Volunteer and Community Engagement Specialist

Orphans of the Storm

Job Description

Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist

Salary Range: $60,000–$67,000
Location: On-site in Riverwoods, IL, with occasional off-site events
Status: Full-time

About the Role

Orphans of the Storm is seeking a Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist to oversee the daily operations of our volunteer program and ensure volunteers feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact for shelter animals.

This role manages all aspects of the volunteer lifecycle—including recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, communication, and retention—and supervises the Volunteer & Events Coordinator, providing guidance, mentorship, and accountability. The Specialist serves as the primary liaison between volunteers and shelter staff and plays a key role in maintaining a positive, well-organized volunteer culture.

This position sits within the Operations team and collaborates with other departments on an as-needed, project-based basis, such as providing volunteer stories, data, or insights to support donor communications.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Program Operations

Manage day-to-day operations of the volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, training, placement, and appreciation.

Coordinate and deliver training for new volunteers and volunteer trainers, ensuring consistency, safety, and adherence to shelter protocols.

Respond promptly and professionally to volunteer and community inquiries.

Maintain and administer VolunteerHub and related systems; run reports, complete monthly audits, and ensure accurate, actionable data.

Oversee volunteer communications via VolunteerHub, Constant Contact, and volunteer Facebook groups.

Supervise, mentor, and support the Volunteer & Events Coordinator, including oversight of off-site events and adoption showcases.

Coordinate with Shelter Managers on operational needs involving volunteers.

Volunteer Engagement & Support

Build strong, supportive relationships with volunteers of all experience levels while upholding program standards.

Lead and support special-needs volunteer groups, ensuring safety, meaningful engagement, and appropriate accommodations.

Assist with volunteer recognition initiatives and events.

Evaluate and, if appropriate, revisit the implementation of a Volunteer Advisory Committee.

Ensure volunteer task supplies are available and organized to support daily shelter operations.

Complete special projects as assigned.

Project-Based Development Collaboration

Provide volunteer stories, profiles, and impact data for fundraising and donor communications upon request.

Share volunteer insights to support donor stewardship and cultivation.

Contribute volunteer-related content to the monthly volunteer newsletter, social media, and organization-wide communications as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Experience in volunteer coordination, volunteer management, or related fields.

Proven supervisory experience managing staff, interns, or volunteer teams.

Experience working in an animal shelter strongly preferred.

Experience supporting special-needs volunteer groups preferred.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; familiarity with Constant Contact a plus.

Proficiency with VolunteerHub; familiarity with DonorPerfect or similar CRMs preferred.

Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.

Comfortable with public speaking and representing the organization at events.

Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.

Passion for animal welfare and Orphans of the Storm’s mission.

Ability to perform occasional physically active duties, including lifting 50+ pounds, standing/walking for extended periods, and safely driving the organization’s vehicle.

Valid driver’s license required; driving is an essential function of the role.