Volunteer Engagement Specialist

JOB TITLE: Volunteer Engagement Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Volunteer Engagement

SUPERVISED BY: Volunteer Engagement Manager

HOURS: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday thru Friday, possible evening or weekend as needed, Hybrid (2-3 days in office/week)
SALARY: $48,231 - $55,456 Annually

POSITION SUMMARY: The Volunteer Engagement Specialist supports Second Harvest Heartland contracted partner agency (i.e. food shelves, mobile food distributions) Volunteer Engagement program needs. This role will work closely with the internal community partnerships and partner operations staff and externally with our partner agencies to ensure their volunteer programs support their organization’s needs.

The main responsibilities of this role include connecting with partner agencies to consult on Volunteer Engagement best practices including but not limited to volunteer needs assessment, recruitment and retention, volunteer supervisor training, and technology needs. The specialist will build and maintain positive working relationships utilizing strong communication skills, a sense of team, a positive attitude and mutual respect for others in helping to reach Second Harvest Heartland’s strategic goals and initiatives in ending hunger together.

This is a new role to support a new initiative in assisting partner agencies' volunteer needs. Duty and responsibility specifics may change as the work and initiative progresses. In partnership with the Volunteer Engagement director and manager, the specialist will collaboratively build out the role over time.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The emphasis will be on assisting our external partner agencies, such as food shelves and mobile food distributions.

• Is knowledgeable in Volunteer Engagement management and stays up to date on best practices and trends in volunteerism.
• Serve as the point person for external agencies seeking support for their Volunteer Engagement needs
• Serve as liaison between the Volunteer Engagement and internal partner operations/community partnership staff
• Prioritize overall support for the Whole Community Initiative partners, which can include existing or new partners
• Provide consultation services and make recommendations to build, elevate or troubleshoot their volunteer program
• Build and maintain a resources database to increase staff/volunteer knowledge and enhance their volunteer program
• Train internal and agency staff/volunteers on Volunteer Engagement best practices
• Coordinate training opportunities for partner staff and volunteers. This could include collaborating with Volunteer Engagement expert organizations (i.e. HandsOn Twin Cities or Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement)
• Build strong partnerships with the community, corporate partners, higher education and other groups and individuals to increase volunteer recruitment and retention efforts
• Facilitate surveys, listening sessions and other fact gathering initiatives as needed

Additional Duties

• Serve as a subject matter expert and trainer in Galaxy Digital Amplify, Shift and the HandsOn Twin Cities public facing system
• Responsible for tracking and reporting data and recommend metrics to assist in achieving the strategic outcomes for partner support
• Contribute to the monthly volunteer newsletter that is used to inform, recruit, and steward volunteer partners
• Assist in keeping the SharePoint internal Volunteer Engagement resource page up to date
• Other duties this role could be involved in may include community tabling opportunities, volunteer appreciation, events, or other areas as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of a high school diploma with at least 2 years' experience as a Volunteer Engagement professional in a paid or volunteer role
• Preference given to those with experience at a food shelf or mobile food distribution
• Intermediate Microsoft Office 365 skills, with proficiency in Excel, Outlook and Forms. Experience in SharePoint and the Galaxy Digital volunteer management system a plus but not required
• Experience working with the public required. Exceptional customer service skills to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed and valued
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. Strongly desire a candidate proficient in verbal and written Spanish
• Possess a high degree of cultural awareness and respect
• Demonstrated flexibility, efficiency and enthusiasm, both individually and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage and follow through on multiple daily tasks and projects
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to partner locations, including outside the 7-country metro area.
• Willingness to work an occasional weekend or evening as needed.
  

OUR VALUES:

• We deliver.
• We lead with our hearts.
• We innovate.
• We are all in this together.
• We believe our differences make us stronger.

Second Harvest Heartland is an EEO/AA Employer.

Benefits include: 9 paid holidays each calendar year, plus 4 extra well-being days, up to 160 hours of paid time off per calendar year, with the option to carry over up to 20 hours to the following calendar year, 8 hours of volunteer time off to serve community each calendar year, up to 12 weeks paid parental leave for birth and non-birth parents, and more! Learn more about our benefits package here.

Second Harvest Heartland believes no one should ever go hungry, as our region produces more than enough food for everyone. Helping hungry neighbors find their next meal—so they can thrive at work, in the classroom and in their communities—is what drives Second Harvest Heartland, its partners and supporters. Beyond feeding hungry neighbors, Second Harvest Heartland believes in the importance of our work to help sustain our environment.