Volunteer Services Manager

At the Saint Louis Science Center, our mission is to ‘inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science’. We seek to make science accessible through informal, interactive learning experiences. We are a team of educators, entertainers, and science enthusiasts, who work together to make the Saint Louis Science Center one of the top 10 in the country.

The Volunteer Manager plays a central role in cultivating a welcoming, high-quality volunteer program that advances the Saint Louis Science Center’s mission to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. This position is responsible for designing, leading, and continuously improving a comprehensive individual volunteer program that enhances the guest experience, supports education and events, and extends the Science Center’s impact throughout the St. Louis region.

Working in close partnership with colleagues across the institution, the Volunteer Manager creates clear, meaningful pathways for individuals of all backgrounds to contribute their time and talents. While the primary focus is on individual volunteer engagement, this role will also help lay the groundwork for future groups and corporate volunteer opportunities as organizational capacity and community needs align.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual volunteer program strategy aligned with the Science Center’s mission, values, brand, and strategic priorities.
• Establish measurable goals for volunteer recruitment, retention, engagement, and impact.
• Prepare annual program plans with clear objectives, timelines, and success metrics.
• Research and apply best practices in volunteer engagement, museum education, and informal science learning.
• Develop and manage the volunteer program budget with attention to effectiveness and stewardship.
• Plan for sustainable growth and continuous improvement of the volunteer program.
• Design and promote diverse individual volunteer opportunities across the organization and the community.
• Build relationships with prospective and active volunteers through outreach, fairs, and community events.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure volunteers receive role-specific training and support.
• Provide ongoing learning opportunities that strengthen volunteer skills and confidence.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive volunteer culture grounded in equity, belonging, and respect.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer communication, questions, and feedback.
• Coordinate volunteer staffing for programs, events, and special initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records in the volunteer management system.
• Explore partnerships with civic organizations, educational institutions, and service groups to assess organizational readiness for group or corporate volunteer opportunities.
• Expected to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in volunteer management, nonprofit programs, or community engagement.
• Demonstrated success recruiting, training, and supporting individual volunteers.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and project management skills.
• Comfort working collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and volunteer management platforms.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and occasional holidays.
• Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) or similar volunteer management certification, preferred.
• Experience in a museum, science center, or cultural organization, preferred.

Physical Demands

Individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. May be required to walk and stand a great deal of time, and walk all areas of the Science Center where volunteer staff may be placed. Ability to work in loud, crowded areas.