Volunteer Engagement Manager

The Volunteer Engagement Manager is responsible for the strategic growth, administration, continuous improvement, and impact of the volunteer program. This role builds a culture of engagement, ensuring the program aligns with organizational priorities while deepening partnerships across the community and yielding excellent volunteer satisfaction and engagement.

Volunteer Program Leadership

• Lead and manage all aspects of the volunteer program including recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, recognition and compliance, ensuring each volunteer has a clear understanding of their role, expectations, and The Pantry’s values.
• Develop and maintain volunteer policies, procedures, position descriptions, standard operating procedures, handbooks and standards of conduct to ensure consistent program quality and alignment with organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with Massachusetts CORI requirements and maintain accurate records.
• Participate in Pantry committees and working groups to represent volunteer perspectives and contribute to advancing mission‑driven goals.
• Provide guidance, feedback, coaching, and conflict resolution to volunteers; partner with staff to address performance concerns and promote a collaborative environment.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to design and implement critical organizational improvements to strengthen volunteer operations and align with The Pantry’s strategic plan.

Engagement and Retention

• Design, develop and implement annual volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies with measurable goals for growth and volunteer satisfaction.
• Partner with the Associate Director to design and implement a volunteer recognition program to promote engagement, retention, and a positive volunteer culture.
• Build clear pathways for volunteer participation, including skill‑based, youth, community, corporate, and faith‑based groups, to diversify the volunteer base.
• Implement systems for ongoing feedback, surveys, and interviews to assess volunteer satisfaction, identify trends, and inform program improvements.
• Identify and cultivate leadership opportunities for volunteers to expand their roles and deepen their commitment to The Pantry’s mission.

Collaboration and Partnership

• Partner with the Advancement team to align volunteer engagement with donor stewardship and identify opportunities to engage volunteers in Pantry fundraising efforts.
• Plan and coordinate an annual volunteer luncheon in collaboration with the Advancement team.
• Collaborate with Communications to:
  • Share volunteer stories, impact data, and program highlights.
  • Provide volunteer support at fairs and community events that promote The Pantry.
  • Ensure consistent messaging in correspondence and collateral materials.
• Represent the organization at community events, speaking engagements, and recruitment fairs to strengthen awareness and partnerships.
• Support the Associate Director in building and sustaining partnerships with schools, civic organizations, and corporate groups.
• Lead coordination of group volunteer engagements (including youth, community, and corporate groups), managing scheduling, ambassador staffing, and post‑event follow‑up.
• Provide support for large‑scale volunteer events (e.g., Stamp Out Hunger), Pantry tours, and public engagement opportunities as needed.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the integration of volunteers into daily operations, ensuring coverage aligns with organizational needs and priorities.
• Ensure volunteer shifts are filled proactively to meet operational requirements and maintain smooth program delivery.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers and staff on effective volunteer supervision, delegation, and engagement.
• Develop and continuously improve systems and processes for scheduling, communication, and operational workflows in collaboration with the Operations team.
• Maintain visibility and engagement during key volunteer shifts to ensure daily operations and alignment with The Pantry’s mission.

Program Administration and Evaluation

• Manage and optimize the use of volunteer management software (e.g., Volgistics) to increase efficiency.
• Develop regular accurate data…