Director of Volunteer Engagement

About Us 

Here for animals since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA is a cherished San Francisco institution, known for compassion, excellence and innovation in the fields of animal welfare and veterinary medicine.  

We operate a public veterinary hospital, a high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter clinic, a community veterinary clinic, and provide low-cost community medicine programs. The SF SPCA saves the lives of homeless dogs and cats through our shelter medicine and adoption programs. Our innovative programs and services serve as models for humane organizations across the country and around the world. 

As a community-supported nonprofit, not affiliated with any national organization, our values: Be Generous, Fearless, and Connected guide over 350 talented and dedicated professionals to deliver on our promises each day. 

Iconic and innovative, the SF SPCA offers you the opportunity to join a team committed not only to veterinary excellence and animal welfare, but to a balanced and rewarding work environment.

Role Description

The Director of Volunteer Engagement (DVE) is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and administration of the SF SPCA’s volunteer community and program. 

The person in this role holds the mission-critical responsibility of recruiting, engaging and retaining a vast volunteer base that is essential to the functioning of the entire Society. A crucial operational and strategic member of the Source to Home Team, they will also support departmental volunteer needs across the entire Society.  

To that end, they will constantly look to expand volunteer opportunities, advocate for volunteer needs, and both develop and ensure that top-notch training programs are in place to ensure volunteer efficacy. 

The DVE will be an inspirational leader who invigorates their team and provides a pathway for volunteers to become lifelong supporters of the SF SPCA. 

Core Responsibilities

• Set the overall vision, mission and strategy for the Society’s Volunteer Program. Establish related goals and KPIs to track efficacy of all volunteer programs. 
• Actively participate in org-wide strategic planning and goal setting, and set and monitor Volunteer Engagement budget
• Promote utilization of volunteer administration best practices per the CCVA (Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration). 
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to all Volunteer Engagement staff
• Direct a seamless application and on-boarding process for prospective volunteers that is consistent across all programs.
• Maintain and update all volunteer regulations, protocols, and practices to reflect changes in SF SPCA policy per the Volunteer Handbook and other agreements
• Oversee recruitment, training, and scheduling for the Holiday Windows volunteer program to support maximum donation and adoptions
• Continually advocate for volunteer participation, representation, and support, as well as work closely with staff to ensure that work assignments are meaningful, safe and limited in risk

• Bachelor’s Degree. Qualifying work experience may be considered as an alternative
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in program development, volunteer program development and management
• Minimum of three years supervisory experience
• Previous experience as a volunteer and with supervising volunteers 
• Valid California Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• Available to work weekends, evenings and holidays as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the San Francisco SPCA 
• Outstanding communication and  interpersonal skills
• Strategic mind and skillset
• Ability to develop short and long-range plans and metrics to meet objectives 
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage programs
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train and motivate staff.
• Excellent written skills and experience developing curriculums, educational material, newsletters, and effective methods for evaluation.
• Ability to comfortably speak before large  groups of people. 
• Ability to communicate skillfully and effectively with diverse communities of youth, staff, volunteers, and donors 
• Skilled at developing and documenting effective policies and procedures.
• Solid computer skills and database experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work  environment, embrace and foster change, problem solve and multi-task
• Ability to handle all situations calmly and efficiently 

Salary & Benefits 

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $110,000 - $155,000.  

Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including 

• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay 
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance 
• Life Insurance 
• Long-term Disability Insurance 
• 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching 
• Student debt relief program 
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits 
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies 
• Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital and Clinic 

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.