Specialist, Event Volunteer Engagement

WHO WE ARE :

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

The Specialist, Event Volunteer Engagement is responsible for recruiting, scheduling, training, engaging, recognizing, and tracking volunteers for a variety of Society functions including but not limited to Bike MS, Walk MS and Leadership events according to assigned portfolio of events.

The average event portfolio consists of 17 - 23 events spread across multiple states (New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Connecticut) and requires travel to these locations for volunteer cultivation and engagement work as well as event execution responsibilities.

This position works closely with Development 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 position also serves as a single point of entry to the organization for volunteers and engages volunteers to build personal and organizational capacity.

This role will have the optional ability to work from home and must be based in Woodbridge, NJ or surrounding area to support events in the assigned portfolio.

Essential Function / Responsibility

Event volunteer acquisition and 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 through ongoing communication and in-person meetings

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 event season to increase capacity and provide a valuable internship experience

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Experience / Skills / Competencies Required

Two or more years of volunteer engagement experience

Exceptional organizational and time-management skills

Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects and priorities effectively

Demonstrated initiative and motivation

Ability to manage difficult or complex situations and / or relationships with confidence and diplomacy

Ability to establish strong collaborative relations and work with others in a cooperative and effective manner

Ability to travel and work occasional nights and weekends

Commitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society

Technical / Other

Computer knowledge and experience in MS Office suite. Ability to quickly learn new software is desired. Database experience preferred but not required.

Investigates and recommends approval for purchases of materials in accordance with Society procedures. Must be able to execute a plan and know when to coordinate with others also working on the plan.

Managing volunteers, both individually and in large groups, is imperative to success in this role. Processes records according to Society policies, including handling of confidential information.

Will work with volunteer group leaders to identify appropriate opportunities and schedules for large groups. During events, will need to work with logistics staff to address coverage issues that may arise.

Problem solving and decision making may require research into internal processes and procedures. In extreme cases (inclement weather during an event, etc.

problems they may be more complex and proactive collaboration with appropriate functional staff will be necessary.

The position will also be responsible for directing both staff and volunteers during event weekend to ensure successful event execution requiring the ability to make in the moment decisions to ensure the success of the event.

Communicating effectively, both in writing and verbally, and demonstrating positive leadership while setting direction is necessary.

This position will be required to drive / travel on Society business. Candidate must possess a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation.

The Society does run motor vehicle checks for all positions which require driving and the applicant must meet the Society guidelines

Compensation & Benefits Information

The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is$46,200 - 54,000. Final offers will be based on the candidate'sgeographic location and consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.

• The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package to employees. These benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan;
• Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance;

Commuter Benefit Plan; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Life Assistance Plan as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.

The Society has a career framework that is our foundation of a clear, consistent structure for growth and careers. It is comprised of career bands and career levels, as well as functions and disciplines, that together, capture the Society's positions and work.

This position is in the Business career band and a level of 3 (B3).

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :

We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities and strive to make it as effortless as possible to apply for our positions.

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We appreciate your interest in joining our team and look forward to receiving your application!

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