Volunteer Program Manager

Valleyhumane; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton, CA is seeking an experienced and energetic Volunteer Program Manager to lead a corps of more than 200 volunteers who support our animals, programs, and mission.

This people-first leadership role emphasizes coaching, public speaking, problem-solving, and hands-on program management, overseeing the volunteer experience from recruitment and onboarding through training, recognition, retention, and difficult performance conversations while partnering with shelter

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in people management or volunteer management.
• Strong public speaking, facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive conversations and provide constructive feedback.
• Highly organized with ability to balance strategy, scheduling, training, events, and hands-on volunteer support.
• Comfort using data and reporting tools; volunteer-management or CRM experience is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of animal care, handling, and shelter safety; willingness to learn quickly.
• Availability for some weekend, evening, and holiday shifts.

Responsibilities

• Leading, coaching, and mentoring a corps of more than 200 volunteers
• Managing recruitment, onboarding, training, recognition, retention, and volunteer communications
• Delivering engaging orientations and ongoing training for groups of all sizes
• Providing constructive feedback and handling conflict or performance concerns with empathy and professionalism
• Partnering with Operations and program leaders to align volunteer scheduling and training with organizational needs
• Representing the volunteer program at community events, speaking engagements, and outreach activities
• Tracking volunteer coverage, retention, satisfaction, attendance, and pipeline health
• Improving volunteer systems, processes, and engagement strategies through data and experimentation

Skills

People management

Volunteer management

Public speaking

Coaching

Interpersonal communication

Data reporting

CRM/database

Animal welfare knowledge

Tools

CRM/database

Job description

Are you a natural people leader who knows how to build community, inspire service, and help volunteers feel valued? Valley Humane Society is looking for an experienced and energetic Volunteer Program Manager to lead and strengthen a corps of more than 200 volunteers who support our animals, programs, and mission.

This is a people-first leadership role for someone who enjoys coaching, public speaking, problem-solving, and hands-on program management. You will oversee the volunteer experience from recruitment and onboarding through training, recognition, retention, and, when necessary, difficult performance conversations. You will also partner closely with shelter and program teams to ensure volunteer support meets real operational needs.

About Valley Humane Society:

Valley Humane Society is a private, nonprofit animal welfare organization incorporated in 1987 with an excellent reputation for quality care and community support. Envisioning a world in which every animal is loved and every person knows the love of an animal, the organization creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets. Valley Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer; the team is guided by the values of Compassion, Companionship, Optimism, Gratitude, Collaboration, and Integrity.

Valley Humane Society is located in beautiful Pleasanton, CA, nestled among rolling hills and close to the Livermore Valley Wine Country. The area boasts year-round recreation, top-rated schools, and a vibrant sense of community. Visit valleyhumane.org to learn more.

Responsibilities Owned by This Role Include:

• Leading, coaching, and mentoring a corps of more than 200 volunteers
• Managing recruitment, onboarding, training, recognition, retention, and volunteer communications
• Delivering engaging orientations and ongoing training for groups of all sizes
• Providing constructive feedback and handling conflict or performance concerns with empathy and professionalism
• Partnering with Operations and program leaders to align volunteer scheduling and training with organizational needs
• Representing the volunteer program at community events, speaking engagements, and outreach activities
• Tracking volunteer coverage, retention, satisfaction, attendance, and pipeline health
• Improving volunteer systems, processes, and engagement strategies through data and experimentation

Basic Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in people management, volunteer management, human resources, or a related coaching or leadership role
• Strong public speaking, facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage sensitive conversations and provide clear, constructive feedback
• Highly organized and comfortable balancing strategy, scheduling, training, events, and hands-on volunteer support
• Comfort using data and reporting tools; volunteer-management or CRM database experience is a plus
• Basic knowledge of animal care, handling, and shelter safety standards, or the willingness to learn quickly
• Availability for some weekend, evening, and holiday shifts

Work Schedule:

Full time with benefits