Volunteer & Events Coordinator

Operation Freedom Paws is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the lives of veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities through the training and provision of highly trained service dogs. Based in San Martin, California, this organization embodies a mission summarized as "saving lives at both ends of the leash." They achieve this mission by fostering the bond between humans and dogs, delivering service dogs that significantly improve the quality of life for those who have served their communities and country. Operation Freedom Paws leverages community support, volunteer engagement, and fundraising to fulfill its vital work in this specialized support sector. Their achievements are grounded in building strong relationships with volunteers and donors as well as implementing major fundraising events that sustain their operations.

The Volunteer & Events Coordinator role at Operation Freedom Paws is an essential position that supports the organization’s mission and growth by managing a dynamic and engaged volunteer program while coordinating impactful fundraising and community events. This role requires a self-motivated, organized, and people-focused professional who thrives in a collaborative nonprofit environment. The Volunteer & Events Coordinator will oversee the recruitment, training, and ongoing engagement of volunteers, ensuring they feel valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the organization. This involvement includes managing everything from screening and onboarding to scheduling and recognition programs, which helps maintain a dedicated volunteer base that underpins the operational needs of the organization.

Beyond volunteer management, the Coordinator plays a critical role in event coordination. They assist in the planning and execution of key fundraising events such as the golf tournament and wine gala, as well as smaller community gatherings. The events vary in scale but are united by a purpose: to raise awareness, generate revenue, and strengthen community connections. The Coordinator handles logistical elements including venue research, vendor coordination, donation solicitation, and on-site management. This hands-on activity demands excellent project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt and problem-solve under pressure, especially during live event execution.

This is a full-time position with a schedule typically requiring between 32 to 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends to accommodate event schedules and volunteer activities. The work is conducted in-person at Operation Freedom Paws’ office in San Martin, CA, emphasizing the importance of community presence and direct engagement with volunteers, donors, and event attendees.

Overall, this position offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about nonprofit work, community building, and service dog advocacy. It requires balancing administrative responsibilities with people-oriented tasks, making it a well-rounded role ideal for someone who enjoys multifaceted work and has a deep commitment to the organization’s mission of serving those who have served others. The Volunteer & Events Coordinator will directly influence the organization’s capacity to deliver critical services by fortifying its volunteer infrastructure and delivering meaningful community events.