Library Volunteer Coordinator

Make an impact:

The Library Volunteer Services Coordinator develops, leads, and manages the library’s volunteer engagement program to support library services, outreach, events, and strategic initiatives. This position oversees all aspects of volunteer engagement, including program planning, recruitment, screening, placement, orientation, training, performance management, and recognition.

• Evaluate the current volunteer program and identify opportunities to enhance structure, clarity, training, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Develop clear volunteer role descriptions that respect contractual boundaries and City policies, meet departmental needs, and offer meaningful ways for community members to engage with the library.
• Lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, and recognition programs that reflect best practices and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for volunteers.
• Partner with library leadership and frontline staff to continuously refine volunteer workflows, schedules, and expectations as programs and services evolve.
• Modernize and maintain volunteer data systems, reports, and communication tools that support transparency, informed decision-making, and consistent program administration.
• Cultivate a volunteer community that reflects Salem’s diversity, is responsive to community needs, and aligns with the library’s values around inclusion, learning, and service.
• Act as an ambassador for volunteerism in the community, fostering partnerships, promoting volunteer opportunities, and celebrating the impact volunteers have on library services.

Salem Public Library (SPL) serves Oregon’s capital city and a diverse, growing community of more than 170,000. As the largest member of the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service (CCRLS) and the largest library in Marion County, SPL operates a Main Library and the West Salem Branch, providing access to information, technology, lifelong learning, and community space for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Salem Public Library is widely valued by the community and consistently delivers strong outcomes despite operating with fewer financial and staffing resources than comparable libraries. The library has a highly engaged patron base, strong program participation, and a reputation for being welcoming, responsive, and community-centered. In 2025, voters overwhelmingly passed a five-year Local Option Levy to sustain and expand library services at both locations.

The Salem Public Library’s mission is to engage all of Salem in lifelong learning, access to information, and meaningful connections, serving as both a trusted public institution and a vital community resource. Our work is grounded in shared values of responsive service, trust, adaptability, inclusion, and community.

• Must pass the pre-employment background check, and depending on area of assignment, may be required to pass a drug test (including marijuana).
• Must have an Oregon Driver’s license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of progressively responsible experience pertinent to the area of assignment, or any combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
• One or more licenses or certifications in the assigned area may be desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of assigned program area preferred.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes and rules as applicable to the program area preferred

• Two years of experience coordinating or managing volunteers or any combination of education,…