Volunteer & Programs Lead

Volunteer & Programs Lead

Full-Time (0.8 FTE), 32 Hours per Week

About Ronald McDonald House Alberta

Ronald McDonald House® Alberta supports families who must travel for vital medical treatment for their seriously ill or injured child. Our compassionate Houses in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat provide private family suites, warm meals, community support, and a home-away-from-home during incredibly difficult times. Each year, thousands of families from nearly 300 communities across Alberta stay with us—saving millions of dollars in accommodation and meal costs and finding strength in being close to their child and each other.

Why Choose Ronald McDonald House Alberta?

"I love being a part of a global community while also leading locally to strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare." ~ Caitlin, employee since 2024

Explore more employee quotes on our Careers page.

Your Role

The Volunteer & Programs Lead plays a key role in shaping the experience of volunteers and families at the Red Deer Ronald McDonald House. This role leads the recruitment, onboarding, and support of in‑House volunteers, supports local event volunteer needs, and coordinates meaningful family programming delivered by volunteers.

In this role, you will also lead the Home for Dinner (HFD) program, supporting the planning, coordination, and volunteer experience for meal programs that provide comfort, nourishment, and connection for families staying at the House.

Working closely with House leadership and People & Culture, you will build a welcoming, well‑supported volunteer community and ensure programs are engaging, inclusive, and aligned with our mission.

This position is based at the Red Deer Ronald McDonald House and includes occasional travel within Alberta, as well as some evening and weekend work.

Why This Role Matters

Your work ensures that families with seriously ill children experience comfort, connection, and moments of relief during some of the most challenging times in their lives. By recruiting and supporting volunteers and delivering thoughtful programming, you help create a House environment where families feel welcomed, cared for, and part of a community.

Your Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement

• Lead full‑cycle recruitment, selection, and onboarding of In‑House volunteers in alignment with provincial processes
• Support recruitment of local event volunteers in partnership with the Provincial Volunteer Manager
• Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers at the Red Deer House
• Schedule and coordinate volunteer shifts and maintain accurate records in Volunteer Hub
• Foster positive volunteer relationships, address concerns, and support a high‑quality volunteer experience
• Support group volunteering initiatives such as Home for Dinner and Helping Hands

Training, Stewardship & Recognition

• Deliver volunteer orientations, role‑specific training, and House tours
• Promote learning opportunities (e.g., food safety, safety, grief training)
• Create a culture of appreciation through meaningful stewardship and recognition initiatives
• Gather feedback from volunteers and support continuous improvement of the volunteer experience
• Support with annual Volunteer Appreciation initiatives and events

Family Programs & House Engagement

• Coordinate monthly family programming in partnership with provincial Program Coordinators
• Support volunteers in delivering engaging, inclusive programs for children and families
• Plan and support special events and holiday programming within a multicultural environment
• Evaluate programs and recommend improvements to enhance family experience
• Manage program supplies and track program budgets

Community & Collaboration

• Represent Ronald McDonald House Alberta at community events and volunteer fairs
• Build relationships with local businesses, schools, and community groups
• Partner with internal teams to support smooth House operations and meaningful volunteer involvement

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

·         Minimum 2 years’ experience in recruitment and/or volunteer planning

·         Post secondary education in Volunteer Management, Human Resources, Community Development or other relevant fields

·         Strong relationship building skills with both internal and external stakeholders

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·         Highly organized, with previous experience in scheduling resources

·         Acts with integrity and professionalism in managing confidential information and respecting privacy

·         Must possess a high level of professionalism, tact and interpersonal skills to work with stakeholders at all levels

·         Experience in program and volunteer planning and/or coordination

·         A self-starter with demonstrated experience utilizing volunteers to enhance programs and services within a non-profit organization

·         Experience in supporting and stewarding volunteers to support the operational need, while also providing an engaging experience for the volunteers

·         Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and database software

·         Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

·         Must provide a clear Police Information Check

Nice to Haves

·         Food Safety Certificate an asset

·         Standard First Aid CPR-C and AED certification an asset

·         Previous experience working with families and children would be an asset

What we Offer

We believe that when our people thrive, our mission thrives. We’re committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Full benefits plan with a strong focus on mental health
• Health & Wellness Spending Account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Growth & Development

• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunity to participate in cross‑functional committees

Flexibility & Well‑Being

• Vacation and personal days
• 12 recognized statutory holidays

Financial Wellness

• RRSP / TFSA matching program
• Financial Wellness sessions

Culture & Community

• A values‑driven culture where people come first
• Social events and team‑building activities

Note applications will be accepted until March 26, 2026.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Cultural Safety

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural safety are guiding principles at Ronald McDonald House Alberta. We recognize the ongoing need to ensure DEI is reflected in our day-to-day activities; to champion continuous learning for staff, volunteers and the board; to create policies and practices that support DEI; and to find ways to measure our progress and continually improve. If you require accommodation, please advise us during the recruitment process.

Thank You

We thank all candidates who apply; however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.