Volunteer Program Manager

Founded in 2000, JRA delivers food assistance and critical services to approximately 6,500 diverse individuals across Greater Philadelphia by relieving hunger, improving lives, and strengthening our community. JRA works to alleviate the everyday burdens of poverty for 3,800 food insecure households through our Monthly Food Distribution. Prior to the pandemic JRA attracted between 800 and 1,200 volunteers a month from all walks of life to come together to deliver food and other critical supplies. Over the years, JRA has established additional programs to meet community members at their point of need. Our array of supportive services, which include the Family Friendly Food Initiative, Everyday Essentials program, Crisis Fund, and Friendly Phone Calls, alleviate some of the stressors felt by the families we serve. 

JRA is seeking a Volunteer Program Manager to perform the critical role of creating and managing an outstanding volunteer experience. The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills, is highly motivated, energetic, and tech-savvy. We aim to hire an engaged, hands-on leader who can thrive in a fast-paced environment. This individual will oversee a robust volunteer experience that is diverse, multi-generational, includes new and returning volunteers as well as a variety of groups, and fosters a supportive and thriving community culture where volunteer engagement is celebrated, and kindness is taught. 

Responsibilities

• Manage a high volume of communication with individuals and groups interested in volunteering; respond quickly, accurately, and cheerfully to changing conditions
• Develop and implement strategies for individual and group volunteer recruitment and outreach 
• Register, confirm, and follow up with volunteers and groups for volunteer opportunities including packing and delivering during monthly Food Distributions using the month’s Master Spreadsheet 
• Create and update volunteer materials
• Maintain and update Salesforce with volunteer information 
• Oversee Distribution Administrative Tasks including preparing the delivery routes and organizing the volunteer materials 
• Coordinate the Route Owner Program which includes tracking participation and overseeing recruitment of new route owners, and reporting 
• Manage volunteer recruitment and scheduling for monthly deliveries to Federation Housing apartments 
• Build and nurture relationships with community organizations and attract new volunteer groups to Distributions
• Provide a positive, safe, and educational volunteer experience, beginning with facilitating orientation and training for volunteers 
• Speak to audiences at synagogues, schools, and other community organizations to provide an overview of JRA and to promote volunteer opportunities 
• Coordinate the Caring Cards and Birthday Cards programs; facilitate volunteer recruitment and track participation 
• Manage volunteer appreciation and recognition for Yellow Cappers, Route Owners, and general volunteers 
• Co-Chair the Volunteer Engagement Committee, including planning meeting agendas and scheduling monthly committee meetings
• Develop and maintain the B’nai Mitzvah and Junior Yellow Capper programs including the recruitment of new participants
• Coordinate with community partners to provide volunteer opportunities for individuals living with physical and mental disabilities 
• Monitor and resolve issues involving volunteers according to established procedures and organizational core values
• Assist with planning Leadership Academy workshops, as well as recruitment for the upcoming class 
• Flexibility to take on other assignments based on needs of the organization 

Warehouse Responsibilities

• Approximately one week per month, including monthly Food Distribution days, work remotely at JRA’s warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia 
• Act as the lead staff member during distribution days at the warehouse to ensure smooth check-in, packing, and delivery processes 
• Oversee and manage volunteers at the warehouse including groups, individuals, and families 
• Assist with preparing the warehouse for distribution which includes setting up the food assembly lines 
• Enforce strict safety and security protocols on site 
• Deliver food boxes when needed 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of professional experience preferred
• Familiarity and experience with nonprofit volunteer programming highly desired
• Excellent at establishing positive rapport and relationships with individuals, groups, businesses, and stakeholders 
• Comfortable speaking in public to large groups of community members and volunteers
• Strong time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to prioritize are essential 
• Comfortable managing individuals of a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, religions, and physical abilities 
• Enthusiasm and interest in JRA’s mission-driven work and organizational values
• Experience working collaboratively, comfortable asking questions and refined critical thinking skills are vital 
• Superior skills with Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Google Drive
• Experience with and/or the capacity to learn Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (CRM) navigation and reporting is required
• Flexibility and ability to multitask 
• Familiarity and knowledge of the Jewish community, traditions, and practices 
• Must have access to a car and a valid driver’s license
• Ability to stand for extensive periods of time and lift 25 pounds are required 

Benefits and Salary

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package 
• Generous package for time away from work, including vacation, sick time, and holidays 
• Great professional development and skill building opportunities 

Temporary Covid-19 Remote Work 

Currently, the majority of the staff are working remotely with the exception of the Monthly Food Distribution. JRA has implemented rigorous health and safety protocols to minimize risk of exposure for staff who occasionally need, or want, to work from the office. When our office and warehouse does fully reopen for in-person work, it will open with health and safety protocols in place.