Volunteer and Internship Manager

Position Title: Volunteer and Internship Manager

Department: Education

Supervisor: Education Director

Nashville Zoo Mission:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us:

At Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Position Description

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 manages an innovative paid 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 helps establish goals and determine the direction of the Education Department and its programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees a volunteer corps of more than 300 active volunteers and docents, as well as more than 1000 episodic volunteers annually.
• Maintain professional conduct at all times and consistently model the organization’s values in all interactions with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• 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 paid 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.
• Cultivate 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.
• Directly supervises 2 full-time staff, providing guidance, mentorship and support.
• Prepares and administers the annual program 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:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in volunteer management, program management, community engagement, education or related fields
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of volunteer engagement.

Desired Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage with diverse individuals.
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.
• 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 (currently utilizing Better Impact) 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:

Staff must frequently stand and walk for extended periods, interact with guests throughout their shift, and occasionally lift, carry, or move items up to 25–30 lbs, such as program materials, supplies, or event equipment. These roles require clear verbal communication, strong customer‑service skills, and the ability to project one’s voice during programs, tours, and presentations. Employees regularly work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may be exposed to noise, crowds, dust, and routine cleaning agents. Staff must safely navigate public areas, stairs, and uneven surfaces, while operating basic equipment such as radios, tablets, microphones, and point‑of‑sale systems. Positions may involve assisting with special events, school programs, or animal‑themed activities, requiring flexibility, professionalism, and adherence to safety and guest‑interaction protocols. Schedules may include weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and occasional overtime based on programming or attendance needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Pre-employment Requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.