Volunteer Coordinator

Help create meaningful volunteer experiences that support animals and our community. 

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a passionate, organized, and people-focused Volunteer Coordinator to support the recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention of volunteers who help make our mission possible. Volunteers are at the heart of the ARL’s work. From caring for animals and supporting adopters to assisting at events, helping with community programs, and participating in programs like TheraPets, volunteers play a vital role in advancing animal welfare. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, coordinating programs, communicating with diverse groups of people, and supporting a mission-driven organization.

Schedule

• 24 - 30 hours per week
• Friday and Saturday availability required
• One additional flexible weekday shift

About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do

• Support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, communication, and recognition.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for volunteers and community partners.
• Help volunteers feel welcomed, supported, and prepared to be successful in their roles.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records, schedules, and reporting through Volgistics.
• Collaborate with departments across the ARL to identify volunteer needs and opportunities.
• Support volunteer engagement, retention, appreciation, and communication efforts.
• Coordinate volunteer involvement in the ARL’s TheraPets program and communicate with participating community partners.
• Assist with Humane Education programming, volunteer inquiries, newsletters, and other volunteer-related projects.

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of experience in volunteer coordination, customer service, community engagement, program coordination, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, education, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Strong organization, communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort working with volunteers, staff, community partners, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required.

Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees at the ARL are part of a mission-focused culture where their work directly supports animals, volunteers, and the community. Benefits and employee offerings may include:

• Veterinary benefits
• Opportunities for learning, connection, and meaningful community impact
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works in an active animal shelter and community program environment and may require sitting, standing, walking, event support, and occasional outdoor work in varying weather conditions. The role may involve exposure to animals, animal dander, animal waste, odors, moderate noise, contagious animal diseases, and the possibility of bites or scratches while following established safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join the ARL?

As a Volunteer Coordinator, your work helps create meaningful experiences for volunteers while supporting the animals, programs, and community partnerships that make the ARL’s mission possible.

If you are organized, people-focused, and excited to help volunteers make a difference, we would love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.