Volunteer Coordinator

The Ability Centeer, a Center for Independent Living (CIL), is on a mission to build the most disability-friendly community in the nation. As a CIL, we operate with a unique philosophy of consumer control, where individuals with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization. We empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence, pursue their passions, and transform how society views disability. 

We are seeking a Volunteer Coordinator who enjoys building relationships, engaging people, and creating meaningful volunteer experiences. This position has primary responsibility for volunteers serving within the Assistance Dogs Program and serves as their main point of contact throughout the volunteer experience. The Volunteer Coordinator works closely with program staff to recruit, onboard, develop, engage, recognize, and retain volunteers while ensuring they have the communication, training, resources, and support needed to be successful. The Volunteer Coordinator also supports volunteer and ambassador engagement across The Ability Center, helping connect individuals with opportunities throughout the organization. 

• Coordinate recruitment, screening, onboarding, orientation, training, placement, engagement, recognition, and retention efforts for Assistance Dogs volunteers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Assistance Dogs volunteers, providing ongoing communication, guidance, support, and relationship-building.
• Provide day-to-day oversight and support to volunteers, addressing routine questions, concerns, engagement issues, and placement needs in collaboration with Assistance Dogs leadership.
• Develop opportunities for continued volunteer education, skill development, mentoring, peer support, leadership, and increased involvement.
• Coordinate volunteer orientations, meetings, trainings, informational sessions, appreciation activities, and other volunteer-focused events.
• Monitor volunteer engagement and satisfaction and identify opportunities to strengthen the volunteer experience.
• Collaborate with department directors to support volunteer and ambassador initiatives across The Ability Center.
• Partner with Human Resources to provide consistent organization-wide volunteer onboarding and orientation.
• Work with the Communications and Advancement team to support volunteer recruitment, community outreach, volunteer fairs, presentations, and recruitment campaigns.
• Build relationships with community organizations, businesses, schools, civic groups, and other potential sources of volunteers.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and work with the Data & Outcomes team to track participation, hours, retention, engagement, recruitment, training, and other relevant measures.
• Assist with volunteer communications, recognition initiatives, newsletters, volunteer apparel, and other volunteer resources.

• Associate degree required; bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, human services, organizational leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Three or more years of experience in volunteer coordination, community engagement, nonprofit programming, relationship management, or a related area preferred.
• Experience coordinating, leading, or providing oversight to a volunteer program with multiple volunteer roles and levels of involvement strongly preferred.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, engagement, recognition, and retention preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage, support, and develop volunteers.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple activities, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate orientations, trainings, meetings, and community presentations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, independently address routine volunteer matters, solve problems, and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, required; experience with Salesforce or another CRM/database system preferred.
• Ability to travel throughout The Ability Center's service area and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Essential Physical Demands: 

• Primarily office-based with extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Regular use of computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• Frequent communication via in-person, phone, email, and written formats.
• Occasional movement within and between office buildings.
• May require use of a personal or company vehicle.

Why Join Us?

The Ability Center offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off. As part of our mission-driven team, you’ll contribute to creating a welcoming, inclusive community where your work truly makes a difference.