Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

About Second Harvest Of Silicon Valley

Founded in 1974, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of the largest food banks in the nation and a trusted nonprofit leader in ending local hunger. The organization distributes nutritious groceries through a network of nearly 400 partners at drive thru and walk up sites across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Due to the prohibitively expensive cost of living in Silicon Valley, the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise in inflation, Second Harvest is now serving an average of about 500,000 people every month. Second Harvest also connects people to federal nutrition programs and other food resources, and advocates for anti hunger policies on the local, state and national levels. To learn more about how Second Harvest is responding to the incredible amount of need in Silicon Valley, visit shfb.org.

About The Position

This role focuses on delivering an excellent volunteer experience by creating a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment. The position supports the end to end volunteer experience, educates them about our mission, and expresses appreciation for their service. In addition, this role provides customer service, scheduling assistance, and administrative support for the Volunteer Engagement Department, helping ensure a smooth and positive experience from start to finish.

This Job Might Be For You If

• Are passionate about ending hunger and making a meaningful community impact
• Have a strong customer service and hospitality orientation
• Care deeply about delivering a consistent, high quality volunteer experience
• Can adapt gracefully and calmly when plans change
• Enjoy face to face interaction with people of all ages
• Are dependable and thrive in a team based environment
• Are available to work evenings and weekends
• Are comfortable speaking in front of groups of up to 100 people
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing
• Are comfortable using technology or eager to learn new systems
• Are able to safely lift or carry items weighing up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally
  
  

Responsibilities

Volunteer Engagement

• Speak clearly and confidently about Second Harvest's mission, community impact, and internal policies to support volunteer safety
• Display a high level of self awareness, empathy, and interpersonal sensitivity to support volunteers through a wide range of situations
• Demonstrate an ability to calmly and effectively de escalate tense or emotionally charged situations, using active listening, empathy, and clear communication to guide volunteers toward positive outcomes
• Educate volunteers on the scope of our work while expressing genuine gratitude for their partnership
• Provide primary coverage at the volunteer front desk, supporting volunteer check ins with warmth, clarity, and enthusiasm
• Able to navigate sensitive issues balancing volunteer experience, organizational policies, and program needs, ensuring decisions uphold high standards while preserving strong volunteer relationships
• Respond to volunteer inquiries in a timely, friendly, and service oriented manner
• Collaborate across departments to support VIP and specialty volunteer activities
  
  

Data Stewardship and Scheduling Support

• Maintain accurate, up to date volunteer records with strong attention to detail to support a seamless volunteer experience
• Proactively review and monitor volunteer data to ensure compliance with organizational policies and requirements
• Support scheduling accuracy by maintaining volunteer shifts and ensuring public facing information reflects current needs and expectations
• Identify and address data gaps or inconsistencies that could impact volunteer communication, engagement, or experience
• Use volunteer management systems thoughtfully to uphold trust, clarity, and consistency throughout the volunteer lifecycle
  
  

Volunteer Training and Supervision

• Assign sorting projects to appropriate volunteer groups
• Assign and train team leaders on project objectives and requirements
• Train volunteers on various projects including food sorting, relabeling, and repackaging
  
  

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

• Support volunteer retention by consistently delivering a positive, welcoming, and well organized experience
• Connect volunteer talent to organizational needs, deepening engagement and community partnership in our mission
  
  

Cross Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with departments across the organization to support volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental goals and objectives
  
  

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following Professional Qualifications

• Partnership and Collaboration: Communicates effectively, defines clear handoffs, follows through on commitments, and solves problems with flexibility and good judgment across departments
• Strong Time Management: Effectively balances multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
• Customer Service Excellence: Brings a service oriented, team based approach to all interactions
• Technology Comfort: Strong aptitude for the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), systems that support the volunteer experience (Salesforce or HandsOn Connect experience a plus)
• Relationship Building: Uses open, timely communication to build trust and values diverse perspectives
• Accountability: Takes initiative, works independently, and consistently delivers on commitments
• Cultural Competence: Builds effective relationships with individuals from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and complete work accurately and independently within established timelines
• Reliability: Dependable in maintaining assigned work hours
• Licensing: Valid California driver's license with a clean DMV record; willingness to drive a personal vehicle as needed
• Physical Capability: Ability to safely operate warehouse equipment (a plus)
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work some evenings and weekends
• Independence: Ability to work steadily with minimal supervision while following standardized procedures
  
  

Reports To

Sr. Volunteer Engagement Manager

Location

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Cypress Center, 4001 N. First Street, San Jose CA 95134

This is an onsite position.

An employee’s regular remote work site should be within driving distance of one of Second Harvest’s locations and must be within the state of California.

Hours

Full-Time, Non-Exempt. 40 hours/week, with some evening and weekend work as necessary.

Compensation

$33.69 - $35.65 per hour is the wage range for this position. The hourly wage offer will be commensurate with skills and experience. Outstanding and generous health benefits program, 4 weeks of Flexible Time Off (vacation and sick), eleven paid holidays, and retirement plan.

EOE

Second Harvest is committed to being an equal opportunity employer which values diversity. All applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be selected based on specific, role related skills and qualifications.