Job Description

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for managing the daily operations of the volunteer needs of each Community School, including recruitment, building partnerships, training of individual and group volunteers, and matching volunteers with sites. This role will also be primarily responsible for managing volunteers for other OCF Programs working in Community Schools, such as Philly Reading Coaches (PRC).

PRC is a program based on proven models, that combines early reading support, access to books, and community volunteers to boost reading skills for our city’s children.  The program works by pairing trained volunteers with young students – kindergarten through 3rd grade, and by providing fun and child-guided reading experiences that help build reading skills and motivation.  Each child in the program also receives 25 free books to take home.

The Volunteer Coordinator role will focus on expanding the City’s early literacy intervention in Community Schools and other Out-of-School-Time spaces. The Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with the OST Manager for Community Schools (OMCS) to organize a citywide recruitment effort to meet PRC’s program needs.  This involves back-end information management and active recruitment at all sites.

Work for this role is conducted under the supervision of the Community Schools Operations Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and grow volunteer base for Community Schools through outreach to individuals, community-based organizations and groups, colleges/universities, and corporations as needed.
• Work closely with Community Schools providers, partners such as the Philadelphia Free Library, and others to periodically assess needs for volunteer expertise and level of volunteer staffing.
• Develop and maintain process to review applications, check references and interview potential individual volunteers, assess interests/skills of volunteers and match with appropriate activities and community schools
• Manage comprehensive orientation process for new volunteers that includes information about volunteering in Community Schools (School District of Philadelphia website), criteria for involvement (based on existing needs), and other civic engagement opportunities.
• Work closely with all OCF program and department managers to ensure that volunteer positions are sufficiently filled to meet identified needs and volunteers enjoy a positive experience.
• Serve as an ambassador for Community Schools in relations with volunteers and organizations.
• Coordinate volunteer support for special events at Community Schools; participate in events as needed.
• Coordinate with SERVE on aligned activities such as volunteer trainings.
• Support each Community Schools with developing and sustaining a team of high-profile volunteers to volunteer on an ongoing basis.
• Expand opportunities for civic engagement through relationships, training, and innovative tactics.

TRAINING

• Participates in Community Schools and Office of Children and Families staff meetings.
• Attend capacity-building activities, including initiative-wide and site-based trainings, peer network meetings and study visits.
• Participates in learning communities with other coordinators.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT AND PROCESSING

• Act as first point of contact for volunteers, and assist them with enrollment and background checks
• Collecting clearances and running background checks to ensure that volunteers meet PA state requirements and School District of Philadelphia expectations.
• Maintain a database of volunteer records and clearances

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

• Recruit and enroll volunteers to fill volunteer opportunities with a primary focus on shifts for PRC.
• Work with Community Schools Operations Manager to develop and implement a comprehensive, year-round recruitment strategy for Community Schools.

GENERAL PRC & EARLY LITERACY SUPPORT

• Asset mapping and research
• Present at information sessions and tabling events
• Work with Community Schools Coordinators, OST Program Liaisons, and OST Providers to bridge site needs and PRC volunteer placement
• Create a database of volunteer stories and quotes
• Working with the OCF OST team to develop continued training opportunities for volunteers
• Other relevant duties as assigned

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The CS and PRC Volunteer Coordinator role includes recruitment and backend support in maintaining a diverse portfolio of volunteers to serve as literacy coaches at reading sites. The Volunteer Coordinator will work in close coordination with the OST Community Schools Liaisons and Performance Managers, to ensure PRC’s volunteer needs are met, training opportunities are offered, and quality service opportunities are offered.  The Volunteer Coordinator will provide office support for recruitment, including planning and follow-up, tracking recruitment goals and maintaining an online database that stores volunteer information and clearances.  The Volunteer Coordinator will also work with the OST Manager for Community Schools (OMCS) to build partnerships in alignment with various OST efforts across city departments as well as other existing and potential OST and Early-Literacy stakeholders.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• A self-starter who takes initiative and produces quality work
• A high energy, results-oriented individual who takes initiative, makes things happen, accepts accountability, and has a “can do” attitude; has a sense of urgency
• Action-oriented; an individual not afraid to roll up his/her sleeves and get into the details of the operation
• Detail oriented and extremely organized
• A team player with strong interpersonal skills who can work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Consistently demonstrates sound judgment
• Analytical; able to use analysis to assist in making decisions
• Enjoys working on small teams with a desire to learn from colleagues, supporting and encouraging each other in the pursuit of excellence
• Excellent time management skills with a capacity to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and projects and deliver on deadline
• Experience with data retention and relevant platforms
• Experience managing social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

WORK-LIFE

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however, the position can opt to come into the office each day if desired and may be asked to work on-site at select schools on an as-needed basis. A minimum of 2 in-office days per week is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years’ experience in volunteer programs
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree a High School diploma required with 5-10 years’ hands-on experience in program development and coordinated volunteer programs
• Knowledge of the public education system in Pennsylvania as well as the operation of community-based organizations and institutions of higher education is an asset.
• Profound knowledge of managing volunteer resources
• Outstanding knowledge of current trends and information for volunteerism.
• Solid understanding of maintaining confidential data
• Experience building relationships with individuals, organizations, and businesses
• Ability to think strategically about volunteer linkages to development
• Experience planning and managing small events
• Deep knowledge, understanding, and interest in school and community.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of the public education system in Pennsylvania as well as the operation of community-based organizations and institutions of higher education is an asset.
• Must be comfortable with the use of data to drive decisions.
• Ability to help people process difficult situations.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME.

Salary: $60,000 

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

*THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE

_PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA IS REQUIRING ALL NEW EMPLOYEES TO PRESENT PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19. _

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx