Animal Services Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator
- Workplace
- On-site
- Employment
- Full-time
- Compensation
- $27 – $34
About this role
What You'll Be Doing
Do you thrive on connecting with people, building community, and creating meaningful experiences? Are you passionate about animal welfare and energized by work that is never the same two days in a row?
The Wake County Animal Center is seeking an outgoing, enthusiastic, and creative Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator. In this role, you'll lead a thriving volunteer program of more than 200 active volunteers, develop innovative community engagement initiatives, represent the Animal Center at public events, and help connect thousands of homeless pets with the people who will give them a second chance.
This is far more than a volunteer management position. It's an opportunity to serve as a community ambassador, mentor, educator, event coordinator, storyteller, and advocate for animals and the people who care about them.
If you enjoy working with people as much as you enjoy working with animals, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Essential Functions:
- As the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, you will serve as a key leader within the Animal Center and help strengthen the connection between our shelter and the Wake County community.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead, support, and grow a volunteer program of approximately 200-250 active volunteers
- Develop engaging training, educational, and instructional content
- Manage media appearances to promote adoptable animals and shelter events
- Coordinate and attend public engagement events
- Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholder groups
- Maintain records and statistical reports
- Communicate with volunteers via email, telephone and social media
- Assist with special projects and serve as backup to the Animal Services
Community Initiatives Manager
This position has heavy administrative and leadership responsibilities. If you are energized by organizing projects, events, and programs, while building meaningful relationships, this is your time to shine. If you believe that volunteers are one of the Animal Center's most valuable resources and are excited to help those volunteers make a meaningful difference for animals in need, apply today!
About Our Team
The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County Government and on average takes in between 11,000 to 12,000 animals each year. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. Through the dedication of staff, volunteers, foster families, rescue partners, and community supporters, thousands of pets find new homes and second chances. Our team is committed to compassionate animal care, innovative programs, community engagement, and creating positive outcomes for both pets and people.
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
- High school diploma or GED
- Three years of experience in animal center operations
- Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
- Equivalent education and experience are accepted
- Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
- Three years of animal sheltering experience
- Two years of animal training experience
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, social media, and recording software
- Experience with public speaking
- Experience with Better Impact (Volunteer Management Software)
- Multilingual
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
- Self-starter who demonstrates a high degree of accountability
- Excellent time management skills - accomplishes assigned tasks and shared responsibilities in a timely manner
- Solid interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional and able to have tough conversations with a variety of people
- Familiarity and knowledge with the care and humane handling of shelter animals, such as dogs, cats and little critters
- Proficient knowledge in Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook), and comfortable learning and using online information systems
- Ability to assess situations, data and circumstances and develop action plans to accomplish objectives
- Knowledge of social media to target community members for recruitment, communicate with established participants of the Volunteer Program, and promote animals for adoption
- Ability to develop new initiatives for the Volunteer Program and champion those initiatives to completion
About This Position
Location: Wake County Animal Control Raleigh, NC 27610
Employment Type: Regular
Work Schedule: Five eight-hour shifts, flexible but evening and weekend availability is required.
Hiring Range: 27.20 - 34.92
Market Range: 27.20 - 42.63
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/25/2026
What Makes Wake Great
Equal Opportunity Statement
Background Check Statement
Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four-year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at-large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well-managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best-Performing Cities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
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