Summary

The Volunteer & Field Operations Manager is a salaried, exempt, full-time position responsible for leading the volunteer program statewide and coordinating pet pantry operations on the Front Range. This role balances hands-on coordination with systems-building to support long-term sustainability. The position serves as a liaison between volunteers, pantry leads, warehouse staff, and internal teams to ensure operations remain effective and well-supported.

Description

About Colorado Pet Pantry

Colorado Pet Pantry started in 2013 with a single bi-monthly pet food bank at a human food bank partner to keep pets in their loving homes. Recognizing the significant need, we expanded to four monthly pet food banks by 2014 under a fiscal sponsor. In 2018, we became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to ensuring families have the resources to consistently feed their pets and prevent shelter surrenders. Demand skyrocketed during the 2020 pandemic, catalyzing statewide expansion of our work. Today Colorado Pet Pantry is the largest organization of its kind in the U.S., distributing pet food at more than 100 monthly pet food banks across 35 Colorado counties and supporting more than 100 animal rescues statewide.

Currently, we have 17 staff members and more than 1,400 volunteers, working together to build out and enhance organizational systems that support our programs, staff, volunteers, and partners.

About the Position

This position directly supports our mission to keep pets in their loving homes. Colorado Pet Pantry started as an all-volunteer organization; our volunteers remain the backbone of our work, enabling distribution through 100 pet food pantries each month.

This role will fill in when volunteers are unavailable and will assist or co-lead two locations in Greeley and Loveland (but please note that this role is based in Denver-metro and most work will be in Denver-metro). The role is also responsible for building and evolving a scalable volunteer system that supports all areas of the organization—including food distribution, donation collection, outreach, and special events—while recognizing that successful, community-led sites may operate differently.

This role requires strong judgment in balancing consistency with flexibility. Many pantry leads and volunteers have been with the organization for years and operate highly effective sites with their own rhythms. Success means supporting and strengthening those efforts—rather than over-standardizing—while ensuring core standards and mission alignment are met.

This position reports to the Deputy Director.

Essential Functions of the Job

Pet Pantry & Program Operations Support (Statewide Oversight, Front Range Ownership)

Build strong relationships with pantry leads statewide, with hands-on management of Front Range programs
Work with pantry lead volunteers to ensure sites are appropriately staffed and supported
Fill in onsite when necessary, while prioritizing sustainable staffing solutions
Support client service needs in partnership with internal teams
Identify and address operational gaps across locations
Co-lead or assist at least two monthly pantry locations (Greeley and Loveland)

Volunteer Program Leadership (Statewide)

Lead and oversee volunteer functions across pantry operations, donation collection, outreach/events, and special initiatives
Design and implement a formal volunteer lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and engagement
Coordinate and support adequate volunteer coverage across programs, with priority on Front Range operations
Build systems to reduce last-minute staffing gaps and improve communication
Build trust-based relationships with long-term volunteers, using influence and coaching rather than enforcement to guide alignment with best practices

Systems, Data & Tools Management

Maintain and improve volunteer and pantry systems (e.g., AppSheet, tracking tools)
Assist with Volunteer Portal database management
Manage user setup, troubleshooting, and data accuracy
Improve systems for scheduling, communication, and reporting
Use data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement

Recruitment, Outreach & Engagement

Develop and manage volunteer recruitment channels (community outreach, partnerships, events)
Coordinate volunteers for outreach and community engagement efforts
Support expansion of donation collection programs
Create consistent communication strategies to keep volunteers informed and engaged

Training & Process Development

Create and maintain training materials, playbooks, and SOPs
Standardize onboarding processes
Develop best practices while recognizing implementation may vary by location and allowing flexibility where outcomes are strong
Ensure volunteers and pantry leads have the tools and clarity needed to succeed
Continuously improve processes to increase efficiency and consistency

Coordination & Communication

Act as liaison between volunteers, pantry leads, warehouse staff, and internal teams
Coordinate logistics related to inventory and distribution needs
Support problem-solving across regions, including rural and high-demand areas

Preferred (not required): Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Success in this role includes maintaining strong volunteer relationships, minimizing unnecessary friction, and using sound judgment about when to standardize versus when to support existing practices.

Qualifications & Experience

This role exercises strong judgment, prioritizing relationships, trust, and mission outcomes over rigid process enforcement.

Experience managing or coordinating volunteers or community programs
Strong systems thinker able to build practical, usable processes
Proactive, adaptable, and solution-oriented
Excellent relationship builder with strong communication and diplomacy skills
Demonstrates patience, humility, and the ability to prioritize relationships and mission impact over “being right”
Self-starter able to work independently and take initiative
Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities
Comfortable with technology and willing to learn new systems

Required Qualifications

2–4 years of relevant experience (volunteer coordination, nonprofit, community engagement, or similar)
Experience in nonprofit, social services, or community-based work
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate volunteers or teams
Familiarity with volunteer management systems or CRM platforms

Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Homebase will be Englewood, CO and Boulder, CO, varying
Hybrid work environment with regular Front Range travel; occasional statewide travel
Reliable transportation required
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. repeatedly
Ability to attend regular evening and weekend events as needed
Ability to drive cargo vans or box trucks (clean driving record required)
Ability to work extended hours as needed

Mileage & Work Travel Policy

Colorado Pet Pantry Fundraising, Marketing and Volunteer departments operate out of two primary work locations: Boulder and Englewood. Employees may also work remotely when approved.

Regular Work Locations:

Boulder office: Regular in-person meetings occur every Tuesday. Employees may work from this location anytime.
Englewood warehouse: Used frequently for operational work, but visits are scheduled as needed rather than on a fixed schedule.
Both locations are considered assigned work locations.

Additional Details

If you don’t meet 100% of the criteria above but are interested in the role, please apply. No one checks every box and we are open to a bold, talented individual with transferable experience.

Colorado Pet Pantry recognizes that the team members we hire come from all walks of life. We believe that people from underrepresented backgrounds not only help us to be stronger, but also allow our team to connect, belong, and grow. If you share our values and our desire to build meaningful, diverse, and lasting relationships, we highly encourage you to apply.

Pay & Benefits

$60,000 annually
Two weeks paid vacation per year, accrual begins on first day
Seven holidays
Wellness Stipend: $400 monthly (subject to funding)
Maternity/paternity leave, up to 6 weeks at 50% average pay after one year of employment
Flexible schedule
In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the approximate annual base compensation range is listed above. The actual offer, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be determined by a number of factors including the applicant’s experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity among our team.

This Colorado Pet Pantry job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. All employees report to and perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

At the Colorado Pet Pantry, we celebrate and welcome diversity within our workforce. We strive to hire from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives because we know we are a stronger advocate for others when all voices are represented.

The Colorado Pet Pantry is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes qualified applicants without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

How to Apply

Write a cover letter detailing your experience and why you’re passionate about this role. Send your cover letter and resume to job@coloradopetpantry.org. Job posting will close once the right candidate is selected.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colorado Pet Pantry is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide an overview of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties and expectations may evolve as organizational needs change. Employment is subject to Colorado Pet Pantry’s policies, procedures, and employee handbook.