Volunteer and Internship Manager

About the role#

The Volunteer and Internship Manager oversees the Zoo’s volunteer corps, which includes over 300 active volunteers and docents, and manages an innovative paid internship program in animal care and education. As a member of the Education Leadership Team, you will help set departmental goals and foster an environment where volunteers and interns feel engaged, valued, and empowered. This role involves supervising two full-time staff members and managing the annual program budget.

What you'll do#

• Oversee, recruit, train, and retain a large corps of volunteers and docents.
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure volunteers are matched to opportunities that align with their skills.
• Manage and expand the paid internship program, including building partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations.
• Oversee scheduling, communications, and feedback systems to keep participants informed.
• Collaborate with the Animal Care and Education teams to design hands-on learning experiences.
• Monitor program data to measure impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Coordinate with the Events team to ensure appropriate volunteer support for zoo events.

What you'll need#

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in volunteer management, program management, community engagement, or education.
• Experience managing staff and leading teams.
• Proficiency in volunteer management software and Microsoft Office.
• A demonstrated commitment to the value of volunteer engagement.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow established safety protocols.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Location & details#

• Location: Nashville, Tennessee.
• Modality: On-site.
• Employment: Full-time.
• Compensation: $46,363 – $51,916 per year.
• Requirements: All candidates must pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and tuberculosis (TB) screening.