Volunteer Services Coordinator

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Volunteer Services Coordinator to support day-to-day operations of the Office of Volunteer Services. You will recruit, train, schedule, and engage volunteers across Adult Volunteers, ZooTeens, Special Events, and Internship programs.

This hands-on role emphasizes coordinating group experiences, maintaining accurate records, and recognizing volunteers. A full-time, 40-hour week format applies; overtime may be required for major events.

Qualifications

• At least one year of administrative or clerical experience in a professional environment.
• High school diploma; an associate or bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Experience with Better Impact or other scheduling/database software is desirable.
• Creative, energetic, and positive approach to working with people.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence speaking with groups and presenting information.
• Demonstrated commitment to volunteerism, including volunteer experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse ages/backgrounds/interests.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and placing volunteers based on organizational needs.
• Review volunteer background checks and coordinate entry procedures, applications, interviews and scheduling.
• Recruit volunteers for special events (ZooBoo, Christmas at the Zoo).
• Represent the Zoo at recruitment events at colleges and high schools.
• Assist with volunteer orientations and training sessions, in person and virtually.
• Maintain volunteer information, schedules, records, and reports in Better Impact and other systems.
• Calculate volunteer hours and prepare statistical reports for Zoo management.
• Assist with volunteer recognition events and retention efforts.
• Build positive relationships with volunteers and staff, addressing questions and concerns as they arise.
• Coordinate and lead group volunteer experiences with businesses and community organizations.

Skills

Administrative experience

Volunteer coordination

Strong communication

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Volunteerism commitment

MS Office

Creative and energetic approach

Group facilitation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Better Impact

Scheduling software

Job description

Volunteers are a huge part of what makes the Indianapolis Zoo possible, and we're looking for a Volunteer Services Coordinator to help keep our volunteer programs running smoothly, welcoming new volunteers, and creating meaningful experiences along the way. If you're organized, people-oriented, and love bringing people together around a great mission, this could be the role for you!

About the Role

The Volunteer Services Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the Office of Volunteer Services, working closely with the Manager of Volunteer Services to support Adult Volunteers, ZooTeens, Special Events, and Internship programs.

This is a hands-on role that combines volunteer recruitment and engagement with administrative coordination, training, scheduling, database management, and event support. You'll interact with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, partner with staff across the Zoo, and help ensure our volunteers have the information, resources, and support they need to make an impact. The Coordinator will also serve as a point of contact for volunteer groups, helping coordinate group experiences and leading hands-on projects such as animal enrichment.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position working Monday - Friday. Weekend and evening hours may be required during peak seasons and for special events. Overtime is required for large organizational events such as Zoobilation and the Indianapolis Prize Gala.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and placing volunteers based on organizational needs.
• Review volunteer background checks and help coordinate volunteer entry procedures, applications, interviews, and scheduling.
• Recruit volunteers for special events, including ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo.
• Attend college and high school career and internship fairs and represent the Zoo at recruitment events.
• Assist with developing and presenting volunteer orientations and training sessions, both in person and virtually.
• Maintain accurate volunteer information, schedules, records, and reports in Better Impact and other systems.
• Calculate volunteer hours and prepare statistical reports for Zoo management.
• Assist with volunteer recognition events and support efforts focused on volunteer retention and engagement.
• Build positive relationships with volunteers and staff while helping address questions, concerns, and challenges as they arise.
• Serve as a point of contact for volunteer groups, including businesses and community organizations, coordinating and leading group volunteer experiences.

What We're Looking For

• At least one year of administrative or clerical experience in a professional environment, preferably with experience in volunteer coordination, education, or human resources.
• A high school diploma or equivalent; an associate or bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Experience with Better Impact or other scheduling/database software is highly desirable.
• A creative, energetic, and positive approach to working with people, with the ability to make volunteer experiences fun, engaging, and meaningful.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence speaking with groups and presenting information.
• A demonstrated commitment to volunteerism, including volunteer experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully with people of varying ages, backgrounds, experiences, and interests.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Why Join Us?

Our volunteers play an important role in bringing our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world, to life. This position gives you the opportunity to make an impact not only through the programs you support, but through the people you help engage, develop and inspire. Apply today and help amplify the voice of conservation!

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.