Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit providing food and social services for anyone in need. Founded in 1970, we’re one of the largest and longest operating hunger relief organizations in Chicago. We also provide free, trauma-informed mental health counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance. We strive to serve the needs of the whole person — with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice-based distribution model and access to life-changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs;
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities;
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, more than 7,000 low-income neighbors will also receive case management and social services.

Position Summary

The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to create a positive volunteer experience at Nourishing Hope. Reporting to the Director of Donor and Volunteer Engagement, this position will focus on meeting the volunteer needs of the organization by stewarding and coordinating volunteers and volunteer groups via hands-on opportunities at our four locations. 

The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator helps manage and support over 120 volunteer shifts weekly and will work in person. As needed, this position will support and travel to all Nourishing Hope locations and assist in building strong relationships with the volunteer and donor communities.

Schedule and Locations

This is a Tuesday-Saturday position that will split time between Nourishing Hope’s Headquarters, 1716 W. Hubbard and the Hub, 5151 N. Ravenswood. 

Essential Job Functions

• Serve as primary coordinator and lead for Nourishing Hope volunteer groups to fill shifts across the organization’s four locations throughout the city; including coordination with the development and program team, communication with groups, monitoring attendance, and ensuring a smooth on-site group experience.
• Support volunteer communication; including Monthly Volunteer Bulletin, volunteer orientation materials, website updates, and other volunteer materials.
• Support program team with on-site needs: including attending and delivering volunteer announcements, guiding individual and group tours, updating the cafe board, and name tag system. 
• Serve as stewardship and fundraising liaison to group leaders at schools, residential buildings, and community organizations to introduce them to all volunteer-related activities for Nourishing Hope.
• Work with colleagues on solicitation/stewardship plans for donor volunteers.
• Manage a portfolio of small businesses to engage their participation in volunteer activities and special events.
• Utilize data management tools across the agency to create and maintain volunteer records. 
• Support all individual volunteer recruitment and retention.
• Act as an ambassador of the work of Nourishing Hope to the larger community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience working with volunteers in a non-profit, events, or fundraising setting preferred 
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and gSuite. 
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM database platform preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively across the development department and organization 
• Energized by working with groups of people in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Possess the ability to multitask, have great attention to detail and stay organized  
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
• An understanding of, and belief in, the importance of food security for everyone.

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local law.