Purpose of Position: 

This position is responsible for the recruitment and management of volunteers for United Way’s ReadingPals, an early literacy volunteer initiative as well as other projects.  Strong emphasis is placed on the ability to develop a recruitment plan that results in volunteers serving children at kindergarten sites in Columbia, Hamilton, and Suwannee Counties.  The coordinator position facilitates these efforts in conjunction with community partners – Children’s Movement of Florida, Columbia County Public Schools, Hamilton County Public Schools, Suwannee County Public Schools, and various United Way committees. The Volunteer and Events Coordinator will also be responsible for the planning of various United Way events while working to market the overall organization.  This person must deliver excellent customer service, be a self-starter, a good listener, comfortable requesting sponsorships, and able to work collaboratively.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Event Planning and Execution.

• Responsible for all aspects with planning and coordination of United Way events throughout the year, from pre-planning to implementation, including soliciting cash sponsorships. Silent Auction solicitation.

 Cultivate active ReadingPals volunteers.

• Recruit volunteer tutors through various viable recruitment strategies, including but not limited to United Way workplace campaign contacts, parent teacher organizations, civic organizations, the faith community, etc.
• Conduct training sessions for new and returning volunteers covering: basic literacy instruction, effective mentoring practices, Social Emotional Learning, curriculum implementations, English Language Learners, diversity, and program structure.
• Understand background screening results and determine eligibility to participate.
• Provide ongoing stewardship of volunteers to provide a deeper understanding and connection to United Way and support donor process.
• Plan volunteer activities and events influencing education strategies.
• Research companies and maintain corporate relationships with education-focused partners.
• Generate ReadingPals promotional pieces for distribution for volunteer recruitment.
• Promote ReadingPals through traditional media and incorporate ReadingPals into the United Way of Suwannee Valley social media, including the website, Twitter, Facebook, and UWSV newsletters generated through Constant Contact.
• Ensure the fulfillment of the grant requirements relative to volunteer recruitment, screening, and placement, and recognition events.

Marketing

• Develop and implement compelling content to build brand and product awareness.
• Assist with implementation of communication plans and strategy to ensure that proper messaging and branding is executed.
• Assists with the development of editorial content for all communication pieces.
• Creates timely press releases and press advisories to highlight the work of United Way of Suwannee Valley.
• Creates, manages and grows the UWSV presence across social media channels, which may include sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and potential additional channels (Snapchat, Vine, etc.)
• Develop engaging content appropriate for specific networks to both spread our brand and our content and links.
• Integrate and create digital communications, including social media, into routine marketing/communication activity.
• Assist with writing, maintaining and monitoring content across a variety of platforms.
• Develop content for internal and external newsletters.
• Develop content for event correspondence, collateral materials, social media and web.
• Maintain an awareness of best practices within the United Way Worldwide Network.
• Utilizes various measurement tools to analyze web and social media metrics and continually seek to find ways to improve those metrics through testing and new initiatives.

United Way volunteers

• Update the volunteer database with volunteers and committee meetings.
• Create, coordinate and implement volunteer recognition activities.  These activities include:
• An annual Volunteer appreciation event
• Quarterly volunteer E-newsletter

In general:

• Perform related tasks as required and assigned by the United Way.
• Demonstrate commitment to the United Way Code of Conduct in all interactions with constituents.
• Follow all organization’s policies, practices, and procedures.
• Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Guidance/Assistance Received:

Executive Director and Campaign Coordinator, United Way of Suwannee Valley

Position Relationships:

External: General public, volunteers, school district personnel, vendors

Internal: Reports to Executive Director, UWSV; interacts with UWSV staff and volunteers

Position Requirements:  (i.e., education, certification/licensure, experience, personal/professional skills and talents, etc.)

• High School Diploma, BA degree or comparable work experience.
• Minimum of two years related work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed assigned objectives.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Proficient in the use of computer equipment/programs including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, Canva,etc.
• The desire to actively support and participate in United Way functions.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment while fostering the values of the organization.
• Ability to use good judgment and assessment techniques.
• Good interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining rapport and effective working relationship with internal and external contacts including the general public, volunteers and staff at all levels so as to represent the United Way in all segments of society.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.