Update: The Volunteer and Events Specialist position is filled - no longer accepting resumes.
Volunteer and Events Specialist: Job Description
Purpose: This is a part-time (up to 20 hours/week) position, except when additional time is approved due to scheduled events, where the Volunteer and Events Specialist is responsible for the effective management of volunteers and events coordination. They are responsible for recruiting and training volunteers so that they are prepared to maintain excellent daily store and cafe operations, offer prompt and friendly customer service, and support the success of events. This position will ramp up to full-time (up to 40 hours/week) as more volunteers can safely be brought onsite and events open up.
Status: Part-time hourly position. Reports to the Board of Directors. Member of the Workers’ Collective.
I. Volunteer Coordination
o Tracks volunteer levels, hours, and outputs to report to WC and determine recruitment needs.
o Recruit, orient, and place applicants for volunteer work in Store, Cafe, committees, and the Board of Directors.
o Conduct regular trainings with volunteers to ensure a smooth onboarding process, bring everyone up to speed on changes in operations, and meet specific organization needs based on upcoming events, season changes, etc.
o Schedule volunteer shifts and have a backup coverage plan for gaps in schedule and missed shifts.
o Communicate with all volunteers, during and between shifts.
o Pass on any necessary information from Workers Collective meetings to volunteers; be a liaison for volunteers in Workers Collective meetings.
o Clarify and enforce policies and procedures with volunteer staff.
o Visit with volunteers and observe volunteer shifts to get a grasp of issues and feedback. Praise, discipline, or terminate volunteer staff as deemed needed. o Coordinate quarterly volunteer meetings and volunteer social gatherings, including team sports and other events.
o Maintain volunteer discount system statuses based on hours requirements. o Reach out to customers to encourage and explain the benefits of volunteering, membership and participation.
o Stay actively engaged in learning about industry trends and community preferences in volunteer recruitment and engagement.
II. Events Coordination
o Serves as the lead on events coordination, including General Membership Meeting, spaghetti dinner, Riverwest Follies, summer street events, etc.
o Maintains a calendar of events and list of needs for each, such as volunteers, food, communications committee tasks, etc. Responsible for working with WC and Board of Directors to assign and confirm successful completion of all events tasks.
o Analyze and evaluate event’s results, present findings and recommendations to the WC and Board of Directors.
III. Operations
o This position is expected to work in the Store and Cafe as needed (time should be evenly distributed between the two, up to 1 shift in each area per week).
o Enforce the Co-op’s policies and procedures.
o Be aware of the conditions of Co-op; complete or make aware of tasks, maintenance, etc. that need to be done.
o Help with inventory (stocking shelves and produce, etc.). Participate in quarterly inventories.
IV. General Management Duties
o Maintain facility cleanliness and functionality.
o Collaborate with paid staff and volunteers.
o Create monthly reports for the Board of Directors and attend monthly Board meetings.
o Participate in weekly Workers’ Collective meetings.
o Collaborate with co-managers to meet individual, department and shared goals, maintain accountability, enforce Riverwest Co-op policies, and identify areas of improvement.
o Actively participate as a member of the Communications Committee and act as a liaison to the rest of management and staff.
o Must coordinate with staff and Communications Committee to do regular postings on social media (regular content creation plus posting for specials).
o Participation in hiring committees, as needed.
V. Customer Service
o Treat people fairly, consistently, and with respect, upholding the Co-op’s inclusivity statement.
o Answer questions and concerns of members, customers, and volunteers and act as a liaison between those groups, staff, and management.
o Address suggestions and complaints of members, customers and volunteers in a timely manner.
o Work well with people of a wide range of skills and personalities.
VI. Qualifications
o Experience managing others in a professional environment.
o Ability to communicate with many volunteers, and to give and receive feedback. o Organization and ability to remember times, shifts, volunteers, dates, etc. o Ability to discern the kind of supervision style and incentives to which volunteers best respond.
o Computer literacy, and good communication/ listening skills.
o Ability to work in a volunteer-based organization with collective management. o Eagerness to take ownership of a position requiring self-direction, reliability, creativity, and accountability.
o Ability to organize schedules, personnel information, and prospective volunteer contact information.
o Ability and willingness to learn store policies and procedures.
o Ability to track, count, and handle money.
VII. Preferred
o Experience in volunteer management.
o Knowledge of cooperatives, consensus decision-making, and alternative economic structures.
o Experience working with natural foods.
o Experience in conflict resolution and/or mediation.
VIII. Salary and Benefits
o Starting wage is $17.50/hour.
o Paid biweekly.
o Benefits include vacation, sick leave, and flexible schedule. Perks include store discounts, shift meals.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to riverwestwc@gmail.com and include "Volunteer Coordinator Application" in the subject line. Along with your cover letter and resume, also include your answers to the following three essay questions:
1. In your opinion, describe a well-run cooperative grocery store and cafe with consensus-based management collective. Be specific.
2. Describe a situation in which a conflict may occur between a volunteer’s needs, the Riverwest Co-op’s needs, and your personal needs. How do you handle this situation?
3. The Volunteer Coordinator’s role is highly public. Describe what value you would bring as the Volunteer Coordinator to the broader Riverwest neighborhood.