Volunteer Manager

Reports To: Program Director, Friendship Circle of Miami

Position Type: Full-Time

About the Organization:

Friendship Circle of Miami is a nonsectarian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusion, connection, and support for individuals with special needs and their families. Central to our mission is the involvement of dedicated teenage and adult volunteers, who build meaningful friendships and create a more inclusive community through social, educational, and recreational programs. By empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering a culture of acceptance, we enrich lives and strengthen community bonds. With the opening of our state-of-the-art Friendship Campus, we are expanding opportunities for learning, social engagement, and personal growth for all.

Position Overview:

The Volunteer Manager plays a vital role at Friendship Circle of Miami, overseeing the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers who support the organization’s programs and participants. This position focuses on building strong relationships with schools and community organizations to recruit teenage and adult volunteers while actively working within all programs to ensure a seamless experience for both volunteers and participants.

The ideal candidate is personable, highly organized, comfortable working with individuals with special needs, and passionate about fostering meaningful connections that empower these individuals. We are looking for someone with experience working with teenage and adult volunteers, connecting with and inspiring all to take an active role in volunteerism, leadership, and community service.

Key Responsibilities:

Volunteer Recruitment & Onboarding:

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit teenage and adult volunteers, with a focus on partnerships with schools, synagogues, and community organizations.
• Conduct presentations and attend events at local public/private schools, universities, and service groups/businesses, etc. to promote volunteer opportunities and inspire involvement.
• Manage the onboarding process for new volunteers, including reviewing applications, conducting intakes, and facilitating orientation sessions.

Volunteer Training & Support:

• Plan and lead training sessions to prepare volunteers for their roles, with an emphasis on best practices for working with individuals with special needs.
• Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure volunteers feel confident and equipped.
• Act as the primary point of contact for volunteer-related inquiries, offering timely support and feedback.

Volunteer Coordination & Program Engagement:

• Maintain an active presence during programs and events, interacting with individuals with special needs to oversee volunteer involvement and ensure a positive experience.
• Work directly within Friendship Circle programs, supervising and supporting volunteers as they engage with participants.
• Collaborate with program staff to match volunteers with roles that align with their skills and interests while meeting program needs.

School & Community Partnerships:

• Build and maintain relationships with local schools, youth groups, and community organizations to create a strong pipeline of engaged volunteers.
• Collaborate with educators and school administrators to identify opportunities for student involvement in Friendship Circle programs.
• Serve as a community ambassador, raising awareness about the impact of volunteering and the mission of Friendship Circle.

Volunteer Recognition & Retention:

• Develop and implement strategies to recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions, including appreciation events, awards, and personalized thank-you initiatives.
• Foster a sense of community among volunteers through regular communication, engagement opportunities, and team-building activities.
• Monitor volunteer satisfaction and retention, using feedback to enhance the volunteer experience.

Administrative & Reporting Duties:

• Maintain an accurate volunteer database, including contact information, availability, training records, and hours logged.
• Prepare regular reports for the Program Director on volunteer recruitment, engagement, and impact metrics.
• Assist in developing volunteer policies and procedures to ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Degree in Nonprofit Management, Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in volunteer management or program coordination preferred.
• Experience working with schools, youth groups, and individuals with special needs is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a talent for engaging diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and volunteer management software.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• On-site position at the Friendship Circle of Miami campus.
• Regular travel to schools and community events is required.
• Evening and weekend availability is necessary to support programs and events.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on skills and experience.
• Paid time off, including national holidays and Jewish holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

Friendship Circle of Miami is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

We Encourage You to Apply:

Even if you do not meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply! If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs and creating a welcoming volunteer community, we’d love to hear from you.