident working with a wide variety of people. You’re organized, adaptable, and comfortable navigating challenging conversations when needed. Most importantly, you genuinely enjoy working with people and understand the important role volunteers and foster caregivers play in helping animals in need.
What You’ll Do: As our Volunteer Coordinator, you’ll oversee the day-to-day administration and ongoing development of AARCS’ volunteer program. You’ll work closely with staff across the organization to understand their volunteer needs and ensure volunteers are recruited, trained, supported, and engaged in meaningful roles.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Daily processing of volunteer applications and management of the volunteer inbox, fielding general inquiries.
- Collaborate with other departments to develop an in-depth understanding of the volunteer needs of the organization by working with program coordinators, managers and directors.
- Develop and evaluate volunteer roles, select and place volunteers according to needs of the programs and suitability to the position.
- Plan and implement volunteer and foster recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies, including recognition programs, feedback collection, and ongoing adaptation based on team needs.
- Coordinate volunteer activities, assist in managing schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and support program needs.
- Develop and conduct volunteer orientation programs to prepare volunteers to effectively perform their duties in accordance with volunteer resources, policies and procedures.
- Use volunteer management software (Better Impact) to maintain accurate records, conduct regular audits, and support communications for both volunteers and foster caregivers.
- Ensure current volunteer position descriptions are kept up-to-date by reviewing on an annual basis.
- Serve as the first point of contact for conflict resolution and mediation of interpersonal or procedural issues among volunteers and foster caregivers with professionalism and tact. Escalate as needed.
- Act as the main point of contact for volunteer and foster concerns, questions, and feedback, ensuring timely and compassionate responses.
- Oversee and assist as needed with interviewing and screening foster homes.
- Support paid and unpaid practicum students, along with summer students, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and integration into the team.
- Assist with coordination of the Helping Paws Program, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for participating groups.
- In conjunction with the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), evaluate the risks associated with each volunteer position and take appropriate action to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with the program or service.
- Build positive relationships with volunteers and foster homes, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Provide on-call support to foster homes and/or shelter caregivers in the case of an emergency during a one week rotation, as needed, but approximately once every 12 weeks.
- Assist with other tasks as required.
What You Bring: We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with people and can balance compassion and approachability with strong organization, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Ideally, you have:
- A high school diploma; a certificate or diploma in Office Administration or a related area is an asset.
- A minimum of one year of experience in volunteer management or a related field, preferably within a nonprofit environment.
- A Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) designation is considered an asset.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- A genuine interest in animal welfare.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong active listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and empathetically.
- Strong conflict resolution, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities with strong attention to detail.
- The ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Confidence working independently while also being a collaborative member of a team.
- Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Experience with Google Drive is considered an asset.
- Experience with general administration and/or volunteer management software, particularly Better Impact, is considered an asset.
The Environment: This position works within a busy animal shelter environment and requires regular interaction with staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, members of the public, and animals.
The role includes:
- Working in an office environment within an active animal shelter with moderate to loud noise levels.
- Potential exposure to animals that may be unpredictable, dangerous, and/or carrying communicable diseases.
- Sitting for extended periods.
- Regular walking and reaching overhead.
- Lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Participating in an occasional on-call rotation, approximately once every 12 weeks.
What We Offer :
- A permanent full-time(37.5 hour work week) position in our Calgary office.
- A collaborative, mission-driven, dynamic work environment.
- Paid vacation, statutory holidays, sick and wellness time.
- Health, Dental and Life and Disability Benefits.
- RRSP Employer Matching Plan.
- Continuing education and professional development opportunities, including AFP Membership.
- Discounted pet food, services, and supplies .
Apply Now: The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate the time and effort it takes to apply and thank you in advance for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
AARCS is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please notify us at careers@aarcs.ca as soon as possible. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.
