Library Volunteer Coordinator

Job Summary

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The Library Volunteer Services Coordinator develops, leads, and manages the library’s volunteer engagement program to support library services, outreach, events, and strategic initiatives. This position oversees all aspects of volunteer engagement, including program planning, recruitment, screening, placement, orientation, training, performance management, and recognition.

The Library Volunteer Services Coordinator will focus on building a new volunteer service model that would allow the library to expand access, increase staff capacity, strengthen internal culture and operations, and sustain library services. Employees in this position work under general supervision and do not have formal supervisory responsibility over other library staff. However, they may serve in a lead capacity and actively participate in the Person-In-Charge program.

What You Will Do

• Evaluate the current volunteer program and identify opportunities to enhance structure, clarity, training, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Develop clear volunteer role descriptions that respect contractual boundaries and City policies, meet departmental needs, and offer meaningful ways for community members to engage with the library.
• Lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, and recognition programs that reflect best practices and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for volunteers.
• Partner with library leadership and frontline staff to continuously refine volunteer workflows, schedules, and expectations as programs and services evolve.
• Modernize and maintain volunteer data systems, reports, and communication tools that support transparency, informed decision-making, and consistent program administration.
• Cultivate a volunteer community that reflects Salem’s diversity, is responsive to community needs, and aligns with the library’s values around inclusion, learning, and service.
• Act as an ambassador for volunteerism in the community, fostering partnerships, promoting volunteer opportunities, and celebrating the impact volunteers have on library services.
  
  

About The Library

Salem Public Library (SPL) serves Oregon’s capital city and a diverse, growing community of more than 170,000. As the largest member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service (CCRLS) and the largest library in Marion County, SPL operates a Main Library and the West Salem Branch, providing access to information, technology, lifelong learning, and community space for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Salem Public Library is widely valued by the community and consistently delivers strong outcomes despite operating with fewer financial and staffing resources than comparable libraries. The library has a highly engaged patron base, strong program participation, and a reputation for being welcoming, responsive, and community-centered. In 2025, voters overwhelmingly passed a five-year Local Option Levy to sustain and expand library services at both locations.

The Salem Public Library’s mission is to engage all of Salem in lifelong learning, access to information, and meaningful connections, serving as both a trusted public institution and a vital community resource. Our work is grounded in shared values of responsive service, trust, adaptability, inclusion, and community.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must obtain an Oregon Driver’s license within their probationary period and have a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field to the position (communications, social services, public administration, etc.).
• Two years of experience coordinating or managing volunteers or any combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and the ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Experience working with diverse communities and volunteer populations.
  
  

Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process. Please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement

What You Will Bring Along

• Principles and best practices of volunteer engagement and management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse audiences and resolving complex issues.
• Strategic planning and change management abilities suited to evolving library and community needs.
• Project management skills, including coordinating cross-departmental initiatives.
• Understanding of personnel management, labor relations, and application of union contracts.
• Ability to build effective partnerships across City departments and community organizations.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, with demonstrated ability to apply these principles to policies and service planning.
• Cultural competency that values diverse perspectives and fosters a respectful workplace.
• Analytical skills to evaluate operations, interpret data, and recommend improvements centered on access, quality, and sustainability.
• Discretion and judgment in handling confidential volunteer, personnel, and patron information.
  
  

Essential Job Functions

• Design, launch, and manage a systemwide volunteer services program for the Main Library and West Salem Branch, ensuring alignment with policies, safety standards, and union agreements.
• Recruit, screen, interview, and place volunteers using targeted strategies, clearly defined role descriptions, and applying background and reference check standards.
• Coordinate operations across library divisions to support consistent volunteer involvement and service delivery.
• Ensure volunteer assignments supplement and support the work of represented staff, escalating contract interpretations and proposed new job tasks to the Library Leadership Team.
• Develop and deliver volunteer orientation and training that prepares volunteers and staff for safe, effective participation.
• Manage volunteer performance, including coaching, evaluation, and disciplinary decisions when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records, schedules, hours, and reports using established data systems.
• Prepare analyses and recommendations for leadership and advisory groups.
• Plan and execute volunteer-supported events and outreach activities.
• Create program materials such as training resources, communications, manuals, and promotional tools.
• Conduct ongoing program evaluation and recommend improvements using data and community feedback.
• Apply DEI principles throughout recruitment, training, outreach, and program operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and City regulations, including safety, ethics, labor agreements, and record retention.
• Represent the library on internal and external committees and build connections with community partners and volunteer organizations.
• Maintain statistics and create reports to present to community and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Work occurs primarily in a library and office environment, requiring regular movement throughout facilities and occasional travel to meetings and community locations.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and stand, walk, bend, reach, or lift light materials (10–20 pounds) as needed.
• Frequent computer and desk work involving repetitive hand motions and sustained visual focus.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through virtual platforms, including presentations and public interactions.
• Ability to read printed and digital materials, analyze data, and prepare reports.
• Occasional exposure to varying temperatures, crowded event spaces, or busy public service areas.
• Ability to respond to time-sensitive or high-pressure situations with sustained attention and sound judgment.
  
  

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Position schedule will include working one weekend and one evening shift.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.
  
  

About Us

Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across to counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.

The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.

Where can I find out more about the position?

Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Program Coordinator .

How can I apply?

The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application and submit a Cover letter. Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs .