Volunteer Coordinator

* This position can work in either Des Moines or Iowa City

Position Summary

The Volunteer Coordinator would lead RIVA’s recruitment, onboarding, and retention of volunteers. By understanding the needs of refugee communities, the coordinator recruits the appropriate volunteers and oversees their training so they may make the most effective use of their skills and time. The coordinator maintains ongoing communication with volunteers to ensure they receive the information and support needed to perform their tasks and continue their involvement with the organization. The coordinator also maintains communication with the program providers or refugees with whom the volunteers work to maintain positive and productive working relationships.

More About the Organization

Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA) works alongside immigrant, refugee, and newcomer communities across Iowa to strengthen access to resources, build community connections, and support individuals and families as they navigate systems and opportunities.

RIVA’s work includes community partnerships, outreach, education, resource navigation, youth and family engagement, and community-led initiatives.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Recruitment

• Develop descriptions of the volunteer positions needed and their roles, duties, and schedules. Assist with developing a volunteer recruitment strategy based on community needs assessments. Develop and post volunteer openings with appropriate media, organization, etc. Interview volunteers and place them in appropriate positions.

2. Onboarding/Training

• Perform background checks for respective volunteers. Record the documents of the volunteers. Provide regular and as-needed orientations, training, and evaluations to volunteers.

3. Retention of Volunteers

• Facilitate the building of relationships between volunteers, RIVA staff, refugee community members, and other organizations. Actively engage and respond promptly to volunteers and staff, along with communicating concerns to our leadership team.

4. Donor Management

• Establish, build, and maintain communications with past and current corporate or organizational donors, to enhance their relationship with RIVA and increase the likelihood of continued contributions. Develop and manage information to help maintain regular contact with volunteers and corporate donors. This includes evaluating strengths and weaknesses in those processes, modifying those systems when necessary to improve outcomes, and building sustainable partnerships to keep those contacts involved in RIVA’s mission. In collaboration with volunteers, plan and organize various program activities and fundraising events to engage community members and attract new donors.

5. Program Management

• Collaborate with the RIVA team to develop policies and best practices for its volunteer programs. Collect feedback from volunteers and clients about their needs and experiences. Document the contributions of volunteers and share information with staff and leadership team. Assist with developing a volunteer recruitment strategy based off community needs assessments. Disseminate information about upcoming events, awards, and community services. Support a culture of volunteerism by ensuring proper acknowledgement, recognition and stewardship of volunteers.

Core Competencies

• Innovative and conceptual thinker with good problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with a broad range of audiences especially English language learners. Excellent organizational skills and prior experience scheduling and facilitating individual as well as group meetings. The ability to motivate and manage individuals and groups of volunteers. A thorough understanding of what it means to be a good advocate and ally.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of relevant professional experience OR 3 years of relevant professional experience. Prior experience leading a diverse volunteer team. Able to use technology essential to job responsibilities (internet, computer software, & data information systems). Background Checks: ability to pass an extensive background check including the Dependent Adult and Child Abuse registries, Sex Offender registry and criminal history check. Ability to travel within Iowa. Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Written and oral proficiency in another language besides English; A language spoken by refugee communities in Iowa is highly preferred. Individuals from an Iowa refugee community are highly preferred but not necessary.

Working Conditions

• Continuous communication and/or interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors and management. Prolonged periods of time sitting performing administrative functions. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. Transportation: this position requires access to a personal vehicle or reliable mode of transportation, a valid driver’s license, and auto insurance. This is a full-time position. RIVA office hours are held Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Evening and weekend hours may be completed remotely.

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Des Moines, IA 50314

Salary : $50,000