Volunteer Coordinator

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the Nature Center's recruitment and retention of volunteers. This person works closely with all departments to ensure that the Center's mission is carried out through high-quality programming and placement of volunteers to meet the Center's needs.

This is a full-time position, which includes some weekend and evening hours. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of volunteer management: including recruitment, orientation, activation, training, reviewing, recognition and termination.  

Primary activities & duties

• Support other staff departments, (Naturalists, Maintenance, Marketing & Development, Registration, Administration, etc.) to ensure that their needs are met

• Organize group "done in a day" projects as well as short- and long-term volunteers

• Support staff in supervision of volunteer activities

• Attend volunteer outreach recruitment events, such as job fairs and volunteer fairs

• Support volunteer Special Events committees (may act as staff liaison)

• Record-keeping and reports (such as in the newsletter or in staff meetings)

• Participate in the Forum for Volunteer Administrators (www.fvaohio.org)

• Assist staff with developing marketing materials

• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to:

• Design posters, flyers, postcards, etc. for volunteer recruitment

• Advise or act as staff liaison to one or more special interest groups (such     as the Nature Photography Club, or specific Stewardship Clubs)

• Write grant proposals and reports

• Assist with marketing efforts as needed
  

Qualifications

• Four-year degree with at least a 3.0 gpa

• Minimum two years work experience in a professional position

• Experience with nonprofits

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proven people skills; good public speaker

• Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities

• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, adapt to change, to work independently, to prioritize effectively

• Ability to develop plans and timelines and follow through to completion

• Excellent overall computer skills; experience with databases and / or graphic design software a plus

• Interest in leadership development

• Commitment to the Nature Center mission and its principles and values

• Plays well with others

• Sense of humor

Planning & budgeting responsibilities
Responsible for keeping Executive Director informed of all planning and budgeting information needed to perform tasks on-time and within budget

Supervisory responsibilities
Responsible for the direct and indirect supervision of volunteers in areas of responsibility

Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, including health, retirement matching, progressive work environment, opportunities for professional development and advancement and generous vacation

Application Procedure
Please fax or email a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Kellie Tayer
F: 216-321-1869
Tayer@shakerlakes.org

Deadline
Open until filled.

Welcome Desk Assistant

Employee Type:    Part Time
Reports to:    Welcome Desk Manager

As a Welcome Desk Assistant, you are the face of the Nature Center.  You may be the first and only contact the visitor or caller has with us.  We want to be welcoming, knowledgeable, and encourage people to come and visit us: first impressions do count!

Duties
Greeting  and welcoming visitors, sharing the Nature Center story and describing the exhibits, Freeway story and general history of the Nature Center; answering the phone and directing calls; preparing mailings for the Development Department, helping in the Duck Pond gift shop by keeping the stock orderly and using the cash register; answering general questions callers and visitors may have. Knowledge of plants, animals and natural history of the Shaker Lakes area a plus.

Qualifications
Responsible and reliable person who has a pleasant personality and a ready smile. Ability and willingness to talk with the public is imperative; flexibility, dependability, and a sense of humor also a must. Previous experience working with the public preferred. Knowledge of plants, animals, and natural history of the Shaker Lakes area a plus.

Days and times
This is a part-time, hourly position. Welcome Desk Assistants are needed weekdays and Saturdays, between the hours of 10:00am to 5:00pm in 3-4 hour shifts; and Sundays between 1:00 pm - 5:00pm.. Available to oversee rentals during weekdays and weekends.

Compensation
Compensation is paid on an hourly basis and is commensurate with the job responsibilities. Hourly employees are not eligible for medical or other insurance from the Nature Center.

Application Procedure
Please fax or email a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Beverly Barr, Welcome Desk Manager & Rental Coordinator
F: 216-321-1869
Barr@shakerlakes.org

Summer Internship Opportunities

Nancy King Smith Stewardship Center Intern:
24 hours per week
Ideal internship opportunity for an individual interested in natural construction. Intern will assist in construction tasks such as framing, and other carpentry elements;  learn cobbing and plastering skills, and assist in preparation of materials, organization of job site and supervision of volunteers.  Internship schedule includes Saturdays or Sundays during construction, as well, as two weekdays.

Qualifications:  Ability to perform occasional heavy labor, some knowledge and experience with carpentry skills, interest in natural construction and green building, enthusiasm to learn and work outdoors. Previous experience working with volunteers helpful.

Application Procedure
For any of the above positions, please fax or email a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Kellie Tayer
F: 216-321-1869
Tayer@shakerlakes.org