Volunteer Program Manager

Job Details

Zoological Society of Milwaukee - MILWAUKEE, WI

Description

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) is seeking a Volunteer Program Manager to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This position manages the volunteer program—Zoo Pride—at ZSM, taking responsibility for the overall success of the volunteer program’s support of the Zoo Coalition’s mission to inspire people to conserve wildlife and wild places. The Volunteer Program Manager is responsible for recruitment, retention, onboarding, training, scheduling, managing, appreciating and recognizing volunteers. In addition, this role partners with and trains staff of the Milwaukee County Zoo and ZSM, to ensure effective volunteer engagement across all departments with volunteer placements. This role is part of the Programs leadership team who work together to empower all members of our community to take conservation action.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary zoo pass, up to the family level.

Responsibilities

• Manage the volunteer program, including operations, budget, the volunteer information system, scheduling, marketing, onboarding, training, professional development, improvement and innovation.
• Guide implementation of the Zoo Pride annual operational plan in alignment with the Coalition’s strategic plan.
• Create, modify, monitor and maintain Zoo Pride budgets, dues, and fees aligned with program strategy.
• Manage schedules for all volunteer opportunities, project teams, events, trainings, resources and programs, ensuring diverse skills and training levels meet organizational needs.
• Collaborate with other departments to identify volunteer needs and opportunities, integrating volunteer support into programs, events, projects and other needs.
• Manage volunteers and requested services; provide ongoing written and verbal communication between staff and volunteers via email, newsletter, presentations and meetings.
• Collaborate on program measurement and evaluation to ensure program is inclusive, engaging, and continuously improving.
• Ensure the recruitment, onboarding, training, recognition and retention of volunteers aligns with industry best practices; evaluate different levels of availability, interests, goals and skill sets as well as develop volunteers for specific leadership roles and ensure a diverse volunteer base.
• Update, sustain and ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and protocols as needed for smooth functioning of the volunteer programming, from initial recruitment to off-boarding of volunteers.
• Thoroughly learn Better Impact (volunteer information system) and Smartsheet (cloud-based collaboration tool) software.
• Analyze and maintain database of volunteers and monitor usage including verification of: service hours, participation, email blasts, reports, or information as requested by AZA.
• Manage the Zoo Pride office, including maintenance of artifacts, storage areas, and office supplies.
• Set goals for and provide guidance to the Volunteer and Early Childhood Specialist, in partnership with the Early Childhood Coordinator, focused on program volunteer strategies and results.
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Programs Operations and Conservation Careers staff to ensure effective use of volunteer information system (Better Impact) for scheduling, tracking, and other critical volunteer data management needs.
• Support projects that engage volunteer leadership as needed, such as motorized cart maintenance, biofact storage, and others.
• Provide regular reports to Associate Director of Programs Operations and VP of Programs, for example for staff and board meetings, as well as annual AZA reports for the Zoo accreditation processes.
• Represent ZSM to internal, local and national organizations, as needed.
• Facilitate and support positive, clear internal communications and organizational culture.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of training in volunteer management or related field (e.g., non-profit or business management, communication, conservation, wildlife biology, zoology, etc.).
• A minimum of 3 years of experience coordinating volunteers, interns or staff required.
• Minimum 2 years of non-profit, zoo, aquarium, museum or volunteer management experience required.
• Proven ability to work independently and in teams.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Strong relationship building skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; Spanish or second language fluency a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency in additional collaboration platforms, CRMs and/or volunteer management systems preferred.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and adequate car insurance with the ability to frequently travel to program sites, meetings and professional opportunities (with occasional out-of-town and overnight commitments).
• Ability to become CPR/1st Aid certified within 6 months of employment; biennial recertification required.
• Ability to work flexible hours based upon volunteer program requirements, including weekends at least once per month, late afternoons, and/or pre-designated holiday hours.
  
  

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee believes diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) are the hallmarks of a robust, vibrant community and have adopted DEAI as foundational to our organizations’ priorities and values. A successful candidate will embrace these values and incorporate a similar commitment within their scope of work to foster an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, which is demonstrated through actions and words.

The Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources department at hr@zoosociety.org.