Job Information
Animal Rescue League of Iowa Volunteer Coordinator in Des Moines, Iowa
Volunteer Coordinator - Humane Education & Program Focused
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking an energetic and relationship-driven Volunteer Coordinator to help strengthen the volunteer experiences that directly support animal care, humane education, and community connection across our organization. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building meaningful programs, working with people of all ages, and creating opportunities for volunteers to make a lasting impact.
What Makes the ARL Different
As Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, volunteers are an essential part of our mission, supporting everything from animal care to public outreach and special programs that connect people and pets in meaningful ways.
This Volunteer Coordinator role is especially centered on programs that combine volunteer engagement with humane education and direct community impact. You will help lead volunteer-supported initiatives that inspire learning, empathy, and service, including youth education through Camp Kindness, specialized volunteer support for our kitten nursery, engagement within our Second Chance Ranch program, and coordination of volunteers who participate in the Blumenthal TheraPets program throughout the community.
What You’ll Do
The Volunteer Coordinator leads volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and retention efforts for several high-impact ARL programs, with a strong focus on humane education and volunteer engagement.
A central part of this role includes coordinating and supporting Camp Kindness, helping deliver educational experiences that teach youth compassion, responsible pet care, and the importance of animal welfare. This role also oversees volunteer coordination within the kitten nursery, helping ensure volunteers are prepared, scheduled, and supported in providing consistent care for vulnerable neonatal kittens. In addition, you will support volunteer engagement at Second Chance Ranch, where volunteers contribute to the care of farm animals and help create positive visitor and educational experiences.
You will also serve as a key point of coordination for the Blumenthal program, guiding volunteer onboarding, maintaining communication with participating volunteers, and acting as a liaison between community partners and ARL representatives involved in animal-assisted visits.
This role requires thoughtful relationship-building, strong organization, and the ability to balance multiple programs while ensuring volunteers feel informed, appreciated, and connected to the ARL’s mission.
What You Bring
Qualified candidates should have at least two years of experience in volunteer coordination, program support, or customer service. Prior experience leading volunteer initiatives, training programs, or educational activities is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in business, communication, education, or a related field is preferred. The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, and comfortable leading multiple moving pieces in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to build relationships with volunteers, community partners, and internal teams. A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required. Candidates should also have strong time management skills, sound judgment, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
This position requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time and occasionally work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat and cold. Work may involve exposure to animals, animal odors, moderate noise levels, animal waste, and animals that may carry contagious illness or display unpredictable behaviors.
If you are passionate about volunteer engagement, humane education, and creating meaningful experiences that support both animals and people, we encourage you to apply.
Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.
Generally, Tuesday through Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Exempt, salaried position