Volunteer Manager

About us
PRISM is a community supported social service organization providing dignity-centered resources for food, housing, and other basic needs. We were founded by community members concerned about their neighbors' basic needs and challenges. PRISM blends talent, passion, and abilities into opportunities that improve the lives of everyone as we build a resilient community, reflecting the spirit of the northwest suburbs.

Our vision is to lead in providing innovative and dignified services that foster resilient individuals and a healthier, more sustainable community.

PRISM strives to incorporate the core values of collaboration, innovation, dignity, and accountability into all aspects of our organization. Our programming helps low-income and basic wage-earning families meet their essential food, housing, and clothing needs. The Marketplace Food Shelf, Housing Programs, Shop for Change Thrift Shop and Children’s Programs operate in a professional and dignified manner, allowing program participants the opportunity to choose the products and resources that are most helpful for their situations. At PRISM, we understand equity and inclusion as actions, and strive to make services not only accessible but welcoming with a clear understanding of how we operate.

• Develop and implement strategies to recruit a diverse volunteer base reflective of the community
• Design an engaging onboarding process that educates new volunteers about PRISM’s mission, poverty, and nonprofit operations
• Provide ongoing education to volunteers on topics such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, and PRISM’s advocacy efforts
• Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships Coordinator to attract volunteers from civic groups, schools, businesses, and other community organizations
• Represent PRISM at events, meetings, committees, and other public-facing activities to build awareness and recruit volunteers
• Plan and execute at least one annual volunteer appreciation event and provide regular recognition to highlight volunteer contributions
• Maintain accurate and confidential volunteer records using organizational databases

• Ensure volunteers have positive and rewarding experience by providing education, support, and hands-on assistance to staff
• Develop a thorough understanding of all volunteer roles and responsibilities across PRISM programs, including Shop for Change, Front Desk, Marketplace Food Shelf, and seasonal events
• Identify and address behaviors or practices that may hinder an optimal volunteer experience, proactively seeking solutions
• Engage volunteers in organizational initiatives, such as in-kind drives, awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, and social engagement opportunities
• Regularly review and update volunteer materials, such as handbooks and guidelines, to ensure accuracy and relevance
• Maintain the volunteer database and provide timely, professional communication with individual volunteers and group leaders
• Collaborate with department supervisors to assess needs, adjust schedules, and manage volunteer assignments effectively

• Works collaboratively with Advancement team to provide coverage for external events, food drives, and other community events
• Solicits in-kind donations for program operations and for annual fundraising efforts
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent

• A valid driver's license and good driving record with consistent access to reliable transportation.
• Strong computer and internet skills.
• Experience with volunteer management or other directly applicable skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills through a variety of channels
• Ability to work some evenings (we are open until 7pm on Thursdays) and occasional weekend work. 
• Adaptive and positive personality.

• Strong attention to detail; organizational and basic project management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks/projects across different teams and timelines
• Experience working with diverse populations with the demonstrated ability to communicate, motivate, lead, and relate effectively to a wide variety of individuals
• Ability to solve problems and make quick decisions to adjust to the ever-changing needs of the organization.

• Experience with Bloomerang Volunteer (volunteer database) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Creative Thinker
• Passion for social services

• In this position, the employee is often sitting at a desk, standing to present at volunteer orientations, driving to and from events, and there is a moderate amount of walking back and forth between a desk and where volunteers are working. 
• Work is partially performed in an office setting, where the employee will be exposed to noise and a regular flow of people Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury.
• Work requires occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, with pushing and pulling heavy cards from time to time.  
• This position is frequently exposed to mental effort and stress, is assigned to changing priorities, and performs work requiring attention to detail under deadlines.  
• The ability to operate and interact with computers or other office equipment via keyboard, mouse, or touch screen is required.
• Given the high level of social engagement, it's ideal for individuals who thrive in collaborative and dynamic environments Those who enjoy building relationships and working closely with people will find this role particularly rewarding. While all personality types are valued, this position may be less suitable for those who prefer minimal social interaction.

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