Volunteer Programs Coordinator

The Volunteer Programs Coordinator supports Habitat Chicago’s mission by building operational capacity through volunteer engagement and management. The Volunteer Programs Coordinator exemplifies our commitment to providing a consistent, meaningful volunteer experience through our volunteer engagement and hospitality principles, ensuring that we prepare, empower, and appreciate each volunteer that serves with Habitat Chicago.

The Volunteer Programs Coordinator role consists primarily administrative system and process management, focusing on the execution of day-to-day volunteer management tasks associated with the recruitment, orientation, retention, evaluation, and recognition of volunteers. This includes assessing short- and long-term volunteer needs, coordinating logistics, communicating with volunteers, and managing data and systems.

Key Responsibility: Program Design and Evaluation (15%)

• Together with manager, ensure successful design and creative growth of the organization’s volunteer programs:
• Assist with the assessment of organizational capacity and goals and provide volunteer programs solutions where able.
• Contribute to the design and structure of volunteer programs and integrate programmatic efforts of mission and issue awareness into all volunteer activities of the organization.
• Ensure all programs are compliant with policies and procedures.
• Prepare for the effective management of volunteers through all stages of involvement (recruitment, orientation, retention, evaluation, and recognition) toward long-term commitment and engagement.
• Collect feedback on volunteer program efforts, both in the effectiveness of meeting program goals and in volunteer satisfaction; participate in volunteer shifts at least twice annually for first-hand experience.
  
  

Key Responsibility: Program Execution (70%)

• Work with the Volunteer Programs Manager to facilitate staff training to ensure they provide consistent, meaningful volunteer experiences (this role will focus primarily on build day experiences) through a commitment to proper orientation, hospitality, and accountability.
• In coordination with project teams: work to ensure that volunteer needs are well-represented in monthly newsletter, on social media, and in other content development; ensure adequate coverage for volunteer outreach and recruitment opportunities, including but not limited to volunteer fairs, community events, and speaking engagements.
• Assist the Volunteer Programs Manager in developing relationships with community organizations including workforce development programs, schools and other organizations that might have regular interest in partnering through volunteerism.
• Coordinate all aspects of volunteer experience logistics, specifically for the build site, for individual volunteers, corporate and community groups, and workforce development program participants, including:
• Gathering information on volunteer needs/numbers
• Ensuring necessary volunteer supplies (first-aid, protective equipment, etc.) are inventoried and readily available for volunteer use.
• In collaboration with Construction and Corporate teams, creating volunteer calendar and ensuring adequate coverage.
• Populating volunteer opportunities on the online platform.
• Drafting communication templates and ensuring timely, and relevant communications.
• Managing registration and attendance process and tracking data for reporting.
• Together with team, establish volunteer recognition and appreciation structure and coordinate associated events/activities.
  
  

Key Responsibility: Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication (15%)

• As a key Programs Team member, contribute to our organizational health through enthusiastic collaboration, leadership, and personal integrity.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal Habitat Chicago departments, maintaining a “team first” outlook and supporting the success of the mission in attitude, ideas, and actions; lead by example and with curiosity, and active, creative input for growing and improving the organization.
• Participate in cross-organization dependency planning for efficiency as needed (i.e. qualified homebuyer pool –funding source requirements – volunteer numbers – corporate sponsor builds/revenue - construction timelines) and actively communicate needs, changes, and opportunities.
• Meet and endorse organization standards for record keeping and information sharing.
• Contribute to organization events and efforts, helping as necessary with content, set up/take down, management, networking, various tasks, etc.
• Engage with all members of team, program participants, and core volunteers.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  

• Communication abilities for varied situations (e.g., public speaking, coaching, listening, interpreting, advocating, negotiating, etc.)
• Organization, attention to detail, ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Patience, understanding, and flexibility.
• Confidentiality with sensitive information.
• High level of computer literacy, including competence with Microsoft Office and familiarity with Salesforce and Volunteer Hub.
• Personal vehicle or access to transportation to arrive at Habitat office and other work sites (build sites, ReStore, event locations).
  
  

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Previous program coordination, and project management experience preferred.
• Previous work experience managing volunteers is preferred.
  
  

Position Details

• Reports To: Volunteer Programs Manager
• Hours: Full-time; Typical work hours are 8am - 4pm, Monday - Friday. Some evening and weekend work is required, depending on program and event needs, and adjusting schedules as needed to balance hours is encouraged.
• Conditions: Must be able to lift 25 pounds and work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Compensation: Hourly position ranging from $18.50 - $20.00/hour, depending on experience. 30+ vacation/sick/personal days per year. 90% employer paid health insurance; access to dental, vision, life and 401k plans.
• FLSA Status: This position is as a Non-Exempt Employee. Employees in positions determined to be non-exempt, as defined by the FLSA and the Department of Labor regulations, are eligible to receive overtime pay at the rate of one and one-half times the regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a payroll week.
  
  

To Apply: Please submit compelling cover letter and resume to

ONLY CANDIDATES WHO FOLLOW APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE.