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. 

Responsibilities

• 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 AmeriCorps VISTA and selects, monitors, and maintains records for VISTA provisions. Recruit, orient, and train AmeriCorps 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 PantryTrak proper use and confidentiality.

• Represents Second Harvest at community events.

Leadership Functions

·        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.

Reporting 

·        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.—PantryTrak, Bloomerang, United Way portal)
• Compiles reports for Feeding America, ODJFS, Ohio Association of Food Banks, USS, and AIB, as needed.
• Provides summary reports to other SHFB staff as needed.

Support of Agency Mission and Operations:

·        Adhere to all SHFB policies and procedures.

·        Complies with and meets departmental goals and objectives.

·        Cross-trained in other warehouse positions and food bank software.

·        Uses available language services to assist non-English speaking neighbors when needed.

·        Assists with on-site distributions as needed.

• Assists as needed in program team operational coverage.

·        Attends meetings, presentations, and training courses as required.

• Learns, teaches, trains, and adheres to all Feeding America and AIB required standards.
• Receives and maintains ServSafe certification.
• Assist as needed in fundraising, coverage of administrative needs, and budget control.

·        Assists in warehouse organization and cleanliness.

• Works with staff and volunteers to increase the efficiency of the operation.
• Assists in the rapid recognition and resolution of general and food safety issues.
• Participates in AIB certification.
• Attends network conferences and trainings as offered. 
• Conducts facility tours, as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Volunteer Associate, Volunteers

·        Establishes work plans, performance objectives/measures, goals (and regular reporting mechanisms) for each staff member supervised, undertaking regular supervision and training to achieve those goals.

·        Manages the performance of all direct reports. Ensures that each staff member is working effectively in relation to annual and multi-year goals.

·        Mentors and develops staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis.

·        Interviews and trains new employees, takes disciplinary action when appropriate, conducts conflict resolution, and performs annual performance reviews for all direct reports.

• Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.

·        Plan development and performance reviews on volunteers and AmeriCoprs VISTA members as required.

·        Manages conflict between volunteers and staff.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• Meet deadlines, handle multiple responsibilities with attention to detail, supervise assigned volunteers, interns or staff; and coordinate diverse functions within the volunteer engagement role. 
• Outstanding written, verbal, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of reasoning, with the ability to use judgment and experience to plan and accomplish goals.
• Ability to address conflict in a respectful manner.
• Demonstrated ability to record and provide written reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Flexible, adaptable and responsive to change and modifying plans/strategies as needed to best meet the needs of those involved.

·        Personal appearance that always reflects self-respect and professionalism.

·        Valid state issued driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.

·        Some travel required.

Commitment to Service:

• Ability to work well with other staff in a collaborative effort to improve services, extend courtesy, friendliness, and overall respect to meet the needs of the organization.
• Personal integrity and awareness of ethical principles and a willingness to accept assignments involving flexible work hours.
• Will be available for times and events when evenings and weekends will be required to fulfill duties.
• Sensitivity to needs of neighbors and families served.

Work Environment: Typical office and warehouse environment, with regular exposure to excessive noise, adverse environmental issues, and cooler/freezer temperatures.

Physical Demands: Position requires physical exertion to sit, stand, walk, stoop, and verbal, and written communication by phone or in person. Maximum unassisted lift 60 lbs., normal lift <40 lbs.