Accountable to: Volunteer Manager
Department: Operations
Employment Status: Non-exempt, full-time
Location: Fargo
Position Purpose
The volunteer associate is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of various volunteer projects at the statewide distribution center in Fargo. This position will coordinate projects through planning and scheduling and support the operations of the organization through office support, cleaning and assisting the Volunteer Manager and Operations Direction in other duties as needed. The Volunteer Associate is expected to adhere to and train volunteers on proper food handling, including cleaning and sanitizing in accordance with the American Institute of Baking (AIB) requirements. With our values of passion, service and innovation at the forefront, this position will advance the mission of Great Plains Food Bank to end hunger together and our vision of a hunger-free North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.
Core Accountabilities and Essential Duties
- Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement
The volunteer associate engages and creates a positive experience for volunteers at the statewide distribution center to grow and enhance services.
- Assists in recruiting and selection of volunteers for projects.
- Assesses skill sets of volunteers to ensure proper project selection.
- Takes and coordinates requests for volunteers.
- Tracks volunteer hours and related information in database.
- Recognizes volunteers through thank you letters, photos, Facebook posts and special events.
- Project Coordination
The volunteer associate assists in coordinating and preparing all aspects of volunteer projects.
- Plans, schedules, and implements projects.
- Prioritizes and organizes work load including project requests.
- Develops and establishes processes for repacking of products.
- Establishes timelines for projects adequately forecasting volunteer needs based on project timing and needs.
- Schedules and assigns volunteers to projects.
- Sets up projects including design of work areas and ensure proper materials and packing supplies are readily available.
- Trains volunteers on proper food handling and standards.
- Supervises volunteers throughout the project duration.
- Collaborates internally on volunteerism projects to ensure effective service delivery.
- Reporting & Paperwork
The volunteer associate ensures timely and complete tracking and reporting of inventory packed and volunteer hours contributed.
- Ensures adequate inventory of basic needed supplies.
- Prints necessary documents and labels for volunteers.
- Maintains spreadsheet of volunteer hours and recognition for reporting to Feeding America.
- Maintains accurate inventory and item weights of repacked products.
- Community Engagement
The volunteer associate represents the Great Plains Food Bank in the community, promoting volunteer and donation opportunities.
- Attends volunteer network meetings.
- Engages community in volunteer opportunities within the program.
- Provides warehouse tours to potential volunteers and the general public.
- Enhances Food Drive Program through effective partnerships with individuals and organizations.
Education and Experience
Successful candidates for this position must have a High School diploma. Prior experience working with volunteers preferred. Must have the ability to obtain forklift certification within 60 days of hire date along with Serv Safe Certification and AIB training within 90 days of employment. Valid driver’s license.
Skills and Competencies
- Passionate about mission
- Proven ability in building and coaching a strong, diverse and engaged staff
- Inquisitive, strategic thinker
- Strong internal and external customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment with multi-faceted demands and deadlines
- Strong organizational skills and detail oriented, yet flexible with an adaptable personal style
- Critical thinking skills to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
- Strong communicator that possesses excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build collaboration across teams and departments
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
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Submit completed application and resume to hr@greatplainsfoodbank.org