Director of Community Engagment and Outreach

We're hiring! Director of Community Outreach and Engagement

The Animal Protective Foundation is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and community-minded Director of Community Outreach and Engagement to lead our volunteer programs, strengthen community partnerships, and expand opportunities for community involvement in support of our mission.

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday from 8:00 - 4:30 pm. Flexibility is required to work extended hours as necessary, including occasional evening or additional weekend hours for community events, meetings, and training.

Compensation: $26 - $29 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits: In addition to paid time off, full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a 401k retirement plan with an employer match.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Gina Lamagna at lamagna@animalprotective.org. In your cover letter, please briefly address the following questions: 1. What interests you most about this position and working for the Animal Protective Foundation? 2. Describe your experience managing or engaging volunteers. What do you believe is the key to building a successful and committed volunteer program? 

A cover letter addressing these questions is required for consideration. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be reviewed. 

The Director of Community Outreach and Engagement (DCOE) plays a vital role in advancing the APF’s mission by overseeing volunteer programs, humane education initiatives, and community engagement efforts. The DCOE recruits, screens, trains, schedules, supervises, and recognizes volunteers who support shelter operations, spay/neuter services, community pet wellness clinics, adoption events, administrative functions, special events, and community outreach initiatives. 

The DCOE serves as an ambassador for the APF, building meaningful relationships with schools, businesses, community organizations, service groups, and other stakeholders. This position is responsible for expanding volunteer engagement, strengthening community partnerships, enhancing public awareness of the APF, and ensuring volunteers are equipped to provide exceptional support to the organization and the animals in our care.  

The DCOE will be professional, self-motivated, organized, collaborative, and passionate about animal welfare, with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.   

Volunteer Program Management:

• Develop, implement, and oversee all volunteer recruitment, screening, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, and retention.
• Collaborate with management and staff to identify, develop, and expand meaningful volunteer opportunities across the organization.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of APF shelter and clinic operations, programs, policies, and procedures to effectively recruit, train, assign, and support volunteers.  
• Conduct volunteer orientations and ongoing training programs. 
• Maintain volunteer database, ensuring accurate assignments, documentation, and reporting. 
• Prepare and distribute volunteer schedules and monitor participation and compliance.
• Regularly evaluate volunteer effectiveness and satisfaction through surveys, feedback, and direct observation.  
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to volunteers.   
• Document safety concerns and incidents, and communicate findings to leadership and the safety committee, where appropriate.
• Address volunteer conflicts and disciplinary matters, up to and including volunteer dismissal when necessary.
• Develop and coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation initiatives.   
• Review and update volunteer handbook, training materials, job descriptions, and related documents.   
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports regarding volunteer engagement, recruitment, retention, and program outcomes.    
• Ensure volunteers are utilized effectively, treated respectfully, and recognized for their contributions. 
• Coordinate volunteer staffing and support for adoption events, community pet wellness clinics, outreach activities, fundraising, and special events. 

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, businesses, service clubs, and volunteer groups.
• Represent the APF at community events, speaking engagements, shelter tours, educational programs, and public outreach opportunities.  
• Coordinate and participate in special events, adoption events, fundraising events, and tabling opportunities.  
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteer support for community events and outreach activities.   
• Seek opportunities to expand APF visibility through community partnerships, media opportunities, and educational initiatives.  
• Promote volunteerism and community involvement through outreach and relationship-building activities. 
• Respond to community inquiries regarding volunteer opportunities and humane education. 
• Work collaboratively with the development and marketing team to support outreach efforts, campaigns, events, and community initiatives.

Humane Education

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver humane education programs for schools, youth groups, scout troops, and community organizations.
• Organize shelter tours, classroom presentations, reading programs, and educational workshops.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to expand educational programming and outreach efforts.
• Promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and APF services through educational initiatives.
• Serve as a resource for educators and community members seeking information related to animal welfare and humane education.

Program Administration

• Develop goals, strategies, and annual plans for volunteer and community engagement programs.
• Track program metrics and prepare reports for leadership.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Continuously evaluate programs and implement improvements to increase effectiveness and impact.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: A successful candidate in this position typically has an associates-level degree or equivalent working experience such as managing volunteer programs.  Must have the ability to problem solve, be self-motivated, and leadership qualities to build and manage diverse teams.  The ability to represent the APF in public settings is essential.

• Knowledge: Must be proficient with computer applications including shelter/constituent tracking software, internet use, and Microsoft Office Suite. Must have excellent written and public speaking experience. 
• Skills: Must possess strong supervision/management, interpersonal communication, and team-building skills to effectively recruit and manage a diverse corps of volunteers. Must have excellent customer service skills. Must be able to develop and manage a budget. Must be highly organized, effectively meet deadlines, and demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills. 

Physical Demands

• Have a high level of manual dexterity.
• The ability to bend and squat.
• The ability to stand and sit for significant periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to focus clearly. 
• Carry and lift light objects up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours.
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly. 
• Must be able to see fine details in a variety of situations