Fort Wayne Trails (FWT) is a nonprofit advocacy organization. FWT communicates between the public and government and elected officials to accomplish its mission which is to promote the equitable development, and maintenance of trails. FWT advocates for a safe, accessible trail system that improves the quality of life, encourages economic development, and connects county residents to their neighbors, nature, workplaces, schools, and other community assets.
A core component of our activity is engaging the community to learn about the trail system, the various programs that are offered and to encourage use of the system. In addition, FWT is operated with 100% private donations, so fundraising events are key to our operations. Both of these core functions need volunteers to happen. Through recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for FWT, the Volunteer and Outreach Manager will fulfill the mission and allow volunteers to become fully engaged in the work of the organization. Many of these activities take place in the evening and weekend hours when community events occur.
The Volunteer and Outreach Manager will report to the Director of Community Engagement and will collaborate closely with the Development Director. As this is a small office, there will be times when all-hands will be needed to complete a task. Flexibility and a strong commitment to the goals and mission of Fort Wayne Trails are essential.
As a staff member, the Volunteer and Outreach Manager is expected to maintain confidentiality in some matters and provide excellent interaction with and general support and assistance to other staff members to ensure efficient and professional office operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include the following. Other duties may be assigned as deemed necessary.
Recruit Volunteers
- Actively recruit a diverse and inclusive set of volunteers who are representative of the community.
- Research and attend opportunities to find volunteers such as volunteer fairs.
- Partner with organizations such as the Volunteer Center, schools and civic organizations who express an interest in volunteering.
- Work with the Director of Community Engagement to create promotional materials for volunteer opportunities.
- Respond to inquiries and other communications regarding volunteering.
Train Volunteers
- Determine interests and skill sets of new and existing volunteers.
- Work with team to create training materials for specific volunteer opportunities, such as Trek the Trails bike leader, and information table management.
- Facilitate training sessions on needed skills.
Manage Volunteers
- Maintain and update the volunteer database including contact information, skills, and time volunteered.
- Schedule volunteers for ongoing tasks as well as one-time events, based on their skills and training.
- Supervise volunteers’ work to confirm quality and professionalism.
- Be the liaison between volunteers and FWT staff. Clearly communicate any volunteer needs.
- In coordination with the Director of Community Engagement, provide regular communication to volunteers.
- Develop a system of volunteer benefits and a recognition program within FWT.
- Research and submit opportunities to recognize volunteers to the wider community.
Coordinate and Manage Program and Outreach Activities
- Manage relationships where program and outreach activities occur including scheduling, site coordination, and setting clear expectations of the outcomes to be achieved.
- Facilitate set-up and tear-down of informational booths and fundraising activities.
- Create systems and processes for volunteer ownership of outreach activities with an understanding of delegation and team-oriented leadership.
- Attend various outreach activities and programs such as Trek the Trails.
- Coordinate, in cooperation with the Director of Community Engagement, the Adopt-A-Greenway Program for all of Allen County.
Other Responsibilities
· Participate in weekly staff meetings.
· Attend continuing education opportunities.
· Assist with special projects and other duties as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
· Strong commitment to goals and mission of Fort Wayne Trails.
· Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with a variety of audiences of various sizes from one-on-one to 50 or more.
· Excellent written and oral communication skills.
· Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in teams.
· Ability to manage multiple tasks and goals, problem-solve and prioritize among assignments.
· Professional attitude toward work, staff and volunteers.
· Promptness, reliability and sound judgment required.
· Good sense of humor and creative approach to tasks.
· Ability to see the big picture and anticipate and support needs of staff members and volunteers.
· Ability to work effectively under pressure without close supervision.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
- 3-5 years’ experience in project management or volunteer management/people management
COMPENSATION
The starting pay for this position is $13 - $15/hour. Compensation will be based upon experience and qualifications of the applicant.
The direct supervisor will conduct annual performance-related reviews. Based upon the year-end review, the employee may be eligible for yearly increases in compensation.
WORK SCHEDULE
Twenty (20) hours will constitute a work week. This position will have a varied and flexible schedule based upon programming and event needs. Evening and weekend hours are a regular part of the schedule. Administrative work may be done in-office during regular business hours of 9am to 5pm. Work from home possibility for administrative duties after initial 90-day introductory period. Methods used to record time must conform to legal and or statutory requirements.
PAID TIME OFF
Each year the Volunteer and Outreach Manager will receive 40 hours Paid Time Off (PTO). PTO can be taken in hourly increments. Up to 80 hours unused PTO may be carried forward year-to-year. No holiday pay is offered with this position. PTO is pro-rated from beginning of the calendar year and start date.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business communications. Familiarity with non-profit communication and jargon. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, donors, trail users and the general public.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, and walk for extended periods of time such as during events. Employee will also frequently sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Employee must be able to drive or have reliable transportation in order to attend events outside of the office.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to an inside office setting, or outside weather conditions. The noise level can vary from an office setting to a moderately noisy construction worksite or event venue.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, veteran’s status, national origin, or sexual orientation. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Evenings as needed
- Evening shift
- Morning shift
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- project/people management: 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- driver's license and reliable transportation (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Fort Wayne, IN 46802: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fort Wayne, IN 46802