Volunteer Program Manager

Summary: Manages assigned Garden staff and support programs, such as Volunteers and Internship Programs. Provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all program functions within the organization to help strengthen public or private programs, and to involve a community of program participants. Provides assistance and guidance to supervisors of volunteers and to prospective and current volunteers and/or interns. Participates in training and placement of volunteers during special exhibits and signature events.  Supports the organization’s internship programs, including managing internship opportunity database and providing program guidelines to division managers. May coordinate other HR related programs as assigned. 

• Develops, promotes, and maintains a wide range of volunteer and internship opportunities within the organization.

• Serves as an advocate for volunteers and interns, while balancing the needs and resources of the organization. 

• Recruits, interviews, and places applicants for volunteer assignments; develops and implements strategies to enhance diversity in our volunteer and internship resources.

• Coordinates schedules and organizes volunteers for special projects and events; assists with volunteer check-in and deployment as needed for large events, which can include evenings and weekends. May assist volunteer supervisors with training of volunteers, as needed. 

• Coordinates internship program, both paid and unpaid programs.

• Serves as consultant and advisor to supervisors and volunteers on all aspects of the volunteer program.

• Plans and conducts volunteer and intern orientation; facilitates training for volunteers, interns and staff.  

• Informs volunteers and interns of policies, procedures, and standards of service and safety practices.

• Participates on several Garden and other committees; represents the Garden in local career/job fairs and other appropriate recruitment events.

• Provides guidance to volunteers, interns and their supervisors in workplace issues, including but not limited to performance and behavior.  May require effective internal investigation of complaints raised to the Manager, Volunteer and Intern Programs, identifying appropriate actions plans in consultation with Sr. HR Manager.

• Develops and maintains program records, reports, and statistics.

• Establishes and implements plans for volunteer recognition and awards. 

• Meets expected attendance guidelines. 

• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.

• Behaves & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

• This role has no direct supervisory duties.  

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.

• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
 

• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.

• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision-making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.

• Stewardship:  Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

• Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience. 

• Experience as a volunteer or in recruitment is a plus.

• Proficient in use of Microsoft office software, (i.e., Outlook, Access, Excel, Word).

• General experience in HRIS or database management systems is needed.

• Exceptional personal relations and organization skills required.

• Ability to manage a work schedule with varying demands outside a regular workday; scheduling flexibility that allows working on weekends and evenings as needed. 

• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic and diverse environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, must feel comfortable interacting and working with other departments.

• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.

• Demonstrate sensitivity to issues of cultural diversity.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high volume, deadline-driven environment. Ability to multi-task.

• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests.  All staff are strongly encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by hire date, and the Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on community health department guidelines.  When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations for all countries where travel is required.  

• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, liberal arts, communications or related field required.

• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:  

• General knowledge of Microsoft Office (i.e., Outlook, Access, Excel, Word). 

• General knowledge of HRIS applications.

Other Skills and Abilities: None

• Ability to communicate effective in English (verbal and written).

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals.     

             

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: N/A

             

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to walk about facility frequently throughout workday, and sit for extended periods of the workday (may sit up to 75% of workday). 

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb step stools, etc.)

Work Environment:  

• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to staff, volunteers and outside contacts, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions regarding human resource/volunteer policies and procedures.

• Primarily indoor office setting; shared workspace, office environment with multiple staff within the department.

• Also assists in outdoor setting and during events, walking throughout the Garden and in all conditions of weather.

• All levels of volunteers, employees and management in various divisions throughout the Garden.