Volunteer Coordinator

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and daily management of the Sacramento Zoo's volunteer programs. This role oversees the entire volunteer lifecycle—including recruitment, comprehensive training, supervision, and stewardship—to support the Zoo's mission. As an education-based position, the Volunteer Coordinator contributes significantly to educational programming and is expected to present educational content as needed to meet departmental and organizational goals.

Tasks

The primary responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

Volunteer Program Development

• Collaborate with the Director of Education to establish and execute annual goals, objectives, and strategic growth plans for volunteer programs.
• Design and relaunch year-round teen volunteering program, providing mentorship and developmental opportunities for students.
• Oversee the entire volunteer lifecycle, including recruitment, training, on-boarding, supervision, and recognition, for all education volunteer programs.
• Administer and maintain the volunteer management database, ensuring accurate records of training, certifications, and contact information.
• Foster partnerships with schools, colleges, and universities to coordinate internship programs and community service opportunities.
• Track and report all volunteer hours across all departments, preparing reports for the City of Sacramento and zoo leadership.

Education and Event Management

• Manage the summer camp counselor program, serving as a secondary supervisor for Summer Camp operations in coordination with the Youth Programs Coordinator.
• Provide operational oversight for volunteer assignments and check-in during major events, marketing initiatives, and fundraising efforts.
• Work cross-functionally with all zoo departments to identify, coordinate, and fulfill volunteer needs for daily operations and special group projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison between zoo staff and volunteers, ensuring clear communication and a positive organizational culture.

Program Evaluation and Support

• Design and establish measurable performance metrics and goals for all departmental volunteer efforts.
• Formally evaluate the effectiveness of programs and events, analyzing outcomes against departmental and organizational strategic goals.
• Achieve proficiency in all other departmental education programs to provide essential backup support and ensure seamless program continuity as needed.
• Perform other essential tasks and duties as directed by the Director of Education.

Desired Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Resources, Non-Profit Management, or a related field is preferred.
• At least two years of demonstrated experience in volunteer management, program coordination, or personnel supervision, preferably in a non-profit or educational setting.

Professional Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated proficiency in standard office software, specifically Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite).
• Experience with Volunteer Management Software, such as Better Impact or Volgistics.
• Comfort handling a variety of animal taxa, including but not limited to birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, lead, and manage a diverse group of individuals of varying ages and backgrounds.
• Excellent public speaking skills for conducting orientations, training sessions, and recruitment presentations.
• Knowledge of and skilled in empathetic leadership styles.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years is required.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Have and maintain a valid Class C U.S. Driver's License.
• Successful completion of a mandatory background check and fingerprinting.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with a regular schedule of Sunday through Thursday. Due to the nature of Zoo events and volunteer needs, this role requires the ability to work occasional evenings and holidays. The coordinator must be comfortable working in a dynamic environment that includes both office-based tasks and outdoor activities under varying weather conditions.

Pay: $ $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person