The Volunteer Services Coordinator is responsible for recruiting, onboarding, engaging and recognizing a diverse volunteer workforce to support The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) organizational needs. This position will support the Volunteer Services Department with the goals and objectives of the volunteer and internship program while promoting positivity and engagement of our volunteers by keeping volunteers inspired, informed, and making sure that they have the tools, resources and information needed to fully-support the shared purpose of the Aquarium.
- This is a full-time position requiring a commitment to work a Tuesday through Saturday schedule and occasional holidays and evenings.
Essential Position Functions
- Identifies recruitment sources and leads Volunteer Services recruitment outreach activities and postings.
- Screens and identifies appropriate candidates for open volunteer and intern positions and presents them to the department for consideration.
- Works with Director of Volunteer Engagement and collaborates interdepartmentally to create and deliver effective orientation and on-boarding training for new volunteers and interns.
- Conducts orientation for new volunteers and interns and completes the onboarding process.
- Coordinates and contributes to ongoing communications, newsletters, and social media efforts relating to volunteers & interns.
- Supports interdepartmental efforts to increase and improve volunteers’ level of customer service, visitor engagement, and professionalism.
- Builds and maintains relationships with volunteers, work-study students, and interns.
- Employs strategies for ongoing volunteer engagement and retention including volunteer socials and rewards and recognition programs.
- Administers Aquarium membership for volunteers and interns. Serves as liaison with the Membership staff. Responds to inquiries and resolves related issues.
- Cultivates engaged relationships with communities by connecting them with the conservation message of The Aquarium at offsite recruitment and environmental stewardship events.
- Assists Aquarium’s outreach efforts to include onsite and offsite public engagement.
- Works with community environmental organizations to coordinate and facilitate on and off-site environmental stewardship projects for both team members and community members.
- Assists with the coordination of Aquarium sponsored event volunteers including recruiting, placement, and coordination of volunteers the day of the event.
- Aides in the planning and facilitation of volunteer appreciation events.
- Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
- Maintains accurate volunteer computer records in Volgistics.
- Maintains volunteer uniform/nametag inventory.
- Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests, volunteers and staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s degree with 2 years of experience in the field preferred.
- Prior experience with volunteer program management or working as a volunteer.
- Certificate in Volunteer Management preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with a broad range of people in a customer service-related capacity.
- Effective communicator verbally and in writing; ability to adapt tone and style for diverse audiences and modes of communication. Experience writing in a business setting.
- Highly organized; able to set priorities, develop work plans, monitor progress toward goals, and track details in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience using technology for designing innovative visual presentations and communications materials.
- Demonstrated ability to function and relate effectively in culturally diverse situations and forge relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
- A commitment to and interest in promoting and participating in diversity-related efforts.
- Ability to lead and motivate volunteers and interns.
- Skills in resolving conflicts and handling difficult situations.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and handle unexpected challenges.
- Experience in managing projects from inception to completion.
- Comfortable speaking in front of groups and conducting presentations.
Competencies
- Customer Focus - Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and guests. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the guest’s needs. Ensures that guest satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our guests while fulfilling job responsibilities.
- Teamwork - Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
- Communication - Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form; through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
- Judgment - Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary.
- Planning and Organizing - Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that participate changes in the work environment.
- Integrity/Trust - Maintaining social, ethical and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
- Collaboration - Works well with people outside their immediate work group.
- Initiative - Taking actions to achieve goals; self-starting and proactive; asserting oneself to support others in the achievement of their goals; originating action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies.
Typical Physical Requirements
- Sitting (up to 4 hours per day)
- Standing / Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
- Lifting (no more than 50lbs.)
- Computer usage (typing and monitor viewing) for extended periods
- More than normal talking (in person and telephone)
- Ability to travel (car) as needed - locally
- Ability to maintain daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals
- Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
Perks
- Medical, Dental, Vision, EAP, Retirement Savings, Discounts and More
