Volunteer & Events Coordinator

Operation Freedom Paws is a distinguished nonprofit organization based in San Martin, CA, dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs. The organization operates with a profound mission of "saving lives at both ends of the leash," reflecting its commitment not only to the well-being of its canine companions but also to the people who rely on them for critical support and enhanced quality of life. With a dedicated team and a strong community network, Operation Freedom Paws has established itself as a leader in service dog training and placement, delivering life-changing assistance to deserving individuals while simultaneously engaging with the community through various volunteer and fundraising initiatives.

The Volunteer & Events Coordinator position at Operation Freedom Paws plays an integral role in supporting and advancing this mission. This full-time role, requiring approximately 32-40 hours per week, involves managing a robust volunteer program and coordinating impactful fundraising and community events. The Coordinator ensures that volunteers are effectively recruited, properly trained, and continually supported to foster a thriving volunteer base that contributes meaningfully to the organization’s programs and events. Through strategic coordination, this role enhances engagement and retention of volunteers by facilitating ongoing communication, organizing orientations, and recognizing volunteer contributions.

In addition to volunteer management, the Coordinator is responsible for supporting the planning and execution of a variety of fundraising and community events including key signature events such as golf tournaments and wine galas. These events are vital to Operation Freedom Paws’ fundraising goals and community outreach efforts. The role demands excellent organizational skills to handle logistics, vendor coordination, attendee management, and on-site event support to ensure smooth, professional, and successful events. A strong focus on relationship-building extends beyond volunteers to include donors, corporate partners, and members of the community, highlighting the importance of personal interaction and communication in this role.

The Volunteer & Events Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Development & Marketing, working closely to align volunteer activities and events with broader organizational objectives. This collaborative environment encourages creative input and initiative to optimize the impact of fundraising and outreach efforts. Candidates for this position should be comfortable working independently as well as part of a team, and they must possess a passion for the mission of Operation Freedom Paws. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to accommodate event schedules, requiring flexibility and commitment.

Overall, this role offers a dynamic and fulfilling opportunity to contribute to a respected nonprofit with a meaningful mission. It combines event planning, volunteer coordination, and community engagement, demanding a versatile and energetic coordinator who thrives in a mission-driven environment. Through this position, the successful candidate will play a critical part in sustaining and growing the valuable programs of Operation Freedom Paws, helping to change lives and build stronger connections between the organization and the community it serves.