Dog Volunteer Manager

Dog Volunteer Manager

Are you a people leader who loves dogs? Join our Dog Team as a Volunteer Manager!

You will bring strong relational skills, a collaborative spirit and a genuine passion for engaging people in meaningful service. This role requires a motivated leader who can build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers and colleagues, while effectively managing systems and processes. Working collaboratively with shelter leadership, you will create a safe, positive and enriching environment for both dogs and volunteers.

Reports to: Dog Senior Manager

What You'll Do

Volunteer Program Leadership & Strategy

• Design, evaluate, and continuously improve dog shelter volunteer structures in accordance with dog shelter priorities
• Track key metrics such as volunteer retention, training completion, shift coverage etc.
• Ensure volunteer involvement supports animal welfare, staff sustainability, and operational efficiency
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures
• Collaborate with Human Resources to create clear role descriptions for positions within the dog volunteer team
• Serve as liaison between dog shelter volunteers and dog shelter leadership
• Participate in dog leadership meetings and planning related to staffing, capacity and system and process improvement

Volunteer Supervision & Support

• Work closely with and supervise Dog Volunteer Coordinators to create an enriching volunteer experience
• Manage volunteer performance management, including coaching, documentation, behavior plans and dismissal decisions when necessary in collaboration with Human Resources
• Address volunteer concerns, conflicts, or conduct issues with professionalism, empathy and care
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and respect
• Advise leadership on volunteer-related risk, behavioral patterns, and recurring concerns

Volunteer Engagement & Retention

• Build a supportive and engaging volunteer culture that encourages long-term commitment.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to develop recognition, appreciation and other engagement opportunities for volunteers
• Serve as a consistent point of contact for dog shelter volunteer needs
• Ensure clear, timely communication with volunteers via email, platforms, or internal systems
• Keep volunteers connected with regular updates and communications

Qualifications

• 3- 5 years experience as a people manager (volunteer or professional)
• Volunteer management experience preferred but not required
• Demonstrated experience navigating sensitive conversations and providing constructive feedback
• Compassionate and patient with strong relationship building skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate across varied audiences
• Comfort level with technology and using various on-line platforms; proficiency in Google Workspace
• Organized, proactive, and able to juggle multiple priorities
• Comfort working independently in a self-directed role, as well as collaboratively with others .
• Ability to remain calm and professional and adapt to changing operational needs.
• A genuine love for dogs and people and a commitment to EHS’s mission

Time Commitment

Approximately 10 hours per week , flexible schedule; while most duties can be completed remotely, the role requires periodic on‑site responsibilities

Why Volunteer With EHS

Flexible schedule, meaningful impact on the daily care of shelter dogs, opportunities to support and collaborate with a dedicated volunteer team, and lots of furry friends!

How to Apply (Please Read Carefully Before Submitting Your Application)

• Please send your application documents in PDF format to hrgeneralist-1@etobicokehumanesociety.com
• Subject line: Application for Dog Volunteer Manager (Unpaid Volunteer) | Your Name
• Double-check your email for spelling, grammar, and attachments before sending.
• Final selection is subject to successful reference and/or police checks.

Diversity Statement

Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities.

Accessibility Statement

Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and visitors feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact hrcoordinator@etobicokehumanesociety.com . All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

We thank everyone for their interest in EHS. Only those applicants who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.