Volunteer Manager

Description

The BGF Volunteer Manager joins the BGF staff team at an exciting time in the organization. After very little international travel due to COVID-19, BGF is increasing international volunteer trips, specifically to build schools in Guatemala. The Volunteer Manager will be responsible for engaging and re-engaging BGF volunteers, ensuring a robust and enthusiastic corps of volunteers to support BGF international construction projects. Primary responsibilities include maintaining consistent, positive relationships with volunteers, recruiting new volunteers, increasing awareness of BGF volunteer opportunities, planning and coordinating volunteer events and trainings, and preparing volunteers for international travel.

The ideal person for this role is friendly and outgoing, works well with a variety of personalities, and is an effective communicator and listener. This position needs to work independently and collaboratively, as an active member of a dynamic and small staff team. The Volunteer Manager needs to effectively speak to a meeting or crowd, inspire others to action around the BGF mission, and match volunteers with the best trip fit for them. The Volunteer Manager also needs to be detail-oriented, and is in charge of booking volunteer travel.

The BGF Staff Team in Charlottesville works collaboratively together to ensure the successful completion of construction projects internationally and locally in Charlottesville. We have a fun and flexible work culture that is built on trust and respect for each other. We insist on excellence in our work and we are fully committed to the mission of building community and improving lives.

This is a part-time position, around 20 hours a week.

Job Duties

Responsibilities

The Building Goodness Foundation (BGF) Volunteer Manager is responsible for all activities that ensure a vibrant volunteer base, coordinating all aspects of international volunteer activities and collaborating with the Local Projects Director to support local volunteer needs.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure that BGF mission, vision, and core values are central to all aspects of volunteer coordination
• Recruit, train, schedule, evaluate, and retain skilled and unskilled volunteers for international projects
• Guide and empower international groups from recruitment through post-trip debrief
• Coordinate details of international travel with Field Managers, VPMs, IPD, and partner organizations
• Coordinate post-trip debrief and evaluation opportunities for volunteers
• Ensure that volunteers are provided with a meaningful cultural and jobsite experience that enhances organizational capacity and mission
• Work with the Staff Team to design creative volunteer outreach and recruitment initiatives, increasing awareness of BGF’s work to a diverse population
• Collaborate with the Local Projects Director in support of local projects’ volunteer needs
• At times, support the coordination of volunteer groups for C’ville Builds and BGiA, and provide back-up support to local projects
• Provide leadership in planning and implementation of volunteer appreciation events and trainings
• Support other BGF events as available and needed
• Manage distribution, completion, collection, and logging of all volunteer paperwork
• Participate in the maintenance and utilization of the volunteer database
• Support the development of “experience trips,” with a focus on non-construction volunteer experience
• Function as an ambassador of the organization, effectively communicating the BGF mission, vision, and core values to the community at large and key stakeholders
• Collaborate with fund development staff to support BGF fundraising goals through engagement and celebration of volunteerism
• Collaborate with staff to support communications on the BGF website, social media, newsletters, and print media

Skills Required

Qualifications

• Commitment to BGF’s mission to build community and improve lives
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills
• Deep and genuine belief in service and volunteerism
• Experience booking travel and arranging travel logistics for groups
• Experience working with volunteers and building positive relationships
• Experience recruiting and supervising groups
• Ability to work with and inspire a diverse set of stakeholders
• Commitment to understanding the relationship between poverty and the health and wellness of individuals and communities
• Understanding of international development and best practices
• Demonstrated strategic thinking capability
• Demonstrated project management experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite and ability to learn database management
• Proficiency in social media marketing strategies and tools
• Preference for working in a collaborative, team environment
• Knowledge of local construction industry and professionals
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends on occasion
• Ability to support BGF Charlottesville events
• Optimistic and resilient personality
• Sense of humor
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed (possibly twice each year)

Preferred Experience

• Experience living and/or working in Central America
• Ability to speak Spanish
• Knowledge of the construction industry and trades
• Knowledge of the construction industry in Charlottesville
• Event-coordination experience

Work Schedule

This is a part-time position, around 20 hours a week.

Additional Info

To learn more about this position and BGF, contact Courtney Polk, Executive Director, at cpolk@buildinggoodness.org.

To apply: submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@buildinggoodness.org.