WAVE Foundation Volunteer Coordinator - Part-Time Year Round S

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 are considered employees of Herschend Entertainment/Newport Aquarium. Thus, WAVE Foundation employees receive the same benefits and perks.

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…