Buckeye Ridge Rescue & Retreat is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly organized Volunteer Manager to lead and grow our volunteer program. This role is responsible for recruiting, training, scheduling, supporting, and retaining volunteers who help carry out the mission of our nonprofit.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience managing volunteers or teams, strong communication skills, and the ability to create a welcoming, structured, and mission-driven volunteer experience. Fundraising experience is required, as this position will also support donor engagement, community outreach, fundraising events, and volunteer-led fundraising efforts.

Experience working with individuals with special needs and/or animals is preferred, but not required.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Recruitment & Onboarding

● Recruit volunteers 

● Develop and maintain an onboarding process.

● Ensure volunteers understand the mission, expectations, safety procedures, confidentiality guidelines, boundaries and code of conduct.

● Provide all communication to volunteers.

● Support and Schedule volunteers for programs, events, animal care support, facility projects, fundraising activities, and community outreach. Matching volunteers with appropriate roles based on their skills, interests, experience and availability.

● Help develop volunteer policies and procedures. Create clear role descriptions and expectations for volunteer positions.

● Track and Maintain accurate volunteer records, hours, waivers, and training.

● Assist with fundraising events, donor outreach, sponsorship opportunities, and community partnerships.

● Help organize volunteers for setup, tear-down, parking, registration, hospitality, activity stations, animal areas, and guest support.

● Build strong relationships with volunteers help them feel valued, informed, and connected to the mission.

● Develop recognition efforts such as thank-you notes, appreciation events, and volunteer spotlights.

● Maintain regular communication with volunteers through email, phone, meetings, or other management tools.

Required Qualifications

● Prior experience managing volunteers, staff, teams, programs, or community groups.

● Fundraising experience, including event fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorship outreach, or community fundraising campaigns.

● Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

● Ability to work with a wide range of personalities in a professional and compassionate manner.

● Comfortable speaking with community members, donors, volunteers, families, and partner organizations.

● Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, patience, and good judgment.

● Dependable, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities.

● Basic computer skills, including email, spreadsheets, scheduling tools, and recordkeeping.

● Willingness to work some evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience working with individuals with special needs, neurodivergent individuals, trauma-impacted populations, veterans, first responders, or at-risk youth.

● Experience working around animals, farms, equine programs, animal rescue, or animal-assisted activities.

● Background in social services, recreation, education, therapy support, animal care, community outreach, or event planning.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, flexible, and mission-driven. This person should enjoy working with people, building relationships, and creating systems that help others succeed. They should be a self-starter, capable of working and managing with little direction and comfortable in a hands-on nonprofit environment where every day may look a little different.

This role requires someone who can balance heart and structure. Someone who can make volunteers feel appreciated while also maintaining professionalism, accountability, safety, and clear expectations.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

● Ability to walk on uneven outdoor surfaces, trails, barn areas, and event spaces.

● Ability to be around animals, hay, dust, and outdoor environments.

● Ability to lift or carry light event supplies as needed.

● Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

● Must follow all safety protocols around animals, participants, volunteers, and guests.

To Apply

Fill out the form below and upload your resume.