Work Status: Full-Time         

Reports to: Operations Manager                              

Location: Downsview Park (Toronto) with plans to move within the year to the Rouge Park (Scarborough)           

Start Date: Immediate                                     

Compensation: $50,000 to $56,000 (Commensurate with experience) plus benefits         

About Toronto Wildlife Centre

Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) is a registered charity that provides medical care and rehabilitation to sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. TWC is the busiest wildlife centre in Canada, admitting over 6,000 patients annually, with more than 270 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians represented. TWC’s veterinary team consists of one full-time and three part-time wildlife veterinarians, volunteer veterinary specialists, and four registered veterinary technicians who work closely with the rehabilitation, rescue and release departments to provide care to the animals at the centre. The veterinary hospital includes digital radiography, an in-house laboratory, an intensive care unit and a full surgical suite. Animals are treated at our primary location, and rehabilitation for some animals continues at the Rouge Park property in large outdoor enclosures.

Job Summary

In this unique and exciting role, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for managing the volunteer team, coordinating and developing the Volunteer Program and liaising with other TWC programs and external organizations as needed. Working closely with the management team the Volunteer Coordinator ensures the Volunteer Department runs smoothly, effectively, and efficiently with a strong emphasis on furthering the mission.

Scope

• HR Supervisory responsibility for the all TWC Volunteers
• Budgetary/financial accountability for the Volunteer Department

Accountabilities

• Provides a positive, professional and safe working environment at all times
• Manages all volunteers including recruitment, selection, orientation, scheduling, training, attendance monitoring and maintenance of volunteer records and data
• Leads volunteer information sessions for interested volunteer candidates
• Liaises with TWC staff and volunteers to ensure that all departmental volunteer needs are met
• Keeps abreast of current volunteer management methods through literature perusal, conference attendance, networking and other means
• Evaluates, updates and expands existing programs, protocols/manuals and other material as needed
• Develops new and innovative ways of improving volunteer experiences and recognizing achievements of volunteers
• Responsible for retention of volunteers through recognition, conflict resolution, regular communication, relationship building, and other means
• Assists with setting of Volunteer Program goals and strategic planning
• In collaboration with TWC’s Communications team, manages and develops engaging content for TWC’s Volunteers
• Provides information to the Executive Director and Operations Manager for assessing Volunteer Program budget for the next fiscal year
• Responsible for managing the Volunteer Department budget

Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing a medium to large volunteer program in a professional setting
• Professional experience within a licensed wildlife rescue centre or similar animal facility an asset
• Previous accountability to manage budgets and achieve financial goals

Education

• Graduate of a volunteer management program, human resources or related experience
• CVA accreditation an asset

Competencies

• Passion for Toronto Wildlife Centre’s mission with a genuine concern for and understanding of wildlife/environmental issues and sensitive to the special needs of wild animals in captivity
• Excellent interpersonal skills; active, outgoing, and capable of working collaboratively within a team and across departments
• Ability to professionally present and support TWC’s goals, beliefs and policies to the TWC team, the public, other organizations, and the media
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) with focus on clear, concise messaging
• Strong leadership skills with a passion for developing and enabling a large and diverse team of volunteers within a fast paced and demanding environment
• Capable of creating a positive learning environment, conveying objectives clearly, encouraging and motivating trainees, and evaluating learning outcomes
• Understanding of the unique role played by volunteers/interns and approaches to managing and engaging volunteers/interns
• Proven ability to lead projects
• Proven ability to multitask in a busy environment, to work well under pressure, and to prioritize competing tasks while meeting time-sensitive demands
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft’s Office Suite, Google Workplace, various social media platforms and basic knowledge of databases
• Experience using CRM’s like Better Impact (Volunteer Impact) and/or ETapestry an asset
• Knowledge of Southern Ontario wildlife identification, natural history, and behaviour an asset
• Valid drivers license with access to own vehicle

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to spend extended periods using a computer keyboard
• Requires extended periods of sitting

Working Conditions

• This position requires working near materials and animals that may trigger allergic reactions
• Open office/hospital environment, with noise and the possibility of frequent interruption
• Hours may fluctuate depending on job demands (some evening and weekend work may be required)
• Some off-site work will be required
• Required to walk on concrete floors in the building and uneven ground outdoors