Specialist, Volunteer Engagement

WHO WE ARE:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and addresses the challenges of those affected by MS. To fulfill this , we fund cutting-edge , drive change through , facilitate education, collaborate with MS organizations globally, and provide programs and to their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work, engage volunteers effectively through timely communication, and facilitate meaningful interactions while continually seeking and providing feedback for growth and learning opportunities.

WHO WE ARE SEARCHING FOR:

The Specialist, Volunteer Engagement is responsible for recruiting, placing, training, engaging, recognizing, and tracking volunteers for a variety of Society functions (Bike MS, Walk MS, Challenge Walk MS and Leadership events, etc.) according to assigned portfolio of events. This person works closely with Relationship and Event Production staff as well as event committee members and logistics companies (where applicable) to ensure event success through engagement of volunteers and creating a positive volunteers experience. This person also serves as a single point of entry to the organization for volunteers and engages volunteers to build personal and organizational capacity.

Essential Function/Responsibility

Event volunteer engagement (85 %):

• Lead recruitment, scheduling, training, engagement, recognition, and tracking for a variety of Society functions including but not limited to Bike MS, Walk MS, Challenge Walk and Leadership events
• Implement recruitment strategy that includes re-engaging prior event volunteers through phone calls and emails as well as outreach to new volunteers and community groups
• Execute event communication plan and coordinate with appropriate staff to ensure promotion of opportunities across all media streams (e-blasts, websites, social media, etc.)
• Provide clear and consistent communication prior to and at the event: work with volunteers to determine appropriate volunteer position; confirm volunteer placement; provide event details, duties, and expectations; determine opportunities for engagement in other areas of our work
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key volunteers and event volunteer leads to ensure high level of retention and engagement
• Ensure volunteers are properly trained and oriented to their role
• Implement recognition strategy, ensuring each volunteer feels valued and appreciate for their contributions
• Track event volunteer data in accordance with data strategy
• Maintain regular communication with Relationship and Event Production staff, sharing progress on filling volunteer positions, developing contingency plans where necessary, and troubleshooting volunteer gaps
• Ensure day of event plans are implemented, including but not limited to attendance at event and/or developing plan to identify and train staff or volunteers to support day of event activities and volunteers in various markets/areas.
• Ensure risk management requirements are met for all event volunteers, efficiently managing completion and collection of volunteer consent forms, background checks and required training

Other volunteer engagement (15%):

• Engage volunteers across the organization to build capacity including recruiting, managing and onboarding.
• Recruit, screen, train, onboard, manage, and track skilled and specialty volunteers.
• Be knowledgeable of all opportunities to engage in our work in assigned market
• Implement centrally produced tools and resources to create a consistent volunteer experience across the organization
• Execute volunteer recognition strategy, including working with market leader to identify and nominate awardees for local recognition and Volunteer Hall of Fame awards
• Engage volunteers in other programs, including MS Ambassadors, office volunteers and internships
• Recruit, engage and manage interns throughout the event season to increase capacity and provide an internship experience that is equally valuable
• Other duties as assigned