Volunteer Program Coordinator

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County•Watsonville, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County is seeking a Volunteer Program Coordinator (VPC) to manage a comprehensive volunteer program for high school students, college students, adults, and corporate/community groups. The VPC will collaborate with Operations and Programs teams to create and adapt volunteer opportunities, ensuring both organizational needs and a rewarding volunteer experience. This role is crucial in managing approximately 4,000 individual volunteers annually.

Requirements

2+ years of experience coordinating volunteers, community programs, events, or similar activities.
Demonstrated experience recruiting and engaging large numbers of volunteers through multiple channels (email, phone, social media, community outreach, events, partnerships, referrals).
Experience developing and maintaining a consistent pipeline of volunteers to meet ongoing staffing needs across multiple shifts, sites, or programs.
Experience coordinating logistics for groups, events, programs, or recurring activities.
Experience maintaining accurate records, schedules, and participation data.
Experience using databases, spreadsheets, scheduling platforms, or other systems to track information.
Skilled public speaker, comfortable presenting to groups of all sizes and demographics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to track recruitment activity, volunteer participation, vacancies, and other metrics and use data to identify recruitment needs and opportunities.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and drive them to completion by deadline.
Skilled at creating engagement and understanding meaningful volunteer recognition.
Communicates effectively and respectfully with people from different backgrounds and lifestyles.
Skilled at balancing agency and volunteer needs to match volunteers with the right placement.
Able to work productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
A strong eye for innovation and process improvement.
Experience with the MS Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Database management experience (Volunteer Hub a plus).
Must have access to a motor vehicle.
Must have valid auto insurance coverage.
Must have a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.
Commitment to serving vulnerable populations and ending hunger in Santa Cruz County.
Demonstrate ethical business practices, in conformance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
Demonstrate full adherence to the Code of Conduct and all policies/procedures related to compliance.
Adherence to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Able to hear conversations on the phone and in-person.
Must be able to exchange accurate information with volunteers who walk in or call.
Must be able to sit at a desk or in a vehicle for long periods of time.
Be able to read, write, and interpret written reports, documents and manuals.
Able to safely lift or carry items weighing up to 20 pounds.
Bi-manual dexterity and able to use a computer keyboard.
Frequent standing and sitting throughout the day.
Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment.
Climb up or down stairs.
Frequently walk throughout the facility and warehouse, and to outreach and tabling sites.
Bilingual (Spanish) required.

Nice To Haves

Experience building relationships with community organizations, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, service groups, and other volunteer referral sources.
Nonprofit, food bank, social services, community-based organization, or other mission-driven experience.
Experience with Microsoft Teams.
Knowledge of Santa Cruz County.
Bicultural preferred.

Responsibilities

Schedule, coordinate, and ensure an appropriate number of volunteers are scheduled for food box packaging based on community needs and distribution schedules.
Greet and orient daily volunteers, providing an engaging experience.
Connect volunteers with staff and programs needing support, ensuring appropriate training.
Provide technical assistance to volunteers for registration or shift cancellation.
Address complaints and resolve problems involving volunteers.
Act as a liaison between volunteers and staff.
Communicate with volunteers regarding job requirements and address performance issues.
Coordinate with food bank staff to identify volunteer opportunities that align with programmatic goals and participant needs.
Assess and adapt volunteer opportunities to meet organizational and volunteer needs.
Implement necessary program changes.
Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers, ensuring a positive experience.
Solicit and analyze volunteer feedback for improvements.
Steward relationships with volunteers through appreciation events and engagement activities.
Implement volunteer retention strategies.
Ensure the volunteer experience is consistent with food bank goals and quality expectations.
Lead planning for the annual Volunteer Appreciation event.
Prepare light refreshments for volunteers.
Recruit volunteers through digital and in-person outreach.
Speak to community groups about volunteer opportunities.
Respond to requests from corporate or community groups seeking volunteer experiences.
Identify organizations for potential engagement and coordinate with the Development team.
Maintain the volunteer calendar and website with accurate and user-friendly information.
Promote Second Harvest and volunteerism at community events.
Expand and grow the Team-Building Program for corporate and community organizations.
Provide tours when Development staff are unavailable.
Lead workshops and activities to deepen understanding of food banking and food insecurity.
Collaborate with the Development team to identify opportunities to convert volunteers to donors and vice versa.
Track and report volunteer hours in Volunteer Hub.
Coordinate with Marketing staff to send out a monthly volunteer newsletter.
Develop and maintain the volunteer manual and other pertinent literature.
Prepare volunteer reports and materials by established deadlines.
Document volunteer stories to raise awareness and support.
Ensure adequate and secure volunteer records are maintained and up to date.
Serve as the primary backup for the Receptionist, answering the Community Food Hotline, responding to visitors, and managing outgoing mail.
Ensure the Receptionist is cross-trained to cover volunteer inquiries and walk-ins.
Serve as a member of the Safety Committee.