Volunteer Coordinator

Connect compassionate people with meaningful ways to help animals.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking an organized, outgoing, and dependable Volunteer Coordinator to support the onboarding, training, engagement, and retention of ARL volunteers. This part-time role works closely with volunteers, community partners, and departments across the organization to help ensure volunteers have a positive, meaningful, and well-supported experience.

This is a great opportunity for someone with volunteer coordination, customer service, training, community engagement, nonprofit, education, or program support experience who enjoys building relationships, staying organized, and connecting people with a mission that matters.

Schedule

• Part-time position working approximately 24 hours per week.
• Schedule flexibility may be required to support volunteer onboarding, training, programming, special events, and organizational needs.
• Some evening or weekend availability may be required.

About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do

• Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, support, and provide feedback to volunteers.
• Process volunteer applications and assist with screening and onboarding activities.
• Coordinate volunteer schedules, assignments, and opportunities across ARL departments and programs.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and reporting in Volgistics.
• Respond to volunteer questions and provide timely, consistent communication.
• Support volunteer recognition, appreciation, engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Coordinate volunteer involvement in the TheraPets program and serve as a liaison with community partners.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Services team on group opportunities, recruitment efforts, newsletters, and department initiatives.
• Coordinate and assist with Humane Education programming.
• Promote positive relationships with volunteers, visitors, partners, and team members while representing the ARL’s mission, programs, and services.

What We’re Looking For

• At least two years of experience in volunteer coordination, customer service, community engagement, or a related role required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, communication, nonprofit management, education, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience coordinating volunteer programs, training, or community programming preferred.
• Strong customer service, communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and remain professional in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Comfortable leading training, providing feedback, and supporting volunteers with different backgrounds and experience levels.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Volgistics or another volunteer management database is a plus.

Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees at the ARL are part of a mission-focused culture where their work directly supports animals, volunteers, pet owners, and the community. Benefits and employee offerings may include:

• Veterinary benefits
• Opportunities for learning, connection, and meaningful community impact
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works in an active animal shelter and office environment and may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, speaking, and computer use.

The role may occasionally involve working outdoors in hot or cold weather and may require travel between ARL locations or community partner sites.

The position may involve exposure to pet dander, animal waste, strong odors, moderate noise, zoonotic or contagious animal diseases, and the possibility of bites or scratches while following established safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join the ARL?

As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will help people find meaningful ways to use their time and talents in support of animals and the community. From welcoming new volunteers and coordinating schedules to supporting TheraPets visits and recognizing volunteer contributions, your work will help create an engaged and dependable volunteer community.

If you are organized, people-focused, and excited about helping volunteers feel connected to a mission that matters, we would love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.