Volunteer & Outreach Specialist

Description

TITLE:

Volunteer & Outreach Specialist

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Salaried, non-exempt. Full-time, 32 hours per week (0.8 FTE). Weekend events and evenings are common (2 per month).

HOURS:

Tuesday to Friday schedule, with occasional weekends and evenings. Eligible for hybrid work. Scheduling a weekly combination of in-office, outdoor, and hybrid/remote work will be determined with the Volunteer & Outreach Program Manager.

PAY RATE:
Annual salary set at $44,000. Eligible for full benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement match up to 2%, paid time off starting at 12 days vacation (in 1st year), 8.8 holidays, and sick time. The organization will be closed during the final week of December.

SUPERVISED BY:
Volunteer & Outreach Manager

SUPERVISES:
Interns

LOCATION:

Friends of Trees Portland office at 3117 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212. Stairs required to access the office. Travel throughout the Portland-Vancouver metro region with FOT vehicles.

EXPECTED

START DATE:

September 2026

ABOUT FRIENDS OF TREES

Since 1989, Friends of Trees (FOT) has planted more than 1 million trees and native shrubs in 120+ neighborhoods in six counties across two states. We've done this through engaging over 75,000 community members, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. We plant trees, and so much more. Learn more about The Friends of Trees Way, about Our Commitment to Equity, and about Our Community Partnerships.

JOB SUMMARY

The Volunteer & Outreach Specialist manages high-volume volunteer recruitment, communication, and engagement systems that shape the overall volunteer experience. This role focuses on building relationships at scale through consistent, welcoming, and well-coordinated communication, ensuring volunteers are supported from first contact through long-term participation. A successful candidate will have strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and comfort working primarily behind the scenes using email, phone, and digital tools.

While some in-person event support and outreach is included, most work is focused on accurate, timely, and consistent execution of volunteer engagement systems.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Lead high-volume volunteer recruitment, communication, and appreciation efforts with a strong focus on accuracy, timeliness, and consistency

* Staff volunteer events, trainings, and outreach activities, representing and supporting a high-quality volunteer experience (approximately 2 events per month, often during evenings and weekends)

* Advocate for the volunteer experience by identifying needs, elevating feedback, and contributing to continuous program improvement

Volunteer Recruitment, Communication, and Retention

* Manage the volunteer email inbox and phone hotline, ensuring timely, accurate, and welcoming communication

* Utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to recruit, schedule, and coordinate a large volume of volunteers

* Lead volunteer recruitment and communication for 6-8 events monthly during planting season (Oct-April)

* Design and produce volunteer recruitment and volunteer appreciation materials (email templates, postcards, flyers, etc)

* Plan and lead volunteer appreciation events and activities

* Collaborates with staff to increase volunteer retention, with focus on retaining volunteers from underrepresented communities

* Supervise and support interns, including role development, recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing mentorship, with attention to cultural competency and inclusive practices

Volunteer Experience Advocacy

* Actively gather and analyze volunteer feedback through surveys, conversations, and event observations. Share insights with staff and contribute to program adaptations

* Support implementation of FOT's Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities and Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Policies

* Facilitates conflict resolution and clarify volunteer role expectations, with support of the Volunteer & Outreach Program Manager

Community Outreach

* Maintain and coordinate the outreach event calendar for the Portland…