Volunteer Coordinator

General Summary:  Each year, the Maryland Zoo relies on the help of over 1,000 volunteers in different capacities to help execute its mission to engage guests in supporting wildlife and wild places. The Volunteer Coordinator supports the volunteer team to ensure the success of the Zoo volunteer programs by performing essential operational functions such as data management, daily deployments, reporting, scheduling, communication, recruiting, training and evaluation. The Volunteer Coordinator works closely with the volunteer team to ensure volunteer and guest satisfaction.

Essential Functions:

Primary Function:

• Proactively and enthusiastically engage volunteers in a variety of volunteer programs that support the zoo’s mission and reflect the interests and needs of the zoo’s audiences, including teen programs, internships, group service projects, special event support, campus maintenance, education, and guest support and engagement;
• Support daily office functions for volunteers of all types, including sharing operational updates, ensuring access to necessary materials, answering questions and providing departmental support;
• In the absence of a volunteer manager or director, the volunteer coordinator may be required to assume managerial functions for daily operations;
• Facilitate the recruiting process, provide leadership, and assist, at large events and projects where volunteers participate;
• Facilitate smooth and speedy onboarding for new volunteers by processing applications, organizing interviews, and
  leading some orientations;
• Maintain thorough and accurate volunteer records and generate reports using the volunteer management database and other tools;
• Maintain the physical resources of the volunteer department such as radios, keys, uniforms, etc.;
• Assist volunteer management team with coordinating and administering volunteer appreciation events throughout the year;
• Take an active role in daily operations and program development of volunteers and interns as needed by coordinating schedules, arranging physical resources, leading activities, organizing presenters, and team building;
• Communicate regularly with volunteers using a variety of media;
• Perform other duties as assigned; and,
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):

• Communicate with potential and current volunteers using all available media;
• Partner with all Zoo departments to ensure consistency and coherence in all Zoo programs and events; and
• Deliver extraordinary customer service to all Zoo guests and volunteers. 

Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):

• Ensure volunteer records are maintained appropriately for statistical and reporting purposes; and,
• Take an active role in tracking and stocking necessary supplies such as gloves, radios, etc.; 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience/Training:      

• Demonstrated leadership experience;
• Minimum of two years of customer service related experience;
• Experience utilizing technology and social media for recruitment and/ or as a communication system strongly preferred;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft programs, G-Suite, and ability to master a proprietary volunteer management and training databases; and,
• Possess a valid driver’s license. 

Traits Desirable:

• Strong leadership, interpersonal and listening skills, as well as high personal motivation and ability to motivate others; 
• A personal commitment and awareness of the importance of volunteerism
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; 
• Ability to remain focused and complete projects and tasks when office area and surroundings are filled with possible interruptions or interferences; 
• Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds; and,
• Organized, self-motivated, upbeat, goal-oriented and eager to work with a wide variety of people and tasks in a dynamic environment.

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, scanner, copier, and/or a computer based point of sale system, two-way radio, golf cart, vehicles, etc.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight hour shift; 
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Daily contact with plants and animals including being subject to bites, stings and scrapes;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
• Must be able to exert up to 35 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects;
• Must be able to view a computer screen and type on a computer keyboard for extended periods of time; and,
• Ability to travel as needed – locally or nationally.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.

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