Volunteer Engagement and Events Associate

Position Overview   

The PLN External Affairs Team seeks a Volunteer Engagement and Events Associate to help recruit, onboard, and organize PLN’s network of volunteers and support on volunteer events and other external affairs events Building on the success of PLN’s existing volunteer program, the Associate will play a critical role in the recruitment and retention of volunteers to serve across the agency. The Associate will also oversee event logistics, manage planning processes, and effectively multitask to ensure the successful execution of volunteer activities. The Associate will establish and maintain volunteer data, manage internal and external relationships with a range of constituencies, serving as an ambassador for PLN. The Associate will also support on a variety of other events across the organization.

Duties

Reporting to the Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships, the VE Associate will work both independently and collaboratively to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:

Volunteer Management & Engagement

• Recruit, motivate, and mobilize volunteers through partnerships with corporate partners, colleges, universities, K-12 independent schools, and other community organizations with support from the Director of Strategic Partnerships.

• Respond to volunteer inquiries (email and phone) in a timely manner, typically within 1-2 business days.
• Meet with prospective volunteers, either virtually or on-site, to share volunteer opportunities.
• Update and maintain volunteer platform with calendar of volunteer events.
• Manage volunteer database to maintain current volunteer information.
• Work with program/school staff to schedule volunteers for various activities.
• Communicate regularly with volunteers and PLN staff to ensure that volunteer experiences are rewarding and mutually beneficial.
• Track satisfaction and analyze feedback from volunteers and PLN staff to constantly improve the volunteer program.
• Provide weekly update to External Affairs Team.

• Evaluate progress and measure effectiveness toward reaching established goals in order to further refine strategies.
• Create and/or modify trainings, handbooks, or welcome guides for all volunteers.
• Steward volunteers through recognition at events, inclusion in all communications, and sincere notes of appreciation.
• Provide donor opportunities for volunteers to make monetary or in-kind gifts to PLN.
• Collaborate with PLN’s Marketing & Communications team to create high-quality marketing materials and social media content to share opportunities available to volunteers.

Event Management & Support

• Support the External Affairs Team through a variety of events, including annual benefit dinner, holiday events, staff picnic, and other events throughout the year.
• Oversee the logistical planning and execution of volunteer events, ensuring all details are managed efficiently and effectively. 
• Manage event planning processes, including timeline creation, task delegation, and on-site coordination to ensure seamless execution.

External Affairs Team Member

• Participate in External Affairs Team meetings to ensure alignment in program operations and strategic program development.
• Participate in the ongoing development, evaluation, and implementation of operational and strategic plans.
• Cultivate a climate that invites and motivates employees from diverse backgrounds, providing a platform for mutual feedback and team growth.
• Model and ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and inspiring organizational culture aligned with PLN’s values.
• Serve as a Para Los Niños representative at local events and community functions.
• Prepare reports for the Executive Team and Board of Directors as needed.
• Demonstrate the ability to multitask by handling multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements  

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform the job successfully.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills with a high attention to detail.
• Strong orientation toward customer service and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively implement and balance multiple tasks and priorities.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to track, analyze, and report on data.
• Strong creative thinking abilities and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization and develop strong professional relationships and networks externally.
• Receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.
• Performs other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.
• Willingness to occasionally participate in weekend and evening events.
• A passion for the organization's mission and priority program areas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum 1-3 years of professional experience, preferably in the non-profit sector and/or with a volunteer program.
• Experience in schools, non-profit organizations and/or direct services.
• Database Experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Other Requirements

• Must have a reliable automobile for use on the job (mileage to be reimbursed). Valid California Driver’s License. State-required automobile insurance coverage.
• TB clearance, to be renewed every two years.

Physical Requirements  

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.   

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.    

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.  
• Must be able to speak and hear well.    
• Good vision is imperative.    
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.    
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. 

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff   

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:  

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.  
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.  
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.  
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.  
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.  
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.  
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.  
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.  
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.  
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.  

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer    

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.