Senior Manager, Volunteers (Burnaby) | Accepting Applications
Application deadline: Friday, January 23, 2025Overview
Are you ready to embark on a journey where every wag of a tail makes a difference? At Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), we’re dedicated to changing lives, one dog at a time. We’re currently seeking a passionate and skilled individual to join us as a Senior Manager, Volunteer to help us fulfill our mission of providing assistance dogs to our waiting clients.
ABOUT US
We’re an organization driven by passionate people – that change lives every single day. We expect excellence of ourselves and our team, but we have fun too. 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.
ABOUT THE POSITION
PADS is 90% volunteered-powered. The Senior Manager, Volunteers is part of the Senior Leadership Team and plays a pivotal role in strengthening volunteer stewardship and building a program that fosters long-term commitment and growth. This position is responsible for improving volunteer retention and creating meaningful relationships that empower existing volunteers to thrive. Overseeing volunteer administration and programming, this role supports organizational goals while delivering rewarding ongoing experiences for volunteers. Reporting to the Director Fundraising & Communications and overseeing the volunteer coordinator positions, and working closely with PADS’ Volunteer Advisory Committee (VAC) the Senior Manager, Volunteers will lead efforts to cultivate an inclusive, mission-driven community where volunteers feel valued, supported, and inspired to make a lasting impact.
The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship-builder with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. With a focus on recognition, retention, and reporting, the Senior Manager, Volunteers will help shape the culture of volunteerism within the organization.
Major Responsibilities
- Oversee the volunteer services department, including programming, evaluation
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for volunteer services that align to overall organization policies and objectives
- Develop and implement volunteer recruitment strategies and tactics, including onboarding
- Risk management
- Act as a trusted resource for volunteers, addressing concerns with empathy and professionalism
- In partnership with the VAC, develop and implement strategic plans for volunteer engagement
- Work closely with volunteers at all levels of the organization, providing management or support as required by the individual or group
- Manage the Volunteer Coordinators, providing performance feedback and workload prioritization
- Training and coaching staff and leadership to effectively support and supervise volunteers
- Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to promote volunteer opportunities and contribute to PADS materials (digital and print)
- Develop and produce volunteer recognition events and ensure participation by PADS Executive as well as cross-organization representation
- Track all volunteer information in the CRM
- Stay informed on best practices and trends in volunteerism, continuously improving program effectiveness
- Monitor volunteer engagement and satisfaction, supporting long-term retention
- Manage volunteer performance and take the lead on corrective action or termination
- Ensure volunteer activities comply with organizational policies, safety standards, and legal requirements, including privacy and accessibility
- Collect, analyze, and compile data in relevant reports to aid overall organization decision making, planning and budgeting
- Develop strategies for reducing barriers to engagement and diversifying the volunteer base
- Manage change effectively and obtain buy-in from staff and volunteers
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- 3+ years in a similar role with proven track record in all aspects of the role
- College or university degree (4 year)
- Relevant post-secondary institution courses, certificate and/or diploma
Technical Qualifications
- 5+ years in volunteer management
- CVA certifies (or pursuing CVA certification)
- 2+ years managing direct reports
- Proficient with MS 365
- 3+ CRM experience (Salesforce considered an asset) and competence in reporting and using digital tools to track outcomes
- Proven track record in volunteer engagement, stewardship and retention
- Proven track record in developing and implementing events, including budget management
- Valid driver’s license
- Access to a vehicle considered an asset
Behavioural Qualifications
- Highly organized and detailed
- High degree of diplomacy, confidentiality, discretion and tact
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to express empathy, build relationships and motivate diverse groups
- Collaborative and patient approach to managing others
- Resourceful and proactive in problem solving and improving systems
WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION
Location: Burnaby, BC
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Based at our Burnaby Campus in a standard office setting, hybrid work a possibility. Frequent interactions and physical contact with dogs and puppies
Hours: 7.5 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with some weekends and evenings as required.
Compensation: $70,000 – $80,000 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 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 with salary expectations via the form 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.
PADS is committed to transparency and posts all job openings. While we invite all qualified candidates to apply, this position represents an opportunity for internal career advancement, and internal applicants will receive priority consideration.
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