Volunteer Coordinator – Part-Time

Volunteer Coordinator

WAVE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. WAVE Foundation, in partnership with Newport Aquarium, is on a mission to inspire and foster environmental stewards of aquatic life through education, conservation, and volunteerism. WAVE provides unique education curriculum and experiences for students of all ages; supports and provides leadership in local, national and global conservation efforts; and has a vibrant volunteer program with over 300 dedicated volunteers.

The Volunteer Coordinator and all employees working on behalf of WAVE Foundation receive the same benefits and perks as Newport Aquarium employees.

Major

Duties And Responsibilities:

• Coordinate recruitment, application review, interviews, placement, orientation, and onboarding for adult volunteers, teen volunteers, and interns.
• Maintain position descriptions, applications, recruitment materials, and accurate volunteer/intern records.
• Coordinate volunteer/intern schedules, attendance, service hours, required documentation, and participation through the volunteer management system.
• Communicate program updates, expectations, policies, and important information to volunteers/interns.
• Serve as the primary resource for volunteers/interns, addressing questions, concerns, performance issues, and behavioral matters in collaboration with organizational leadership.
• Build positive relationships and foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, accountability, engagement, and appreciation.
• Develop and implement volunteer/intern engagement, recognition, retention, and professional development initiatives.
• Coordinate role-specific training with department leaders, maintain training records, and ensure volunteers/interns meet required qualifications.
• Collaborate with staff and department leaders to assess volunteer needs, develop roles, and support effective integration into departmental operations.
• Coordinate volunteer coverage for special events, community programs, educational initiatives, and other organizational needs.
• Evaluate program participation, engagement, retention, and service-hour trends; prepare reports and recommend improvements.
• Develop and implement new volunteer/intern pathways, programs, and initiatives that support WAVE Foundation's mission and strategic goals.
• Ensure volunteer/intern activities comply with organizational policies, safety procedures, and applicable requirements; escalate significant concerns to appropriate leadership.
• Participate in organizational planning, department meetings, Team WAVE meetings, supervisor check-ins, and special events meetings.
• Prepare reports and presentations related to program(s) activity and impact.
• Ensure programming supports WAVE Foundation's mission and strategic goals.

Qualifications:

• Required:
  
  Bachelor's degree OR equivalent professional experience in nonprofit management, communications, education, human resources, hospitality, business, or a related field; will substitute for formal education
• Experience coordinating volunteers, interns, employees, programs, events, or community engagement initiatives
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with individuals with diverse backgrounds and experience levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, G-Suite, or comparable workplace software
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
• Preferred:
  Experience working in a museum, aquarium, zoo, education institution, or other mission-driven organization
• Experience with volunteer management software: specifically Better Impact
• Experience in developing training…