Volunteer Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The organization aims to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to deliver lasting impact, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to helping millions of people regain control of their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC is recognized as one of the largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO) and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those it serves.

Job Overview:
The Volunteer Specialist position is a vital role within the IRC, operating under the guidance of the Community Relations Manager. This position is primarily responsible for collaborating with IRC staff to assess and fulfill the needs for volunteers, interns, mentors, and AmeriCorps members. The Specialist will engage in the recruitment, screening, training, and supervision of these individuals, ensuring they receive ongoing support and guidance throughout their involvement. Additionally, the Volunteer Specialist will manage volunteer information using a centralized database system. The role also includes assisting the Community Relations Manager with community engagement initiatives, which may involve facilitating in-kind donations, preparing outreach materials, and supporting events as necessary. The Volunteer Specialist is expected to maintain a proactive approach in fostering community relationships and enhancing the IRC's volunteer program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Volunteer Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: coordinating internship programs to ensure they are effectively managed and aligned with IRC's goals; liaising with program managers to identify volunteer opportunities; organizing recruitment cycles for interns and volunteers; overseeing the onboarding and exit processes for all participants; maintaining relationships with local universities and keeping recruitment platforms updated; conducting outreach to attract new volunteers; managing communication with volunteers and acting as a liaison between them and IRC staff; maintaining accurate records in the Salesforce database; organizing recognition events for volunteers; collaborating with the Community Relations Manager to create outreach materials; representing IRC at community meetings and events; and supervising community engagement interns or other volunteers as needed. The Specialist will also be responsible for conducting information sessions and webinars to educate potential volunteers about available opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Volunteer Specialist position should possess a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in volunteer coordination or a similar field. They should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) is essential. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent problem-solving abilities and the capacity to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are crucial for maintaining relationships with volunteers and staff alike. The ability to work independently as well as part of a team is also important.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college is preferred for this position. This educational background will provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for effectively managing volunteer programs and engaging with diverse communities.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 1-2 years of related experience, which may include roles in volunteer management, community outreach, or similar fields. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to coordinate programs, manage relationships, and effectively communicate with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with volunteers, staff, and community members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in the IRC's Los Angeles office and is expected to conclude on September 30, 202

• It operates within a standard office environment, with some evening and weekend hours required. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and legally required insurance, as the role may involve using personal transportation within the service delivery area. Mileage reimbursement is available for travel related to job duties. The compensation for this role ranges from $24.00 to $26.78 per hour, with the exact offer depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. It is important to note that this is a short-term role and does not qualify for the full benefits package offered by IRC, although short-term employees are eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, paid sick leave, and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards that emphasize integrity, service, equality, and accountability.