Volunteer and Internship Manager
Volunteer and Internship Manager
Position/Title: Volunteer and Internship Manager
Department: Education
Supervisor: Education Director
Organization Overview
Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With an extensive collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife conservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. The Zoo welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually and is home to a dedicated, passionate and diverse corps of volunteers and docents who are essential to our mission of conservation, education, and community engagement.
Position Overview
The Volunteer and Internship Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the zoo’s volunteer and internship programs, fostering an environment where volunteers feel engaged, appreciated, and empowered. This role ensures that volunteers are well-matched to opportunities that align with their skills and interests while advancing the mission of the zoo. Additionally, this position will manage and grow a robust internship program in both animal care and education. With the oversight of the Director of Education, the Volunteer and Internship Manager serves as part of the Education Leadership Team which establishes goals and determines direction of the Education Department and its programming.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Cultivate relationships with volunteers to ensure they feel valued and see the impact of their contributions.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for volunteers, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Develop and implement strategies to recruit, train, and retain volunteers who support the zoo’s operations, education programs, and guest experience.
- Coordinate ongoing training, enrichment, and recognition programs to enhance volunteer engagement and satisfaction.
- Maintain and refine volunteer policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure a well-organized and effective program.
- Oversee scheduling, communications, and feedback systems to keep volunteers informed and engaged.
- Oversee and expand an innovative internship program in animal care and education.
- Develop collaborative partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations to promote and recruit for the internship and other career pathways programs.
- Cultivates collaborative relationships with departments throughout the Zoo who utilize volunteers and interns.
- Work with Animal Care and Education Teams to design meaningful, hands-on learning experiences aligned with established curriculum and Zoo mission.
- Establish evaluation, tracking and feedback processes to assess program effectiveness and identify areas of improvement.
- Monitor and analyze program data to measure impact, identify trends, and guide future improvements.
- Manage a team of employees, providing guidance, mentorship, and support.
- Prepares and administers annual budget and reviews with the Director of Education.
- Partner with Events team to ensure appropriate volunteer coverage, training, supervision and recognition for multi-day events.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- 2+ years of experience in volunteer or program management, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, museum, or nonprofit setting.
- Demonstrated commitment to volunteerism.
Desired Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage with diverse individuals.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or special events as required.
- Proficiency in volunteer management software and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols
- Demonstrated success with leveraging community relationships.
- Experience managing staff and/or leading teams.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
- Ability to work in outdoor environmental conditions, which include inclement weather, excessive cold and hot temperatures, and humidity.
- Ability to move about zoo grounds for long periods of time.
Pre-employment Requirements:
Prior to hire, the successful candidate must:
- Submit to a criminal background check and drug screening
- Provide proof of negative TB test
- Provide proof of a valid driver’s license.
