• Location: Work from Home and onsite as required: Austral, Strathfield, Kurnell
• Hours: Full time position: 76 hours per 9-day fortnight (some weekends required)
• Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 pa plus superannuation
• Reports to: Managing Director
• Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

The Volunteer Coordinator role is to manage all SDCH volunteer activities that directly support the day-to-day operations of SDCH.

This position will primarily be responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, training and management of volunteers to support the Animal Care & Customer Service Teams. It will also have oversight and assist with recruitment of volunteers for transport, events and other special roles as required. This role includes management and implementation of programs that include; community service, corporate volunteering, aged care initiatives, schools, student placements and interns.

About us

The Sydney Dogs and Cats Home (SD&CH) is highly respected within the animal welfare sector, providing shelter, food and veterinary care to lost, homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs and cats, until a time when such animals can either be reunited with their owners or found a new, suitable home.

SD&CH objectives are to:

1. provide companion animals in our care with best practice care
2. provide engagement programs that benefit companion animals, SDCH & the community
3. attract and retain mission motivated talent
4. sustainable financial, systems and resources

At Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) embodies a commitment to nurturing a workplace where every team member feels supported and thrives. Our dedication to professional growth and development is evident through regular workshops, mentorship, and upskilling opportunities that align with our strategic direction, fostering both personal enrichment and professional excellence. We take pride in our diverse work environments, our flexibility, and our focus on positive outcomes for our people, creating a supportive culture where innovation, wellbeing, and the courage to embrace change flourish.

We are committed to upholding a respectful and professional environment, free from negativity, while recruiting individuals who share our values and compassionate ethos. Together, we are shaping a future at Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, honouring our commitment to our staff and also setting a benchmark for excellence in workplace culture and best practice animal care.

Throughout 2025 we are completing the construction of our new shelter which will be based in Kurnell in Sydney's south.

Key role responsibilities

• Managing the recruitment, training, support and retention of volunteers
• Regularly assess the shelter volunteer requirements with the Animal Care Manager and amend as needed
• Coordination and implementation of the on-boarding requirements for all new volunteers and program participants including WH&S requirements
• Maintain the database of volunteer information and skills, matching volunteers to opportunities that suit their skills and availability
• Maintain the volunteer roster schedule and record keeping in Salesforce
• Provide regular communication with volunteers through email, e-newsletters, Social Media, video sessions etc.
• Resolve and manage volunteer queries/issues in a timely, tactful and thoughtful manner
• Manage the scheduling of community programs including invoicing and liaison with volunteers to implement the programs as required
• Delivery of community programs as required
• Supervision and assessment of student placements in collaboration with kennel staff
• Develop a volunteer reward and recognition system
• Work with marketing team on initiatives to attract new Volunteers
• Organise Social activities to harbor a culture of inclusion and gratitude towards our Volunteers
• Work with ACT on continual learning opportunities for Volunteers, holding regular animal behaviour / care training sessions.
• The above list is not exhaustive and the role may change to meet the overall objectives of the company.
• Monitor statistics and data relating to the Volunteer Program to track progress and identify opportunities for growth and improvement
• Reporting on Volunteer activity for monthly Board reports
• Reporting for Annual Reports
• Fulfil other duties as required by management and other department personnel as requested / required

Computer systems:

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of and competence in the use of SalesForce and MS Office Suits.
• Amend and improve the design and function of SalesForce and other system integration as needed for optimal efficiencies and productivity

Organisational Participation:

• Work closely with our Community Programs, customer care, marketing and animal care teams.
• Have a detailed understanding of the SDCH mission, vision and values and uphold these values during all work-related tasks.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of companion animal welfare and actively support SDCH in being a leading animal welfare organisation.
• Work respectfully and constructively with colleagues and volunteers to achieve a high standard of shelter operations and a high level of employee and volunteer satisfaction.
• Strive to be proactive within the workplace, to maintain the highest quality standards of work and actively participate in workplace improvements.
• Represent SDCH at fundraising, media and promotional events as required.
• Contribute to maintaining relationships and providing support to SDCH stakeholders including donors, volunteers, partners and sponsors.
• Assist other SDCH departments as required.

Administration:

• Adhere to all SDCH policies and procedures.
• Comply with all administrative requirements as stated in the Employee Contract, Employee Handbook, WHS Manual and all other relevant employment documents.

Qualifications / Experience required

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role managing people / working with volunteers
• Animal Care qualifications or equivalent experience is required
• A passion for animals and animal welfare
• Must be highly proficient in SalesForce (non profit success pack), and MS Office Suite.
• Drivers License required
• Customer service focused: committed to providing exceptional customer service across all channels – written, phone and face-to-face. Ability to build strong relationships.
• Communication: Strong communicator with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, varying communication style depending upon the audience.
• Attention to detail: excellent attention to detail with data and written skills when communicating with others, both internally and externally.
• Teamwork: ability to work independently and willingness to assist and support others as required.
• Time management/organisation: Organised and able to perform administrative duties within portfolio in an efficient and timely manner. Ability to mutli-task and perform appropriately under pressure. Ability to use initiative, assume responsibilities for tasks and have a solution focused attitude to resolve problems