Key Responsibilities

The Adoption process ensures that the right family is the best match for both the dog and the family when placing the right dog in a forever home. Adoption Specialists are the “face” of the rescue and need to be comfortable interacting with the public and have excellent follow-through skills.

• Monitor and triage interest in assigned dog(s), including communicating updates on the status of an application to an interested family promptly.
• Review and validate the information provided to us via the application process and conduct phone interviews.
• Follow up on all assigned pre-qualified applications to assist in matching them with an adoptable dog.
• Responsible for screening all potential homes for assigned dog(s), often balancing multiple interested applicants at once.
• Provide updates on the adoption status of a dog using Shelter Manager and execute adoption movements, as required.
• Discuss a variety of topics and best practices for transitioning a rescue dog to a new home with potential adopters, including how to house train, crate train, and care for a rescue dog.
• Develop a basic understanding of Dog Star Rescue’s intake, vetting, and foster programs to educate potential adopters properly.
• Communicate openly within the team, as well as with potential adopters and other areas of the rescue.
• Facilitate safe meet and greets, using Dog Star’s best practices, with potential adopters and rescue dogs, including for families with children and other resident dogs.
• Follow the processes, procedures, and best practices outlined in the Adoption Manual.
• Advocate for the best interest of each dog.
• Collaborate with the Foster, Behavior, and other teams when necessary for help with placement.
• Attend and participate in weekly Adoption Events (2 weekends minimum – 3 preferred)
• Additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, problem resolution, critical thinking, working independently in a collaborative environment, good time management skills, phone etiquette, active listening skills, and ability to communicate and interact with all kinds of people. Passionate about dogs with the ability to interact positively with dogs of ALL breeds and sizes. Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Meets, and Shelter Manager or the willingness to learn.

Benefits

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem resolution
• Critical thinking
• Working independently in a collaborative environment
• Good time management skills, phone etiquette, active listening skills, and ability to communicate and interact with all kinds of people.
• Passionate about dogs with the ability to interact positively with dogs of ALL breeds and sizes.
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Meets, and Shelter Manager – or the willingness to learn.

Time Commitment

Attend a mandatory orientation program, participate in a mentor program, collaborate with the immediate team and other internal teams, follow organization communication procedures, policies, and guidelines at all times, and volunteer five (5) to twenty (20) hours a month minimum.

Working conditions

Requires sitting for long periods, getting up and down with reaching or bending, manual dexterity with normal hand and finger movements for typical office work, and participation in in-person adoption events.   Remote work, with access to a laptop, tablet, internet, and phone. The ability to lift/push/pull at least 50 lbs. May be subject to dog bites and scratches while handling dogs with questionable temperament. Regular bending, reaching, kneeling, sitting on the floor, crouching, and standing/walking for extended periods, with the potential for exposure to animal waste, blood, and zoonotic diseases.

Reports to: Adoptions Team Coordinators

Position Overview

The Volunteer Program Team Lead plays a key role in supporting the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to enhance the volunteer experience at Dog Star Rescue. This position helps to oversee initiatives that strengthen volunteer engagement, education, recruitment, appreciation, and communication. The Program Lead manages the Volunteer Team and ensures that Dog Star Rescue’s volunteer program operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the organization’s values.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Execution

• Collaborate with the COO to develop and implement initiatives that enhance volunteer engagement, education, recruitment, and retention.
• Manage the execution of volunteer-related projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Work with the COO to identify, prioritize, and track opportunities for improving the volunteer experience.

Volunteer Team Management

• Lead and coordinate the Volunteer Team, including scheduling and facilitating team meetings.
• Provide guidance, resources, and support to Volunteer Coordinators to ensure smooth operations and effective communication.
• Promote a positive and inclusive volunteer culture across all teams and events.

Volunteer Communication & Resources

• Manage volunteer-wide communications, including sending key announcements and updates.
• Maintain and updates volunteer resources such as job descriptions, manuals, policies, and training materials.
• Oversee the volunteer contact list and related records within Dog Star IT systems (e.g., DonorView)

Volunteer Conduct & Compliance

• Help triage volunteer issues, including conduct concerns, in collaboration with the COO, Executive Director, and relevant team leads.
• Manage and maintain the Volunteer Code of Conduct, ensuring it is communicated and upheld.
• Periodically review and update the volunteer contract to reflect current policies and best practices.

Training & Education

• Coordinate and manage volunteer training sessions and educational opportunities.
• Collaborate with department leads to identify training needs and deliver effective onboarding and continuing education.

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience working with or managing volunteers.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Comfort with technology and volunteer management systems (e.g., DonorView or similar platforms).
• Passion for Dog Star Rescue’s mission and the welfare of animals.

Preferred:

• Previous leadership or coordination experience in a nonprofit or volunteer-driven organization.
• Experience developing and implementing volunteer engagement strategies.
• Strong writing skills for crafting volunteer communications and resources.

Benefits

• Play a key role in creating joyful, memorable events that change dogs’ and people’s lives.
• Be part of a supportive, passionate, dog-loving community.
• Gain hands-on experience in event planning and volunteer leadership.
• See the immediate impact of your work at events filled with wagging tails and happy people.

Time Commitment per month

10 – 20 hours

Working conditions

In-person and remote opportunity. Access to a laptop, tablet, internet, and the phone required. In-person attendance at adoption, or other, events is required on a regular basis.

Reports to: COO

Position Overview

The Volunteer Support Coordinator serves as a key connector between Dog Star Rescue and its volunteer community. This role focuses on engaging with active volunteers to ensure they feel supported, valued, and connected to the mission. The Coordinator actively seeks feedback, promotes training and development opportunities, and helps strengthen the overall volunteer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Engagement & Communication

• Build and maintain positive relationships with active volunteers across all teams.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for volunteer questions, feedback, and general support.
• Actively engage with volunteers to identify successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Share updates on new volunteer opportunities, training sessions, and organizational initiatives.

Feedback & Continuous Improvement

• Regularly solicit volunteer feedback through surveys, check-ins, and informal conversations.
• Track and summarize volunteer feedback to share with the Volunteer Program Team Lead and COO.
• Collaborate on solutions that address volunteer needs and improve overall satisfaction.

Training & Development

• Promote and help coordinate volunteer training sessions, workshops, and educational events.
• Encourage volunteers to participate in continuing education and skill development opportunities.
• Support onboarding and orientation efforts for new volunteers.

Recognition & Retention

• Assist with initiatives that recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions.
• Help identify ways to increase volunteer appreciation and retention across the organization.

Collaboration & Administration

• Work closely with the Volunteer Program Team Lead and Volunteer Team to align engagement strategies.
• Maintain accurate volunteer contact information and participation data in Dog Star IT systems (e.g., DonorView).
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of volunteer resources, such as guides or newsletters.

Qualifications

Required:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Genuine enthusiasm for working with volunteers and supporting Dog Star Rescue’s mission.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with empathy and professionalism.
• Comfortable using technology and volunteer management tools.

Preferred:

• Experience in volunteer coordination, community engagement, or customer relations.
• Prior involvement in an animal welfare or nonprofit environment.
• Basic data entry or administrative experience (DonorView or similar systems a plus).

Benefits

• Play a key role in creating joyful, memorable events that change dogs’ and people’s lives.
  Be part of a supportive, passionate, dog-loving community.
• Gain hands-on experience in event planning and volunteer leadership.
• See the immediate impact of your work at events filled with wagging tails and happy people.

Time Commitment per month

10 – 20 hours

Working conditions

In-person and remote opportunity. Access to a laptop, tablet, internet, and the phone required. In-person attendance at adoption, or other, events is required on a regular basis.

Reports to: COO

Position Overview

The Volunteer Appreciation Coordinator is responsible for cultivating a strong, supportive, and appreciative volunteer community. This role focuses on recognizing contributions, keeping volunteers engaged, and creating opportunities for them to feel connected, inspired, and proud of their work with our rescue.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Recognition & Appreciation

• Develop and implement recognition programs (e.g., spotlight features, awards, thank-you campaigns).
• Share stories of volunteer impact across newsletters, social media, and rescue updates.

Volunteer Engagement & Retention

• Build relationships with volunteers to understand their motivations and celebrate their milestones.

• Provide ongoing encouragement, check-ins, and personalized acknowledgments.

Communication & Connection

• Highlight individual and group achievements to the broader rescue community.
• Collect feedback to improve the volunteer experience continually.

Coordination & Collaboration

• Work with team leads (foster, transport, adoption, events) to ensure volunteers feel supported and recognized in their roles.
• Keep volunteer records and celebrate milestones like anniversaries and achievements.

Qualifications

• Passion for recognizing and uplifting others.
• Strong people skills—empathetic, approachable, and a natural relationship-builder.
• Creative ideas for celebrating and showcasing volunteer contributions.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail (so no thank-you goes unnoticed).
• Comfortable with communication tools (email, social media, volunteer platforms)
• A love for dogs and a commitment to the mission of rescue.

Benefits

• Be the champion of the people who make rescue possible.
• See firsthand the joy and impact of volunteer contributions.
• Opportunity to design creative recognition and appreciation programs.
• Work with a team that values heart, gratitude, and compassion as much as hard work.

Time Commitment per month

10 – 20 hours

Working conditions

Mostly remote work, with access to a laptop, tablet, internet, and the phone. In-person attendance required at adoption, or other, events on an as-needed basis.

Reports to: COO

Key Responsibilities

The Volunteer Communication Coordinator manages the flow of information to internal volunteers at Dog Star Rescue. They lead the following tasks:

• Newsletters. Maintains Quarterly and Monthly Newsletters with content provided from all teams, utilizing Donor View
• Maintains Quarterly Exec Director and COO Communication. Requests info to send to volunteers, “From the Desk of” and publishes updates through Donor View
• Volunteer Facebook group management. Manages those who request access to the group (accepts if they are real volunteers, denies if they are not).
• Collects content and updates the Volunteer Portal. Seeks appropriate DSR content relative to the world of Rescues and works with the Volunteer Director for approval of content to further the education of our Volunteers.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication
• Written, interpersonal, analytical, and customer service skills
• Ability to multitask with the desire to produce professional documents and DSR Templates
• Communicate with all kinds of people, lead, and mentor volunteers.
• Problem resolution and seeks answers independently and enthusiastically.
• Demonstrates flexibility.
• Ability to work with diverse personalities and work well under pressure.
• Good time management skills.
• Work independently in a collaborative environment, with a good understanding of all the departments within DSR.
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Meet, and Donor View, or the willingness to learn.

Benefits

• Personal satisfaction knowing you are helping address a nationwide problem while spending significant time each week helping guide dogs to a wonderful new life.
• You have a love for dogs and a desire to have fun socializing with like-minded people and not to mention the unlimited dog kisses and snuggles.

Time Commitment per month

10 – 20 hours

Working conditions

Mostly remote work, with access to a laptop, tablet, internet, and the phone.

Reports to: COO