Manager of Volunteer Engagement

Shape culture. Support volunteers. Strengthen lifesaving—starting with people.

Are you a natural leader who believes in the power of people, purpose, and community engagement? Do you thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments where your leadership directly improves outcomes for pets and the people who care for them?

Join Lawrence Humane Society as our Manager of Volunteer Engagement—a key leadership role responsible for shaping the culture, structure, and impact of one of our most powerful lifesaving forces: our volunteers. This is your opportunity to build inclusive programs, support and inspire people, and ensure every volunteer experience is meaningful, safe, and aligned with our mission.

Why Join Lawrence Humane?

Lawrence Humane Society is more than an animal shelter—we are a community-centered, lifesaving organization serving thousands of pets and people each year. Volunteers are at the heart of our work, supporting animal care, enrichment, community outreach, events, and daily operations across the organization.

As Manager of Volunteer Engagement, you will anchor and advance this critical program—strengthening cross-department collaboration, expanding high-impact volunteer roles, and ensuring volunteers feel valued, prepared, and empowered to make a difference in the lives of pets and people.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

Alongside meaningful work and the chance to positively impact pets and people every day, we offer:

• Competitive pay aligned with experience and market standards
• Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance (with generous employer contributions)
• 401(k)
• Generous PTO, floating holidays, and parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and other supportive programs (Family Adoption and Caregiver Assistance, Financial Wellbeing Support, and more!)
• Discounted veterinary care and pet food benefits
• Professional development
• A values-driven culture rooted in Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment, and Sustainability (C.A.R.E.S.)

What You’ll Do:

As the Manager of Volunteer Engagement, you will lead all aspects of Lawrence Humane Society’s volunteer program. You will:

Lead & Strengthen Volunteer Programs

• Oversee recruitment, screening, onboarding, training, scheduling, retention, recognition, and ongoing engagement of volunteers.
• Design meaningful volunteer roles that align organizational needs with volunteer interests and skills.
• Expand high-impact volunteer opportunities that enhance lifesaving capacity, customer service, and operational efficiency.

Partner Across the Organization

• Collaborate with department managers to integrate volunteers into daily operations in a structured, supportive way.
• Participate in Weekly Shelter Rounds and capacity-for-care discussions to align volunteer support with population needs and pathway planning.
• Train and coach staff on effective volunteer engagement, communication, delegation, appreciation, and conflict resolution.

Build an Inclusive, Supportive Volunteer Culture

• Foster a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment aligned with LHS’s C.A.R.E.S. values.
• Identify and reduce barriers to volunteer participation, expanding access for underrepresented community groups.
• Ensure volunteer opportunities, communications, and training are accessible and culturally responsive.

Support, Train & Recognize Volunteers

• Conduct volunteer orientations, shelter tours, and role-specific training.
• Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and problem-solving support.
• Implement formal and informal recognition programs that celebrate volunteer contributions and strengthen retention.

Manage Programs, Data & Systems

• Lead the Mass Street Mutts shelter dog field-trip program.
• Oversee internship and court-ordered community service programs.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and data in volunteer management software.
• Track engagement metrics, generate reports, and conduct program evaluations using surveys and analytics.
• Manage communication channels including volunteer software, Trello, newsletters, email campaigns, and social platforms.

Ensure Safety & Accountability

• Ensure volunteer activities comply with safety protocols, animal-handling standards, PPE use, and facility guidelines.
• Address volunteer performance or conduct issues promptly and professionally.
• Assess risk and determine suitability of volunteer roles in collaboration with department managers.
• Ensure compliance with all LHS policies and procedures.

Who You Are:

We’re looking for a leader who is:

• Compassionate, organized, and people-centered
• Skilled at building inclusive programs and strong cross-department partnerships
• Experienced in volunteer engagement, training, and program development
• Comfortable using data, feedback, and metrics to drive improvement
• A strong communicator with professionalism, empathy, and problem-solving skills
• Adaptable and effective in a fast-paced shelter environment
• Proficient with volunteer management platforms and digital tools
• Committed to trauma-informed, equitable service for people and pets

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Primarily onsite in an active animal shelter environment
• Combination of administrative and hands-on work
• Exposure to animals, noise, cleaning chemicals, and emotionally sensitive situations
• Requires flexibility, mobility, and occasional offsite or outdoor work
• Schedule includes weekends, holidays, or evenings as needed to support operations

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record
• Ability to pass a background check
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in people or volunteer management
• Experience with databases, scheduling systems, and communication tools
• Relevant certifications (CVA, CAWA, volunteer management, DEI, trauma-informed care) are a strong asset
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Be Part of a Team Where People Power Lifesaving.

If you’re passionate about volunteer engagement, community impact, and leadership rooted in compassion, this role offers the opportunity to shape the heart of Lawrence Humane Society’s mission.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Shannon Wells, Executive Director, swells@lawrencehumane.org.