Community Engagement Specialist

The Community Engagement Specialist leads the food bank in building and growing a high-value volunteer engagement program that creates meaningful experiences and deepens individual connection with Second Harvest’s mission.

• Oversees a volunteer program that includes recruitment, screening, placement, scheduling, orientation, training, supervision, assessment, retention, recognition, and conversion.
• Assesses food bank programs to determine volunteer opportunities that meet the demands of the community and the organization.
• Builds relationships with corporate and individual volunteers to determine interest and giving potential, and works collaboratively with the Development team to cultivate them.
• Ensures policies and procedures for the volunteer program are complete and accurate.
• Maintains procedures, training materials, and tools for all volunteer functions.
• Maintains a volunteer schedule and keeps food bank staff informed of scheduling.
• Develops print and digital materials to create and execute presentations at churches, social groups, businesses, and schools to recruit volunteers that meet the ongoing needs of the food bank.
• Develops print and digital materials to train volunteers on facility/warehouse safety, food safety, and personal safety.
• Conducts food bank facility tours to introduce groups and/or individuals to the food bank environment and to gauge interest in volunteerism.
• Orientates all volunteers to the food bank operation and responsibilities.
• Assigns and introduces volunteers to food bank supervision where applicable.
• Trains, works with, and follows up on all volunteer activities to meet outcome requirements and finish all activities by goal dates.
• Ensures appropriate coverage in all programs and events where food bank volunteers are scheduled.
• Creates and ensures an outstanding volunteer experience.
• Fields questions and comments from volunteers and works to address any problems or issues.
• Maintains the volunteer management database (Bloomerang).
• Acts as primary contact for Ameri Corps VISTA and selects, monitors, and maintains records for VISTA provisions. Recruit, orient, and train Ameri Corps VISTA members and monitor progress in designated program/warehouse assignment.
• Acts as primary contact for community service workers. Responsible for maintaining workers’ schedules and reporting their hours.
• Communicates/coordinates special volunteer activities with marketing and communications to maximize exposure via social/digital media outlets, newsletter, and annual reports.
• Ensures photographs and videos of volunteers are captured and stored following the required protocol.
• Conducts volunteer satisfaction surveys to identify needs and improve the overall volunteer experience.
• Plans and organizes volunteer appreciation events and recognition programs.
• Plans activities for National Volunteer Appreciation Week.
• Assists with processing donated items and maintaining food safety procedures.
• Trains volunteers on Pantry Trak proper use and confidentiality.
• Represents Second Harvest at community events.

• Develops procedures and monitors internal and external programs and operations policies to align with approved guidelines and proven effective methods of neighbor service. Assists in reviewing and updating departmental standard operating procedures.
• Establishes and tracks specific performance metrics related to all volunteer operations.
• Networks with other food banks to identify best practice standards and improve program outcomes.
• Promotes a cooperative spirit within the organization and among internal and external participants. Provides relationship building and superior customer service to all neighbors and partner organizations.
• Responds to and resolves partner requests and concerns.
• Meets regularly with staff and leadership to provide support, guidance, updates, and training.
• Attends Feeding America, ODJFS, and Ohio Association of Food Banks seminars and trainings as required.

• Tracks and reports all volunteers and hours of work monthly, which include all activities supporting the food bank.
• Develops tracking ability for all volunteers to include contact information to use for newsletters and fundraising appeals.
• Keeps accurate information in all databases and operational systems (i.e.—Pantry Trak, Bloomerang, United Way portal).
• Compiles reports for Feeding America, ODJFS, Ohio Association of Food Banks