Shelter Volunteer Program Manager: Lead Volunteers

Lifeline Animal Project Inc; Chamblee (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

LifeLine Animal Project is seeking a Volunteer Program Manager to lead the on-site volunteer program at DeKalb County Animal Services. This role ensures volunteers are recruited, trained, scheduled, and supported to meet shelter operations while aligning with LifeLine policies.

You will supervise the Volunteer Coordinator, coordinate with shelter leadership, and maintain volunteer records and reporting. The position requires compassion, strong leadership, and the ability to work weekends and

Qualifications

• Compassion for animals and people
• Strong leadership and people-management experience
• Excellent communication, verbal and written
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations with professionalism and empathy
• Experience with volunteer or donor databases preferred
• Experience in animal shelter environments preferred
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays
• Background check required

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the volunteer program at DeKalb County Animal Services to ensure consistent, reliable volunteer coverage that supports animal care and operations.
• Serve as the primary on-site authority for volunteer-related decisions, escalations, and problem-solving.
• Ensure volunteer activities align with shelter protocols, safety standards, and operational priorities in an effort to save lives.
• Collaborate closely with shelter leadership to anticipate volunteer needs and adjust scheduling, roles, or training accordingly.
• Directly supervise the Volunteer Coordinator with compassion, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Ensure the Volunteer Coordinator is supported in executing recruitment, scheduling, orientation, and communication responsibilities.
• Address performance concerns and disciplinary issues involving volunteers in accordance with LifeLine policies, escalating to the Director of Volunteer Services as appropriate.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention efforts at the assigned location.
• Take responsibility to maintain a visible and consistent presence within the shelter to foster strong relationships with volunteers and staff.
• Provide compassionate support to volunteers, including navigating emotionally challenging situations related to animal illness, injury, or euthanasia.
• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful volunteer culture.
• Coordinate volunteer participation in special events, off-site adoptions, and community service projects tied to the assigned shelter.
• Courageously serve as the primary liaison between volunteers and shelter staff to ensure smooth collaboration and clear expectations.
• Oversee accurate maintenance of volunteer records, schedules, and hours within the volunteer database.
• Monitor volunteer participation trends at the location and share insights, challenges, and recommendations with the Director of Volunteer Services.
• Support data collection and reporting requirements for leadership dashboards and internal reviews.

Skills

Compassion for animals

Leadership

People management

Communication

Organizational skills

Empathy

Computer skills

Volunteer database

Shelter experience

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma

College degree preferred

Shelter/Animal welfare coursework

Tools

Volunteer database systems

Basic computer applications

Job description

LifeLine Animal Project is seeking a Volunteer Program Manager to lead the on-site volunteer program at DeKalb County Animal Services. This role ensures volunteers are recruited, trained, scheduled, and supported to meet shelter operations while aligning with LifeLine policies.

You will supervise the Volunteer Coordinator, coordinate with shelter leadership, and maintain volunteer records and reporting. The position requires compassion, strong leadership, and the ability to work weekends and