Volunteer Coordinator | Calgary
PUPPIES ARE JUST ONE OF THE JOB PERKS!
We’re an organization driven by passionate people – that happens to include puppies – that grow up to change lives every single day. We expect excellence of ourselves and our team, but we have fun too. Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our service (mobility & PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with disabilities other than blindness. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support wellness in our community.
We’re proud of the fact that we were the first fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International in Canada.
OVERVIEW
The Volunteer Coordinator (AB) is responsible for building and supporting a thriving PADS volunteer community across Calgary. Working closely with the Senior Manager, Volunteers and the Volunteer Services team across three regions, the coordinator will recruit, onboard, coordinate, and serve 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.
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 the Puppy Raising Coordinator, you’ll help reflect PADS’ core values through clear communication, thoughtful support, compassion for people and dogs, and a commitment to teamwork, learning, and improvement.
ABOUT THE POSITION
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
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 Volunteer Services Sitting Team
- Assist with matching puppy sitting requests to available volunteers for other regions as necessary
- Assist with puppy transport arrangements between regions as required
- Track all volunteer activity, communication and stewardship in the CRM
- Liaise with and support other Calgary staff, including training staff regarding volunteer 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 and company vehicle
- Participate in all-staff meetings, training opportunities and other organization-wide initiatives
EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Behavioural Qualifications
- 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
- Ability to travel occasionally to other PADS locations (Okanagan and Metro Vancouver)
Education & Technical Qualifications
- Post-secondary education including volunteer management, volunteer resource management, volunteer administration, or other related field
- Minimum of a class 5 Alberta drivers’ license
- Experience with Salesforce or similar CRMs considered an asset
WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION
Physical Efforts
- Occasionally lifting of loads up to 50lbs as we set up outreach booths and have a presence at community events
Physical Environment
- Standard office environment
- Hybrid and in-office work environment
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required
Sensory Attention
- Use of computer monitors is required
- Frequent interactions and physical contact with dogs and puppies
- Interactions with the public
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 occasional additional evenings and weekends.
Compensation:$ 55,000 annually as a starting salary 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 ALL SOUND LIKE A GOOD FIT?
Submit your CV and cover letter below by clicking the Apply Now button before Friday, August 28, 2026.
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.