Volunteer Program Manager

Chabot Space & Science Center is a non-profit science center and observatory dedicated to inspiring and educating learners of all ages about the Universe and planet Earth. Chabot’s mission is to spark and engage curiosity, deepen access and inclusion within science education, and provide opportunity for pathways into careers in the sciences.

Situated on a beautiful 14-acre campus nestled in the redwoods of Oakland’s regional parks, the Chabot Space & Science Center includes immersive exhibits, hands-on learning activities, science festivals, a state of the art planetarium, and is home to the official NASA Ames Visitor Center. Chabot’s research-level astronomical observatory, featuring three large scale telescopes, is the largest observatory complex free for regular public viewing in the Western United States.

At Chabot, we:  

• Conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior, maintaining the trust and confidence of our community.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, valuing the diverse perspectives, ideas, and skills of our staff, volunteers, and partners, recognizing that collective efforts drive positive change.
• Encourage creativity and innovation, embracing new ideas, and approaches that advance our mission and optimize our impact and promote ongoing professional development, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and continuous improvement, where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute their unique strengths.  
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, appreciating their unique backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
• Actively seek partnership and collaboration, recognizing that working together with others strengthens our ability to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
• Measure our success by the positive impact we make in our community, always seeking ways to address emerging needs, adapt to changing circumstances, and make meaningful and lasting change.
• We believe that everyone deserves a career they love. We strive to build a diverse team that is a reflection of the people we serve; this is made possible through our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity, and connectedness. 

Volunteer Program Manager Job Summary:

As the Volunteer Program Manager at Chabot Space & Science Center, you will be at the forefront of building and nurturing a thriving community of volunteers passionate about science education and engagement. This pivotal role involves spearheading all aspects of the adult volunteer program, from recruitment to recognition, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience for volunteers while advancing the mission of our institution. The Volunteer Program Manager will play a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant team of volunteers who work on the floor, engaging audiences of all ages in hands-on demonstrations, talks, activities, docent tours and more. The position requires a visionary thinker, someone who can develop systems that will meet the needs of the institution and build and foster a cohesive and strong community of volunteers. This position has a Tuesday-Saturday schedule with additional flexibility needed.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Volunteer Recruitment and Onboarding:

• Develop and implement strategies for recruiting a diverse pool of volunteers with varying backgrounds and skill sets that meet the needs of the institution.
• Coordinate volunteer orientation sessions and oversee the onboarding process, ensuring volunteers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to contribute effectively.

Volunteer Training and Development:

• Design and deliver comprehensive training programs to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge required to fulfill their roles.
• Provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities to volunteers, fostering their growth and engagement.
• Create facilitation and engagement standards that align with Chabot’s mission.
• Develop assessment and feedback tools.

Volunteer Coordination and Scheduling:

• Manage volunteer schedules and assignments, ensuring adequate coverage for various activities and events.
• Be present for on-site events to act as point of contact for adult volunteers.
• Collaborate with departmental managers to match volunteers with opportunities that align with their interests, skills, and availability.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Cultivate strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to recruit volunteers and promote volunteer opportunities.
• Represent Chabot Space & Science Center at community events and networking forums to raise awareness of the volunteer program and attract potential volunteers.

Recognition and Appreciation:

• Develop and implement strategies to recognize and appreciate volunteers for their contributions, including awards, events, and ongoing communication.
• Solicit feedback from volunteers and stakeholders to continually improve the volunteer experience and retention.

Administrative Tasks:

• Maintain accurate records of volunteer information, hours, and activities using designated database systems.
• Create and manage volunteer shifts for various departments using Volgistics scheduling software.
• Develop weekly, monthly communications to volunteers which may include newsletter, in-person forums, etc.
• Prepare reports and metrics to assess the effectiveness of the volunteer program and track volunteer impact.
• Communicate between volunteers, staff and leadership to ensure on-going open communication between all parties.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven experience in volunteer management, including recruitment, training, and coordination, preferably in a museum, science center, or similar educational institution.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and volunteer management software.
• Passion for science education and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for volunteers and visitors alike.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.
• Requires ability to effectively manage multiple tasks in a high-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Possess diplomacy and adeptness in working across multiple departments and levels.
• This is a public-facing role that requires public speaking and working with the public.
• Must be able to work weekends/ evenings.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, volunteer administration, or education (or equivalent experience).
• 2 years’ experience in volunteer management
• Previous experience working in a museum or educational setting strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements listed below are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors in environmentally controlled conditions, or outdoors in seasonal temperatures.
• Ability to work in a sometimes loud and active environments for an extended period.
• Ability to work in crowded environments.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please address your relevant experience in volunteer management and your passion for science education.

CHABOT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Chabot is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our employees are people with differing strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for bringing science to the full range of our community – sparking excitement about a universe of possibilities beyond our planet. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one’s identity. All our employees’ points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $64,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person