Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead

JOB TITLE: Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead

Job Announcement: April 10, 2025

Application Due Date: Open until filled

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a cover letter with professional references and a resume to:

kim@issaquahfoodbank.org

Please do not call, thank you!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

· Full-time (40 hrs/week)

· Location: Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank - Onsite worker

· Reports to: Operations Manager

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

· PAY: $32-36/hour DOE

· Paid sick and vacation time

· Health, vision, and dental insurance plans (85% covered by IFCB)

· Simple IRA plan with matching

· Holiday time off

ABOUT US:

In 2021, we celebrated our 50th anniversary, focusing on the community compassion which makes us the vital resource we’ve become for thousands of families. The staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners of the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank help our East King County neighbors stay healthy, employed, and housed by providing free food, hygiene and household items, case management and resource referral services. We believe that food is a right, not a privilege, and dignity is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to provide a gracious space where people feel welcome, safe, and cared for. If you are passionate about this mission and those who find themselves in need of these resources, please consider joining our team of compassionate and driven professionals. We welcome your positive energy and endless potential. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead is a key leadership role responsible for the strategic vision, planning, and execution of the organization’s volunteer program. With up to 175 volunteers supporting our work each week, this position plays a pivotal role in ensuring that volunteers are recruited, trained, supported, and engaged in meaningful ways that align with the mission and operational goals of the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.

This role requires strong leadership, program development, relationship and community-building skills, as well as a passion for volunteer engagement. The Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead will work closely with Operations, Programs, and Development teams to ensure consistent and effective integration of volunteer resources across all departments.

While this role does not include direct reports, it includes a high level of responsibility and visibility across the organization and in the broader community.

The Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead leads all aspects of our volunteer program including recruitment via multiple channels (including, but not limited to, email, telephone, and public outreach and networking events), background checks and other internal policies, managing volunteer schedules and ensuring shift fulfillment, reporting, regular communications, and recognition/appreciationThe Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead works closely with our Operations, Program, and Development staff members to assess needs for volunteer support. Candidates must have strong leadership, organizational, customer-service, communication, and recruitment skills.

Primary work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM, as well as a minimum of two evening shifts (ending at 7:30 PM) per month. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required, with advance notice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive volunteer engagement strategy to support organizational operations, programs, and events.
• Design, implement and continuously improve a new volunteer onboarding and training program.
• Cultivate an inclusive and equitable volunteer culture that values diversity and fosters long-term engagement.
• Identify, develop, and implement volunteer roles that align with organizational priorities and operational needs.
• Collaborate with department leads to assess evolving volunteer needs and ensure appropriate staffing of shifts and events.
• Lead volunteer recruitment efforts through community outreach, partnerships, presentations, digital marketing, and special initiatives.
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, and role-specific training programs for all volunteers.
• Maintain and analyze data to monitor volunteer engagement, retention, and impact; provide regular reporting to leadership.
• Manage volunteer schedules and ensure reliable fulfillment of shifts across all programs.
• Lead conflict resolution and provide support for volunteer-related concerns in coordination with program leads.
• Develop and manage communication strategies with volunteers, including regular newsletters and announcements.
• Organize volunteer recognition efforts and lead efforts to cultivate a strong volunteer community.
• Represent the organization at community events, coalition meetings, and in local networking groups to promote volunteerism.
• Maintain volunteer database and ensure accurate tracking of hours and engagement.
• Regularly update volunteer policies, job descriptions, training materials, and procedures.
• Participates as lead operations staff member during twice monthly afternoon/evening market distribution shifts (schedule subject to change as programs/services develop).
• Serves as the initial point of contact for potential new volunteers and schedules appointments.
• Develops ongoing training programs for volunteers and staff who use volunteers.
• Serves on task forces and committees related to volunteerism.
• Maintains volunteer time records, nametags, applications, volunteer sign up database and email lists.
• Develops and routinely updates volunteer job descriptions, training manuals, orientation procedures and volunteer policies.
• Works with community and corporate groups to manage group volunteer opportunities and fill key group shifts during market shopping hours.
• Promotes the volunteer program within neighboring communities, including making presentations to community groups.
• Leads development and distribution of volunteer e-newsletters and other communications with volunteers.
• Ensures periodic evaluation of volunteer performance and volunteer program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience

Required

· Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, or related field

· 2 years of experience in volunteer coordination or program management

· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

· Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, and implement programs with minimal supervision

· Strong organizational and project management skills, and the ability to plan ahead.

• Fluent in English, with strong proficiency in both written and spoken communication.

· Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds

· Competency in Microsoft Office Suite and volunteer management platforms

· Ability to navigate sensitive situations with empathy and discretion

· Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

· This position requires full-time, onsite availability during regular business hours, with active involvement in daily operations

QUALIFICATIONS (continued):

Strongly desired

· Proficiency in a second language (especially Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, or Ukrainian)

· Experience in community outreach or relationship-building roles

· Knowledge of volunteer management software (e.g., VolunteerHub, SignUp.com)

· Experience working in a nonprofit or food security setting

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank places equity high on our list of values. As an employer, this is demonstrated by our equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Issaquah, WA 98027 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $32 - $36