Assistant Manager of Volunteers (Full-Time) in Richmond, Virginia at Richmond SPCA

Reports to Manager of Volunteers

Direct Reports: Volunteer Training and Administrative Assistants, volunteers

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.

The Assistant Manager of Volunteers serves as a vital link between our mission and the community, working with the Manager of Volunteers to strategically oversee the entire volunteer lifecycle. This role is responsible for recruiting mission-aligned talent and cultivating a culture where volunteers feel equipped, valued, and deeply connected to our work. By balancing operational logistics with intentional relationship building, the Assistant Manager of Volunteers ensures that every volunteer’s efforts make a lifesaving difference.

Essential Functions

• Work with the Manager of Volunteers to lead and motivate Volunteer Management Team and volunteers, cultivating a culture that reflects our values
• Work with the Manager of Volunteers to execute department goals and objectives for volunteer programming
• Communicate via phone, email, and in person with current and prospective volunteers to help match their skills and interest with organizational needs
• Supervise and coordinate individual and group volunteers who support on-campus operations as well as special events (including the Fur Ball and Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party), off-side adoption events, and informational tables
• Ensure that volunteers have a safe and supportive environment in which to work, encourage open communication, and approach difficult conversations with empathy and compassion
• Help identify and respond promptly to volunteer needs from across the organization, maintaining a schedule of volunteer tasks with input from department managers and liaisons
• Organize and lead volunteer training (topics including but not limited to following Richmond SPCA policies and animal handling)
• Utilize and seek to improve systems to recruit, onboard, train, engage and celebrate volunteers
• Coordinate and oversee volunteers who participate in pet visitation programming, as well as maintain relationships with host sites
• Maintain systems to track volunteer activities and hours for reporting and analysis purposes
• Draft and send volunteer communications through different platforms (e.g. Trello, Facebook groups, email, weekly volunteer email newsletter, etc.)
• Assist with planning activities to build community among volunteers and events to recognize and celebrate their contributions
• Provide administrative support for special-focused volunteer teams
• Maintain relationships with recurring community volunteer partners
• Represent the Richmond SPCA at community events, informational tables, volunteer fairs, etc.
• Assist with typical tasks performed by a management team overseeing staff including regular performance feedback, mentoring, hiring, training, and more
• Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Expectations

• Alignment with the Richmond SPCA’s mission to achieve and sustain a no-kill community – including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering – and to utilizing reward-based, positive reinforcement (R+) training methods
• High degree of emotional intelligence, with an ability to successfully navigate emotionally challenging situations professionally and effectively
• Effective, professional, and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate, and respectful atmosphere
• Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, and adapt to and productively accommodate changing demands – all with excellent attention to detail
• Comfort handling or learning to handle (petting, leash-walking, some lifting and carrying) dogs, cats, and small mammals with a variety of medical and behavioral needs
• Excellent public speaking skills for in-person and video conference-style presentations and trainings
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft 365, Better Impact) and the ability to learn new software quickly
• Must work well under pressure and adhere to deadlines
• Punctuality and reliability are essential, as well as good time management and prioritization skills
• Maintain confidentiality as requested
• Must be resourceful and creatively problem-solve with a team-oriented mindset
• Prior management experience not required, but preferred

• Daytime, weekend, and occasional evening availability
• Reliable transportation, including during inclement weather
• 18 years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle record screening

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have challenging behaviors), and around loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, allergens (pet dander, peanut butter), various chemicals, and disinfectants
• Able to routinely lift 25 lbs.
• Able to bend, kneel, stoop, use stairs, and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to push and pull a large cart
• Able to be on your feet for several hours at a time
• Able to work at a desk, use a computer, and use the phone for several hours at a time
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment

• Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)
• High-volume, fast-paced environment
• Supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.

The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.