Volunteer Position: Youth Programs Manager

About The Humane Choices Foundation

The Humane Choices Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization based in Ontario, Canada, dedicated to protecting and defending the inherent rights of all animals. Through advocacy, education, and direct action, we strive to build a compassionate world where every animal can live free from suffering. Our initiatives include public policy advocacy, humane education, and global partnerships to end cruelty and promote ethical treatment of all living beings.

Position Overview

The Youth Programs Manager (Volunteer) will lead the design, development, and implementation of The Humane Choices Foundation’s University Ambassador Program—a transformative initiative aimed at engaging and empowering young advocates on college and university campuses.

This role will establish the framework for student leadership, create educational and advocacy opportunities, and build long-term engagement pipelines to advance animal rights and humane education through youth participation.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Strategy

Design and develop the Youth Ambassador Program from the ground up, including structure, goals, and measurable outcomes.

Identify and engage target universities and colleges across Ontario and Canada for pilot implementation.

Develop educational materials, leadership handbooks, and orientation resources for student ambassadors.

Create a strategic plan to expand the program nationally and internationally over time.

Recruitment & Engagement

Lead outreach to recruit university students passionate about animal rights, environmental ethics, and humane leadership.

Develop and maintain partnerships with student unions, clubs, and academic departments to strengthen participation.

Coordinate onboarding and training for ambassadors, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s values and objectives.

Build a supportive youth community through meetings, webinars, and social platforms.

Leadership & Mentorship

Mentor student ambassadors and guide them in planning campus events, awareness campaigns, and advocacy initiatives.

Foster leadership development through skill-building workshops, peer mentoring, and volunteer recognition initiatives.

Encourage cross-campus collaboration and student-led projects that amplify impact.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Establish systems for tracking participation, event outcomes, and ambassador engagement metrics.

Provide regular reports to the Executive Director and contribute insights for program improvement.

Measure the educational, social, and advocacy impact of the youth program and recommend long-term growth strategies.

Collaboration & Representation

Work closely with the Foundation’s leadership team to integrate youth perspectives into broader advocacy and education initiatives.

Represent The Humane Choices Foundation at student events, conferences, and community engagements as required.

Uphold the organization’s mission and values in all communications and partnerships.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

Strong passion for animal welfare, humane education, or social justice causes.

Proven experience in program coordination, volunteer engagement, or youth leadership (volunteer or professional).

Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects independently.

Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative engagement strategies.

Comfortable working remotely with virtual tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom).

Preferred

Experience in university outreach, student affairs, or advocacy program management.

Background in education, communications, social work, or nonprofit management.

Familiarity with Canadian post-secondary institutions and student networks.

What You’ll Gain

A leadership role in shaping one of Canada’s first humane education–focused youth engagement programs.

Mentorship and collaboration opportunities with professionals in animal welfare, education, and nonprofit leadership.

Practical experience in program design, advocacy, and youth empowerment.

The opportunity to make a tangible impact in transforming hearts and minds toward compassion and justice for animals.

Commitment

Approximately 5 hours per week (flexible scheduling).

Remote role with optional in-person participation at local events or university campuses.