Volunteer Specialist

Ballard Food Bank’s mission is to bring food and hope to our neighbors because there can be enough for everyone. To achieve our mission, we provide access to nutritious foods through our grocery model food bank and Community Resource Hub, which encompasses financial resources, referral, and mail services that support self-sufficiency. We also advocate for food equity and justice. Our new home, which opened in October 2021, serves as a Hub for Hope as it brings together food, services, and community partners in a one-stop shop. The Ballard Food Bank actively strives to be an anti-racist organization and promotes the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its work.

Position Summary:

Do you love connecting with people from a variety of backgrounds? Do you enjoy having a positive impact on our community and inspiring others to give the gift of time? The Volunteer Specialist position is critical to the success and growth of the Ballard Food Bank (BFB), as our volunteers play a pivotal role in our day-to-day operations. This person will be the first point of contact for our new volunteers. Our volunteer team is made up of over 400 weekly individuals. The Volunteer Specialist will focus on recruitment, onboarding and retention of volunteers as well as recognition and ongoing support. The Volunteer Specialist will collaborate across teams to orient, train, and support volunteers. The Volunteer Specialist will also be responsible for community outreach that supports volunteer recruitment to populations that reflect our diverse client base.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure a smooth entry point into BFB for all those interested in volunteering.
  • Conduct dynamic, informative orientations.
  • Process volunteer applications and run background checks.
  • Work with program managers to create easy-to-follow volunteer job descriptions and instructions.
  • Ensure a smooth transition into volunteer roles and into working with other program staff.
  • Leverage technology to streamline volunteer applications, orientation, onboarding and placement.
• Promote a culture of retention by engaging, supporting, and recognizing our volunteer community.
  • Create a welcoming environment for our volunteers.
  • Respond promptly to individual inquiries and answer all volunteer-related emails.
  • In partnership with the communication team, write and send the monthly volunteer email.
  • Create volunteer appreciation events and other ways to celebrate the work of volunteers, incorporating a range of recognition methods.
• Recruit and promote new and existing volunteer opportunities.
  • Coordinate with other departments to determine available volunteer opportunities, identify gaps, and conduct recruitment and training specific to filling those roles.
  • Conduct outreach to engage volunteers in new opportunities.
  • Partner with the development/communications team to promote volunteer opportunities and expand our volunteer community.
  • Participate in recruitment events for students, community volunteers, etc.
• Provide ongoing training and feedback for volunteers.
  • Provide direct feedback when issues arise that need to be addressed.
  • Initiate volunteer check-ins with individuals and in group meetings.
  • Coordinate and support training opportunities for volunteers on and offsite.
  • Assist other program staff with oversight of volunteer work.

Skills/Qualifications: We are seeking a candidate with 2-4 years relevant experience. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized and detail-oriented individual who can work as well with a team as they can independently, in a complex and fast-paced environment. An ideal candidate will have:

• The ability to serve children, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a respectful manner.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Ukrainian, Russian, or another language spoken by recent immigrants to Seattle a plus.
• Lived experience and/or extensive knowledge of historically underrepresented groups.
• A commitment to racial equity and social justice.
• Excellent conflict management skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills; including public speaking.
• Ability to handle difficult issues with tact and diplomacy. Operates with a deep sense of empathy while maintaining boundaries and enforcing policies.
• A collaborative work style and ability to work respectfully with staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience with Galaxy Digital or other volunteer management platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other office productivity tools, with aptitude to learn new software and systems.
• Flexibility and willingness to contribute in a variety of ways to the team and organization.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. safely.

Hours:

This is a full-time position with much of the work happening Monday – Thursday with some evening and weekend hours for events or programming. Ballard Food Bank currently works a 35-hour work week.

Equal Opportunity Employment: Ballard Food Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to cultivate a staff team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. We value a team that is vibrant, inclusive and offers a place of belonging. Applicants representing the diversity of our communities are encouraged to apply, including people of color, people with disabilities, people with lived experience, and people of diverse sexual orientations, and gender expressions.