Reports to Manager of Volunteers

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it. 

The Volunteer Program Assistant will help train and maintain a team of dedicated volunteers and will support the Richmond SPCA's lifesaving mission through creative and effective use of our volunteers' time and talents. This is a hands-on and dynamic role that would be perfect for those looking to make an impact in our community and in the lives of pets in need.    

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with other members of the Volunteer Program team to pursue program goals and strategies; notably, growing the sustainable support of other departments through volunteer impact
• Help to foster a positive, welcoming, and equitably inclusive atmosphere in the Volunteer Center and throughout our organization
• Train volunteers on Richmond SPCA shelter protocols and animal handling basics
• Assist in the design and development of training materials and resources for volunteers, including digital and print media
• Provide in-shelter oversight and direction to volunteers and volunteer groups
• Ensure that volunteers consistently feel valued for their efforts – project sincere gratitude!
• Assist in the performance of some administrative tasks such as entry of volunteer timesheets and inventories of volunteer security access cards
• Monitor and post on volunteer social media outlets related to program updates
• Assist with recruiting and supervising volunteers for special events including the Fur Ball, Dog Jog, 5K Run and Block Party, Fidos After 5, offsite adoption events, and community information tables
• Assist with planning, set up, and hosting volunteer appreciation events
• Participation in all required trainings and meetings
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, and Expectations

• Alignment with the Richmond SPCA’s mission to achieve and sustain a no-kill community – including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering – and to utilizing reward-based, positive reinforcement (R+) training methods
• Effective, professional, and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, and respectful atmosphere 
• Ability to multi-task, carefully follow direction, pivot creatively, and easily adapt to change
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Public speaking skills
• Passion for connecting with people and animals  
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software programs as needed (daily use of Microsoft 365 products including Word, Excel, Planner, To Do, Outlook)
• Strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and a “can-do” attitude

• Availability to work weekdays, weekends, and evenings dependent on volunteer-related needs
• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, including during inclement weather
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Comfort handling/learning to handle both dogs and cats

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have challenging behaviors), loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, allergens (pet dander, peanut butter), various chemicals, and disinfectants
• Able to be on your feet for extended periods of time
• Able to routinely lift up to 40 pounds
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• Able to stoop and use stairs

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, deadline-driven
• Supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and exposure to diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.