Volunteer Coordinator (Calgary) | Accepting Applications

Applications Close Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

PUPPIES ARE JUST ONE OF THE JOB PERKS!

We’re an organization driven by passionate people – that happens to include puppies who grow up to change lives every single day. We expect excellence from ourselves and our team, but we have funtoo.Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our hearing and service dogs (mobility & PTSD) provide life-changing independence to those with disabilities. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists, to help support wellness in our community.   

We’re proud to be the first fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International in Canada.  

OVERVIEW

Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is seeking an experienced Volunteer Coordinator to join our team in Calgary! At Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), we’re dedicated to changing lives, one dog at a time. We’re looking for a passionate and skilled individual to join us as Volunteer Coordinator, helping us fulfill our mission of providing assistance dogs to our waiting clients. 

ABOUT US

At PADS, we foster a constructive, cooperative, and welcoming team setting.  Our commitment is to cultivate an empowering environment for our team. We value a sustainable work-life balance and believe that work should be fun! We approach challenges with a growth mindset, striving for improvement and innovation. As a Volunteer Coordinator, you’ll embody PADS’ core values, including a commitment to compassion, transparency, and the ethical treatment of dogs.  

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Volunteer Coordinator (AB) supports the Senior Manager, Volunteers by recruiting, onboarding, coordinating, and stewarding PADS volunteers in Calgary. This position is the first point of contact for Calgary volunteer applicants, and remains connected to volunteers throughout their journey with PADS.

Working closely with the Fundraising, Communications and Programs teams, both in Calgary and organization-wide, this role ensures that staff, volunteers and prospective volunteers in Calgary are supported now and as we grow our community.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Recruitment

  • Plan and execute volunteer recruitment events in accordance with the overall strategy and workplan
  • Answer queries from members of the public who are interested in volunteering (in person, by phone, or by email)
  • Give presentations for organizations and businesses whose values align with PADS and whose members may be interested in volunteering
  • Host regular information sessions, in collaboration with PADS long-term volunteers Monitor and respond to any Calgary-specific social media groups regarding volunteering
  • Participate in earned media opportunities to promote volunteering with PADS Calgary

Onboarding

  • Review volunteer applications and assess suitability for various volunteer roles
  • Conduct home visits for applicants considering dog-handling roles
  • Deliver orientation sessions for new volunteers, including facility orientation and orientation specific to their volunteer role
  • Assist with puppy pick-ups by supporting new raisers and/or preparing and distributing puppy kits
  • Redeployment of volunteers who are returning after a break or looking for a new volunteer role within the organization

Coordination

  • Communicate organizational news and upcoming events to Calgary volunteer base via appropriate channels
  • Act as Fundraising Liaison between Calgary volunteers and the Fundraising team, ensuring volunteer presence at fundraising events and presentations
  • With the Senior Manager, Volunteers develop role descriptions for Calgary based volunteers and with the Manager, Fundraising (AB), develop fundraising or event specific role descriptions
  • Manage volunteer puppy sitter requests and make puppy and dog sitting arrangements for Calgary as part of the Sitting Team
  • Assist with matching puppy sitting requests to available volunteers for other regions as necessary
  • Assist with puppy transport arrangements between regions as necessary
  • Track all volunteer activity, communication and stewardship in the CRM
  • Liaise with other Calgary staff, including training staff regarding performance management; elevate issues as needed

Stewardship

  • Plan and execute volunteer appreciation events for Calgary volunteers
  • Recognize volunteer contributions by thanking volunteers verbally, via email, and through other PADS initiatives such as Wag of the Week
  • Organize and support logistics of volunteer Town Halls (in-person and online)

Other Duties

  • Supports day-to-day operational needs, including maintaining cleanliness in shared areas
  • Participate in all-staff meetings, Training Thursdays and other organization-wide initiatives

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are not a comprehensive list. It is reasonable for the employee to expect that additional tasks may be assigned from time to time. In addition, the scope of the duties and responsibilities listed here may change as necessitated by PADS changing needs.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • 3+ years managing volunteers
  • Experience with presentations and speaking in front of groups
  • Organized, adaptable and comfortable managing multiple priorities
  • Builds strong, collaborative relationships and prioritizes the needs of people in all day-to-day responsibilities
  • Experience working with and around dogs preferred

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Post-secondary education including volunteer management, volunteer resource management, volunteer administration, or other related field
  • Minimum of a class 5 Alberta drivers’ license

WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION

Physical Effort

Occasionally lifting of loads up to 50lbs as we set up outreach booths and have a presence at community events

Physical Environment & Sensory Attention

  • Frequent interactions and physical contact with dogs and puppies
  • Use of screens

Location: Calgary, AB
Employment Type: Full-time 
Work Arrangement: Based at our Calgary Campus in a standard office setting, hybrid work a possibility.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day, with the requirement of working one evening per week, and occasional additional evenings and weekends. 

Compensation: $52,000 to $57,000 based on a 37.5 hour work week. A benefits package is available after the 3-month probation period.  

BE YOU. WITH US. 

We serve communities that are greater and stronger because of their diversity. What makes YOU different is worth both celebrating and cultivating. 

PADS is committed to equality across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience. We invite you to bring your whole self to our team, helping us to change lives, one dog — and person — at a time. 

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE A GOOD FIT?

If you are a dedicated individual with a passion for helping others and a desire to grow your skills in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply!  Submit your CV and cover letter by clicking the button below.  

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants are invited to make required accommodations known in advance.     

We thank all applicants for their interest and will contact only those applicants selected for further consideration. Please note that submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and therefore early submission is encouraged. The position is available immediately.