Volunteer Coordinator

Lions Tigers & Bears is a federally and state licensed nonprofit sanctuary located on a 93-acre ranch in Alpine, California. Established in 2002, it is dedicated to providing a safe haven for rescued exotic animals including lions, tigers, bears, and other animals that have been abandoned, abused, or confiscated from illegal situations. As a nationally recognized sanctuary and advocacy organization, Lions Tigers & Bears works tirelessly to end the exploitation and private ownership of exotic animals through rescue operations, high-quality animal care, public education, and legislative advocacy. The sanctuary also focuses on educating the public about the dangers of the exotic animal trade to foster greater awareness and promote animal welfare.

The organization operates with a deep commitment to animal welfare, public education, and donor stewardship, relying heavily on fundraising to support animal care, sanctuary expansion, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives. The community of volunteers and staff at Lions Tigers & Bears share a passion for wildlife conservation and the mission to create a world where wild animals live free from abuse and exploitation. The sanctuary's beautiful and spacious ranch provides an ideal environment for these majestic animals to live out their lives in safety and dignity.

The Volunteer Coordinator role at Lions Tigers & Bears is a key full-time onsite position based at the sanctuary in Alpine, California. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, this position has the critical responsibility of managing and leading the volunteer program which supports daily sanctuary operations, special events, educational programs, and community outreach. With over 100 active volunteers, the Volunteer Coordinator oversees recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, and ongoing volunteer engagement to ensure volunteers are well-prepared and aligned with the organization's mission and operational priorities.

This role demands excellent organizational and leadership skills coupled with a passion for volunteer engagement and animal welfare. The Volunteer Coordinator plays a vital part in fostering a welcoming volunteer culture by providing orientation sessions, developing training opportunities, and maintaining consistent communication. In addition to the volunteer program, the position manages the internship program and supports educational visits, enhancing the learning environment for volunteers and interns.

The Volunteer Coordinator regularly collaborates with staff across departments to integrate volunteers into various sanctuary activities such as animal care support, sanctuary maintenance, visitor services, and administrative assistance. They also help plan and staff community outreach and fundraising events, ensuring smooth operations by recruiting and training volunteers for these important functions. Keeping accurate records in the volunteer management database and maintaining clear communication with volunteers via newsletters and social media are also essential components of the role.

Candidates for this position should have prior volunteer management experience, preferably in nonprofit or animal welfare organizations, along with excellent interpersonal, communication, and project management skills. The role requires someone who is solution-oriented, organized, and capable of engaging with diverse audiences. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work outdoors in various weather conditions. Occasional evening and weekend work will be needed to support events. The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, reflecting the importance of this role within the organization that is deeply committed to wildlife conservation and community education.