Director of Volunteer Engagement

The Volunteer Engagement Team at United Way provides premiere volunteer opportunities for companies, individuals, and families throughout the six-county central Alabama region. Volunteers are matched with meaningful opportunities at United Way and local non-profit partners in need of volunteer assistance, or with custom-designed volunteer projects through United Way Hands On (uWHO).

This leadership position is responsible for innovating and managing UWCA’s strategic volunteer engagement in a way that inspires and motivates stakeholders of interest to action and to support the organization’s impact and fundraising goals. The focus of the strategic volunteer engagement work aligns with the organization’s strategic direction of leveraging human capital and valuable service opportunities towards making tangible impact in the areas of Central Alabama with the most need.

Building relationships with both corporate and community volunteers, the director will ensure that an energized, efficient, and effective volunteer base of support for the organization. The director will also interact with all functional areas of the organization and be accountable for leading development of strategies, operational plans, metrics and initiatives to support:

• Recruitment and development of meaningful, quality volunteer opportunities
• Matching and support for corporate partners and donor network volunteers
• Co-creation, implementation, and maintenance of a volunteer recruitment plan for United Way programs in conjunction with program staff and Community Initiatives leadership
• Management of all Days of Caring logistics and oversight
• Allocation of gifts-in-kind and donation drives
• Stewardship of the United Way Hands On brand
• Monetization of and fundraising for volunteer engagement strategies

The Director collaborates cross-functionally with Resource Development, Community Initiatives, and Community Impact. At its heart, the Volunteer Engagement department builds a customer-focused service approach to strengthen relationships and engage volunteers to make community-level and programmatic impact.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Senior Vice President of Resource Development to develop a vision and strategic plan to guide the program activities.
• Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction established by the United Way leadership and Board of Directors
• Represent the values of United Way and of voluntarism in the community.
• Act as a spokesperson for United Way and United Way Hands On.
• Enhance United Way’s community profile by ensuring excellence in both the level and scope of volunteer projects and activities as well as the quality of volunteer output.
• Fully utilize the volunteer management and data management systems, web site and social media tools. Provide data and statistics as needed.
• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of various community service days promoting voluntarism, i.e., MLK Days of Service, Family Day of Caring, Back to School Beautification, 9-11 Day of Action, etc.
• Oversee, implement, and maintain the volunteer matching process that engages corporate partners and individuals as well as community partners. Implement volunteer matching process steps to include sourcing projects, managing project logistics, volunteer education, training, and communication, data collection of participants, evaluation, and solicitation.
• Work with corporate partners provide group volunteer activities.
• Oversee the orientation, training and development volunteers as necessary.
• Create a cohesive team orientation that acknowledges the important relationships of staff and volunteers working together.
• Research funding sources, develop fund raising plans and write funding proposals to support the department.
• Hire, train, and evaluate staff.
• Ensure all personnel policies, practices and procedures are followed.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and management, to a team of four: Labor Liaison, Construction Logistics Manager, and two Volunteer Project Managers
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Sr. Vice President of Resource Development
• Administer the funds of the program according to the approved budget.
• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the program and to identify opportunities and challenges in the community.
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with United Way staff, community groups, funders, government officials, and organizations to help achieve the goals of the program.
• Identify and evaluate the risks to people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image involved in the day-to-day operation of program activities, particularly those involving physical labor and implement measures to control risks, including notifying the Sr. Vice President of Resource Development.
• Participate as a champion, project lead, and/or member of organizational teams as required

 

 

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

Must have excellent computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to engage, lead, motivate, supervise, and manage a diverse staff, community partnerships, community leaders, and volunteers

Ability to master use of databases/CRM and other web-based tools

Ability to plan, organize, and facilitate meetings and presentations

Ability to initiate action and work independently or as part of a team

Knowledge of nonprofit agency operations and management

Understanding of appropriate volunteer projects in areas of light and heavy construction

Understanding of projects for at-risk and vulnerable populations

Ability to develop and manage budgets

Ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced environments at times

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of volunteerism, human services, or related field required.

3 years of supervisory experience

Demonstrated track record of success in a leadership role with a not-for-profit organization

Experience raising money for nonprofits and/or working in resource development and a deep understanding of nonprofit development issues and strategies.

Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to work when volunteers are available, and projects are scheduled. Managing time wisely and judiciously is needed to balance field work and office responsibilities.  Volunteer projects are scheduled during the week, but weekend and nights are part of the ongoing community demand.  During times of crisis and emergencies extended work hours are expected.  Must be willing to work overtime and travel throughout the state as needed.  Must be able to lift 50lbs.

 

Other

Valid Alabama driver’s license, reliable transportation, proof of automobile insurance to commensurate with state law, background checks to include but not limited to criminal record and drug screening.