Call for Applications: Administrative & Operational Support Volunteer (Toronto)

Call for Applications: Administrative & Operational Support Volunteer (Toronto)

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is an international human rights organization that creates pathways to safety for at-risk LGBTQI+ people and strengthens policies and systems that support their protection and integration. Headquartered in Toronto and New York, Rainbow Railroad is one of the few organizations that work as direct service providers, advocates, thought leaders, and movement strategists to address global queer forced displacement.

Since its founding in 2006, the organization has received over 75,000 requests for help from individuals facing persecution due to their diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). In collaboration with a global network of grassroots organizations and human rights defenders in crisis-affected contexts, Rainbow Railroad has supported more than 40,000 LGBTQI+ individuals, including facilitating international relocation for more than 2,300 people since its inception.

Rainbow Railroad is a USA 501(c)(3) organization and a registered Canadian charity with offices in New York and Toronto.

THE VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are seeking a community-minded individual interested in supporting the Operations team as a volunteer in Rainbow Railroad’s Toronto office.

The Administrative & Operational Support Volunteer provides occasional, time block based support to the Operations team, assisting with activities such as helping support a welcoming, well-organized, and efficient environment in the Toronto office. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys organized, detail-oriented tasks and is interested in learning more about nonprofit operations.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES

• Assist in managing day-to-day operations of Rainbow Railroad’s Toronto office, ensuring a welcoming, well-organized, and efficient environment
• Assist in maintaining and ordering office supplies, systems, and equipment
• Assist with certain IT requests
• Support scheduling, travel coordination, and logistics for staff and leadership, including meetings, retreats, and special events.
• Provide administrative support to the Operations Officer, Director, HR and Admin, the Director of Operations, and Chief Operating Officer as needed.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be reliable and communicative about your availability
• Work together with staff and follow guidance when needed
• Sensitivity to LGBTQI+ issues and alignment with Rainbow Railroad’s mission and values
• Communicate proactively about availability or any issues affecting volunteer commitments
• Accept guidance and supervision from the Volunteer Coordinator or designated staff member
• Handle sensitive donor and organizational information with discretion and confidentiality
• Comply with Rainbow Railroad’s policies and procedures

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN A VOLUNTEER

Personal Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Reliable, professional, and comfortable working in an in-office setting
• Familiarity with issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities, whether through lived experience, study, or community involvement, is an asset

Requirements

• Strong judgment and discretion
• Minimum commitment of one half day per week, in-person
  • Approximately 4-5 hours per week
  • In-person participation in the Toronto office

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

• Meaningful involvement in Rainbow Railroad’s work
• Hands-on experience supporting staff
• Training, tools, and ongoing support from staff
• Opportunities to build professional skills and networks within an international nonprofit
• Professional references available upon request

Length of Role: Minimum 3 months

Application Deadline – Aug 21, 2026

Length of role – Minimum Commitment is 3-12 Months

Please note that we will be accepting resumes on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Rainbow Railroad is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

For inquiries related to these volunteer opportunities, please contact ndavis@rainbowrailroad.org.