Volunteer & Events Coordinator - Unlimited Growth Potential

JOB TITLE: Volunteer and Events Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Director of Sales and Marketing

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

TYPE OF POSITION: Part-Time

JOB SUMMARY:

The Volunteer and Events Coordinator (VEC) is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an exemplary volunteer program to support Lehigh Valley Zoo (LVZ). The VEC must meet the strategic goal of providing the best possible guest experience, being recognized as a scientific authority, and being a leading educational institution. This position works collaboratively with other departments. The VEC will work closely with the Docent Coordinator (Conservation and Education) as both teams will likely utilize some of the same volunteers and must coordinate schedules, surveys, and communications.

In addition, the VEC will assist the Manager of Promotions and Special Events in the planning and successful execution of all daily activities, promotions, and signature events.

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PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Seek, hire, train, supervise, and appropriately delegate volunteer assignments.
• Create and implement a strategic volunteer recruitment and retention plan, emphasizing candidates whose interests and values match that of LVZ.
• Increase volunteers' understanding of LVZ's vision, mission, goals and messaging.
• Conduct and arrange for volunteer orientation and training.
• Manage the scheduling of all volunteer activities.
• Maintain Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for each volunteer assignment.
• Develop, promote and maintain a wide range of meaningful volunteer opportunities to meet the needs of the volunteers, the LVZ, and the LVZ's various departments.
• Confer with zoo department heads regularly to assess the need for volunteer positions.
• Be available to provide a flexible work schedule to attend signature events that require large amounts of volunteers.
• Create and maintain policies and procedures for volunteer recognition, incentive programs, and special functions.
• Evaluate all aspects of the volunteer program and research industry standards and trends to ensure the maximizing efficiency of the zoo program, implementing change as appropriate.
• Maintain records and provide statistical and activity reports on volunteer participation.
• Host and attend community recruiting events and outreach opportunities to attract qualified candidates.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance for volunteers while striving to resolve grievances and promote cooperation.
• Create and conduct volunteer surveys to rate the effectiveness of our volunteer program to ensure a high retention rate.
• Create and distribute volunteer communications.
• Develop daily activities program with the goal of guest education and revenue creation.
• Liaison with Animal Care and Education Departments for creating proper messaging at volunteer-supervised exhibits and activity stations.
• Assist the MPSE with planning, staffing, and executing signature events, daily promotions, and activities to ensure successful endeavors and high guest satisfaction.
• Ability to work weekends (April-December). Adjusting working hours to accommodate attendance at signature events, special promotions and Winter Light Spectacular, all of which require availability on weekends, holidays and evenings.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• High proficiency using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Able to communicate effectively.
• Motivated self-starter can work independently with purpose and accuracy in a group setting.
• Excellent time management with the ability to multitask and adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and strategic thinking.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma with a minimum of 2 years of related work experience.
• Associate degree in a related field preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

Physical Demands: Performing the job duties of this position involves walking throughout the zoo grounds, standing for long periods, and other physical tasks, including sit; stand; use hands to fingers; handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. Employees must occasionally lift and/or move/transport up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. While performing these job duties, you will sometimes be required to work outside in all weather conditions throughout the day.