Volunteer And Engagement Coordinator | Part Time

HI USA is a nonprofit organization founded on an enduring belief in the power of travel to foster a deeper understanding of people, places, and the world around. At HI USA, our hostel programs are crucial in building not only an enjoyable and memorable experience for guests, but in delivering on our mission by increasing cultural exchange and providing an opportunity for guests to learn more about the local community, culture, and history.

In close coordination with hostel leadership and the Sr. Director, Volunteer Services, the Volunteer Coordinator (VC) will be responsible for building and maintaining a diverse, local volunteer team who will lead and deliver these programs to our guests. This position is part of an exciting new initiative at HI USA. The successful candidate will be flexible, open to program evolution, and comfortable with building a program from the ground up.

The Volunteer Coordinator will work on site at our HI New Orleans hostel. Schedule will vary and will include some nights and weekends to support volunteers, programs, or events. This position is an hourly, Part Time position.

Responsibilities:

Volunteer Coordination

• Grow, lead, recruit and support a diverse team of volunteers to support hostel guest programming.
• Screen and select volunteers ensuring alignment with HI USA’s mission and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA). Maintain a pipeline of volunteers through strong community relationships.
• Train all volunteers on the HI USA mission, and educational goals around diversity and DEIA. Participate in volunteer engagement professional development training as requested.
• Coordinate volunteer schedules and communicate with hostel team weekly guest programming.
• Create new volunteer opportunities as needed.
• Ensure volunteer retention through volunteer appreciation activities and efforts.
• Evaluate/Review each volunteer’s performance on an informal ongoing basis and annually with a documented review.
• Discipline and Terminate Volunteers as needed in coordination with Supervisor.

Guest Engagement Programming

• Design, develop and implement at minimum two daily and consistent volunteer led programs for hostel guests that promote cultural exchange, diversity, inclusion, and the HI USA mission.
• Promote hostel programming and relevant community events through the creation and maintenance of wall displays, flyers, online listings, etc.
• Coordinate with outside community organizations to advance guests programming & volunteer needs, including rebuilding relationships with community organizations HI New Orleans worked with pre-covid.
• Keep front desk staff, management, and information desk volunteers informed of new events and programs at the hostel, and how to best promote the programming to guests.
• Support front desk staff and information desk volunteers, as needed, to welcome guests and provide information about upcoming events.
• Facilitate HI USA signature programs at the local level, including Say HI to Peace and Great Hostel Give Back.
• Create a sense of community connection within the hostel, including the management of recommendation displays from staff & local volunteers.
• Order, manage and track inventory for hostel event supplies, including AV equipment, beverages, snacks, etc.
• Solicit donations to support hostel programming as needed.
• Work with designated hostel staff and volunteers to set up and take down hostel events.
• Help maintain a clean and organized common area space for hostel guests to enjoy.
• Obtain necessary food serving certification for planned programming.

Administrative

• Utilize CRM to report all events, guest attendance and volunteer hours in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in all staff calls and meetings, including local hostel team meetings.
• Support other Volunteer Coordinators as they are hired into the organization.
• Support hostel’s representation on national social media pages, by sharing photos and updates as requested.
• Maintain roster of active volunteers
• Maintain and stay within budget, tracking receipts and spending.
• Report hours by clocking in and out utilizing digital time clock system.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1-2 years’ experience working in similar capacity. Experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience with volunteer coordination, including recruitment, training, support and building diverse volunteer teams.
• Experience with program planning and delivery, and group facilitation.
• Ability to successfully lead, support and manage a team.
• Strong cultural competence and cultural exchange facilitation skills.
• Deep knowledge about New Orleans, its rich history, vibrant culture.
• Committed to promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access.
• Experience and familiarity with local community and like-minded organizations preferred.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, with a collaborative approach.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects at once.
• Strong time management, organization and ability to self-direct.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, data entry in CRM.
• Ability to clearly communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people and identify skills to provide a mutually rewarding outcome.
• Ability to work within a budget and maintain electronic records of all activities, purchases, donations.
• Travel experience, familiarity with HI USA, and/or the hostelling experience a plus.
• Flexible and able to work evenings or weekends.