Jobs

Volunteer & Advocacy Programs Manager

REPORTS TO: Chief Strategy Officer

HOURS: Full time, 40 hours per week; includes some evening and weekend hours

PAY RANGE: DOE

BENEFITS: Medical, dental, vision, retirement, long term disability, vacation & sick leave

POSITION TYPE: Exempt

The Volunteer Programs Manager will oversee recruitment, training, evaluation, screening, recognition, and supervision of staff, volunteers, interns, AmeriCorps members, and students as appropriate according to program needs or as directed by the Advocacy and Community Engagement Director or the Executive Director. An emphasis of this position is to support LIHI residents, clients, and communities through creation and coordination of opportunities to: 1) increase their employability through structured activities designed to build vocational and technical skills and; 2) strengthen self-sufficiency and self-empowerment through education and advocacy activities designed to increase awareness of the available resources and rights affecting homeless and low-income people in Washington State. The Volunteer Programs Manager will be responsible for building relationships with community partners and potential stakeholders, as well as maintaining communications between volunteers, site staff, and resident leaders across the LIHI portfolio.

Responsibilities:

Program Management

? Use currently available and develop and implement new systems for recruitment, tracking, placement, orientation, evaluation, training, screening, recognition, oversight, and supervision of volunteers in support of LIHI communities and the organizational mission.

? Collaborate with Advocacy and Community Engagement Director, Executive Director, Human Resources Director, Grants Writer, Site Management, Tiny House Village staff, and other staff on the development of volunteer programs and resident and client programs and services powered by volunteers.

? Provide effective supervision and oversight of staff, volunteers, volunteer leaders, AmeriCorps members, and interns, including evaluation, recognition and accountability.

? Work collaboratively with LIHI Housing Management and Supportive Services teams to increase resident and client participation in volunteer and advocacy programs.

? Working collaboratively with other organizational partners, become knowledgeable about existing volunteer and advocacy programs and resources around Puget Sound.

? Build effective relationships and develop regular communication with residents and clients, especially those who are leaders and key contacts in LIHI housing and tiny house villages.

? Maintain existing community partnerships and develop new community partnerships to enhance and increase the programs and opportunities available for LIHI residents and clients.

? Attend resident and client community meetings and events to keep residents and clients informed of current volunteer programs and to seek input on the development of new programs.

? Create evaluative tools for volunteer programs which incorporate input from residents, staff and other stakeholders.

? Track all volunteer enrollment and participation across the LIHI portfolio and submit regular comprehensive reports as requested on volunteer participation.

? Recruit, train, organize, and run orientations for staff, volunteers, interns, service learning students, work study participants and AmeriCorps members according to program or individual needs.

? Identify, recruit, and oversee a core group of volunteer leaders who lead volunteer groups and help support and build upon volunteer programs.

? Organize and lead or oversee group volunteer projects, coordinating with other LIHI staff, volunteer leaders, and resident or client leaders.

? Collaborate with tiny house village development staff in organizing volunteers for tiny house village volunteer work parties.

? Give presentations in front of community groups to share about the mission and programs of LIHI, with the goal to help recruit additional volunteers and donors.

? Coordinate with LIHI staff, volunteers, residents and clients to organize donation drives of materials, food, or funds to benefit LIHI residents and clients.

? Write and post electronically (such as on LIHI social media) and physically (such as flyers and posters) about volunteer programs and volunteer-powered resident programs and services, including opportunities and positions available and recognition of volunteer efforts.

? Collaborate with grant writing and fund development staff on grant and funding proposals to further the capacity of volunteer and resident programs.

? Seek out, identify and arrange appropriate and as needed trainings (such as fair housing and de-escalation) for staff, longer term volunteers, interns, and AmeriCorps members

? Perform other related duties as required.

Advocacy

• Contribute to the development of a community that values cultural diversity.

• Participate in meetings and lobbying of government officials on legislation that helps further LIHI’s mission.

• Coordinate public advocacy and lobbying activities for LIHI residents, staff and volunteers.

• Attend and participate in public policy and advocacy events, forums, and hearings with organizational and political representatives.

• Attend meetings and participate in community action with other community partners and coalition organizations.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public policy or related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working with and supervising staff and volunteers and demonstrated ability to work effectively with management, staff, volunteers, residents, clients, community partners, government staff and officials, and the public.

• Commitment to social change through the empowerment of people who are low-income or experiencing homelessness.

• Two years experience in developing community programs, community organizing, or program/administrative duties commensurate with responsibilities outlined above.

• Knowledge of community resources, employment, vocational, and educational curriculums, and community job placement programs for homeless and low-income people.

• Demonstrated ability to work with people with sensitivity to cultural and class issues, as well as people with varying technical skill levels.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Must be a strong self-starter; ability to work independently with minimal supervision and willingness to seek out opportunities for new training and knowledge when necessary.

• Demonstrated ability to appropriately and sensitively handle confidential information.

• Excellent computer skills and proficient in using Microsoft Office tools, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Excellent organizational skills as well as high level of attention to detail.

• Experience and comfort with using database systems for data entry, recording and reporting.

• Ability to diffuse and resolve complex, sensitive situations.

• Ability to accept and embrace ambiguity when required.

• Ability to work and remain calm in a fast-paced, high pressure work environment.

• Comfort speaking in front of groups of all sizes and the press as needed.

• Flexible and willing to work evenings/weekends when necessary.

• Current Washington State driver’s license, a vehicle and the ability to travel frequently between locations.

• Able to pass criminal background and drug screenings

New hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their start date; except where accommodations are required by law. Proof of COVID-19 vaccine is required upon hire unless an accommodation is made.

The Low Income Housing Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. LIHI participates in the e-verify system.

About us:

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has a 30-year history and track record of owning and managing low-income housing; developing innovative solutions to homelessness; advocating for housing justice; providing supportive services; and operating hygiene services for homeless people at our Urban Rest Stops. LIHI staff have developed over 4,500 affordable housing units and manages over 2,500 units including rental housing, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing. The populations served include: families, singles, seniors, veterans, young adults, immigrants, low wage workers, and people living with physical and mental disabilities. LIHI is one of the largest nonprofit housing organizations in the state. Our properties are located in Seattle, King County, and five adjacent counties. LIHI is a national leader in sponsoring tiny house villages as a crisis solution to homelessness. Annually, the tiny house villages and shelters serve 1,000 homeless people and our hygiene programs serve over 8,000 homeless people. LIHI is a BIPOC organization committed to anti-displacement, equitable development, and social racial justice. LIHI staff is collaborative, dynamic, and dedicated to taking bold steps in ending homelessness and creating supportive communities for people to thrive.

Learn more here

Job posted: 2022-05-29