Volunteer Program Specialist

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin•Milwaukee, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Volunteer Program Specialist (VPS) provides hands-on support to ensure every volunteer who serves with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin (FAEW) has a safe, meaningful, and positive experience. Volunteers are at the heart of our mission, and this role plays a vital part in creating a welcoming, engaging, and impactful environment. The VPS helps lead daily volunteer shifts, supports logistics and setup, and works directly with volunteers to ensure smooth operations, high-quality product handling, and exceptional customer service. This position blends physical, hands-on warehouse work with a strong focus on relationship building, communication, and teamwork.

Requirements

Commitment to understand and support FAEW’s mission, vision, and effective actions to end food insecurity and its causes.
Respect for the people FAEW serves and commitment to learn the causes of their food insecurity and need.
A minimum of two-years experience in customer service related field; service as a volunteer desirable.
Strong interpersonal skillset and ability to quickly connect and build positive relationships with volunteers and coworkers.
A positive, team-oriented mindset with a "can-do" approach to supporting the organization, demonstrating cross-functional collaboration and a focus on developing solutions.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work safely following FAEW safety procedures.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to both work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and represent the organization to volunteers.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Professional presentation and phone/email etiquette.
Ability to excel in an atmosphere of continuous change and improvement.
Become forklift certified within 90 days of hire.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be open-minded of differing opinions and views.
The flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed. Opportunity for some overtime.
Valid Driver’s license, proof of insurance and transportation to support work activities.
Close-toed shoes.

Nice To Haves

High School diploma or equivalent, preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver a warm, mission-centered, and inclusive experience for every volunteer and group.
Support volunteer orientation, engagement, and debriefing to help participants understand how their work directly impacts the fight against hunger.
Serve as a visible, approachable presence on the volunteer floor; answering questions, keeping volunteers active, and ensuring a positive environment.
Assist in thanking and recognizing volunteer groups to foster long-term relationships and encourage return engagement.
Model FAEW’s values through professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect in every interaction.
Prepare and organize volunteer work areas before each shift, ensuring supplies, signage, and materials are ready.
Work alongside volunteers throughout shifts; providing guidance, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining efficiency.
Support setup, quality control, and cleanup after each session to ensure smooth and safe operations.
Monitor and enforce food safety and personal safety protocols.
Assist in determining appropriate volunteer activities based on operational needs and product flow.
Partner closely with the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator and Operations team to align volunteer activities with organizational priorities.
Help train and support new or returning volunteers taking on more advanced tasks.
Maintain a safe, organized, and hazard-free volunteer environment at all times.
Adhere to and promote all FAEW safety procedures and policies.
Assist with community events, special projects, or weekend/evening volunteer shifts as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Full Benefits for Medical, Dental, and Vision for all eligible employees and their families.
Company Provided: Basic Life Insurance
Company Provided: Basic AD&D Insurance
Company Provided: Short Term Disability
Company Provided: Long Term Disability
Company Provided: Paid Parental Leave
Company Provided: Employee Assistance Program
Additional Benefits: 401K w/company matching contributions
Paid Holidays (up to 10 paid holidays / calendar year)
1 Float Holiday
Paid Time Off (up to 208 hours / fiscal year with the option to carry over up to 80 hours to the following fiscal year)
1 Personal Day
Volunteer Time Off (up to 8 hours / calendar year)