Volunteer and Foster Coordinator

Job Title:

Volunteer & Foster Coordinator

Department:

Volunteer & Humane Education Programs

Job Classification:

Full-Time; Non-Exempt

Job Relationships:

Reports to Manager of Volunteer & Humane Education Programs

Pay Range:

Role range $20.83-$28.18/hr (Hiring Range: up to $25.50/hr, DOE)

Organization
The Santa Cruz SPCA has been a mainstay serving animals in our community since 1938. Although our organization originally provided animal control services for Santa Cruz County, since 2002 we have been a fully independent nonprofit animal welfare organization focused on cat and dog rescue and adoption, providing a robust curriculum of humane education programs, and offering a variety of programs and services that support keeping pets and their people together. In 2020, amid the global pandemic, we built and opened our brand-new animal shelter. This modern, purpose-built facility has given us the ability to expand our impact and help more animals in need. Our vision for the coming years is to double the number of lives saved and touched through our programs.

The Santa Cruz SPCA is seeking team members who are driven to play a role in expanding and refining our operations to achieve this vision! We pride ourselves on being courageously compassionate, collaborative, adaptable and driven by ingenuity. To effectively help needy animals we depend on teamwork between our staff, volunteers, clients, supporters, and our community. We welcome feedback, contribution, fresh eyes, and a fresh take so we can continually improve our operations. If you are seeking a new role where you can make a true difference in animals’ lives while having an opportunity to contribute to a growing organization, we would love to speak with you!

Role Summary
The Volunteer & Foster Coordinator plays a key role in delivering on the organization’s mission to provide safe harbor for animals in need and promote an active humane community through adoption, advocacy, and education. This team member will aim their efforts on providing for the needs of our unpaid volunteers and Foster parents, therefore enabling us to grow these crucial programs. In partnership with the Manager of Volunteer and Humane Education Programs this role is responsible for the recruitment, training, support, engagement and supervision of individual volunteers and Fosters. This role also works cross-functionally with team members in each department to ensure Volunteer and Foster needs are met. Our Volunteer & Foster Coordinator helps build our "people power" so we can positively impact more animals in need.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesVolunteer Program (45%)

• Present regular volunteer orientation and information sessions.
• In coordination with Volunteer Manager, manage volunteer schedule both virtually and on visual board; actively work to fill open shifts.
• Coordinate and deliver necessary volunteer training for all available volunteer roles.
• Assist with developing and delivering continuing education for volunteers.
• Coordinate weekly and monthly roles such as Green Team, Animal Photo Team and Pet Food Pantry.
• Maintain current volunteer e-mail lists and regularly communicate about issues that affect individual roles.
• Support staff who are the immediate supervisors of volunteers.
• Plan and coordinate group volunteer events (e.g. corporate volunteers, school groups).
• Perform routine data health activities in our volunteer database.
• Write and send weekly volunteer update communications.
• Assist with the development and implementation and of annual volunteer appreciation and engagement strategy.
• Monitor and order volunteer supplies.
• Calculate and providing statistics for monthly Board reports.
• Provide other reports, as needed.
• Assist with regular program evaluation, including soliciting feedback from volunteers.

Foster Program (50%)

• Recruit, select and train new foster volunteers.
• Assist in automating the process for efficiently matching foster people with foster pets; contribute to other continual improvement efforts that enable program growth.
• Regularly support and communicate with foster parents through e-mail, phone and face to face contact.
• Coordinate initial foster placement, pick-up, adoption meet-and-greets, vet visits and Foster returns.
• Coordinate and secure needed resources for foster parents, including (but not limited to): supplies, behavior support, and medical support.
• Coordinate with Animal Care staff and Customer Care staff regarding other foster animal and person processes, including adoption marketing and showcasing.
• Assist with developing continuing education for fosters.
• Regularly maintain and report on our foster person and animal records in our database.
• Solicit and share adoption marketing content for animals in foster homes.
• Capture photo and video content to be used for social media and adoption marketing purposes.
• Assist with the development and implementation of annual foster appreciation and engagement strategy.
• Order and monitor foster supplies.
• Calculate and provide statistics for monthly Board reports.
• Provide other reports, as needed.
• Assist with regular program evaluation, including soliciting feedback from foster parents.

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Model exceptional customer service for internal and external customers alike.
• Warmly greet clients in-person, by phone, and by email and provide professional and caring information pertaining to the animals, the adoption process, donations, programming, and all other inquiry topics.

Perform other duties as required/requested to ensure a positive public image, the well-being of animals and the public, and to improve the functioning of the organization.
Job RequirementsEducation, Skill, Experience

• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience working with volunteers, required.
• Advanced computer skills that include the ability to proficiently use Microsoft 365 / Office Suite, Google Suite and other web-based systems. Ability and willingness to learn other software programs as necessary.
• Previous volunteer database administration experience preferred.
• Understanding of and ability to utilize social media channels as communication tool for fosters, volunteers and clients.
• Exceptional and professional verbal and written skills are required. Bilingual abilities are a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills required, including the ability to establish priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills especially under stressful conditions.
• Must have a high degree of initiative, personal responsibility, and strong time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people and mediate conflict constructively.
• Foster a team environment by working effectively with all staff and volunteers to collaboratively accomplish SCSPCA goals and objectives.
• Must have compassion and concern for both animals and people.
• Passionately supports the mission of the Santa Cruz SPCA and promotes the organization at every opportunity.
• Must have a flexible schedule as some evening and weekend work will be required.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and insurable driving record required.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Weekend and evening work may be required. At least one weekend day will be a part of the regular schedule.

Work is performed in an office and an indoor/outdoor animal shelter setting. Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases and disinfectants; Potential for exposure to dangerous and fractious animals; Potential exposure to high noise levels; Potential for animal bites and scratches while handling animals. Frequently requires handling of materials up to 40 lbs, occasional lifting of up to 60 pounds. Potential for sitting or standing on feet for extended periods of time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Process
Please submit your resume and a cover letter with your salary requirements through Indeed. No phone calls please. Resumes received without a cover letter will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Santa Cruz SPCA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.83 - $28.18 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Available to work one weekend day on a weekly basis?

Experience:

• Volunteer management: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person