Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator

Position Overview
Think Wild Central Oregon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation, education, and conservation. We are seeking a Volunteer & Engagement Coordinator to recruit, train, onboard, coordinate, and retain volunteers across all organizational programs. This role ensures volunteers are
effectively integrated into operations, including wildlife hospital support, field programs, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement events.

This position also supports public-facing activities designed to foster community connection and education, including tours, wildlife releases, and outreach events. The Coordinator plays a key role in cultivating a positive volunteer experience while maintaining risk management, safety, and organizational
standards.

This position is hybrid, with flexible scheduling and regular in-person work required at Think Wild’s campus, around Bend, and at partner or event locations.

Core Responsibilities
Volunteer Program Management
● Lead recruitment, screening, onboarding, training, scheduling, engagement, and retention for volunteers across all organizational programs and initiatives.
● Serve as the central point of coordination for volunteer needs, collaborating with program staff to define volunteer roles, clarify expectations, and ensure strong alignment between organizational priorities and volunteer assignments.
● Manage volunteer communications, including updates and newsletters, and serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer inquiries and support.
● Recruit and coordinate volunteer-based committees, including member recruitment, onboarding, communication, meeting logistics, and ongoing support.
● Oversee volunteer scheduling systems and calendar management to ensure adequate coverage across programs, events, and committees. Step in as needed to maintain operational continuity.
● Track and analyze volunteer engagement metrics, including recruitment, retention, hours served, and program coverage, and provide regular reporting to leadership to support evaluation, planning, and grant reporting.
● Evaluate and improve volunteer systems, workflows, and communication processes to increase efficiency, consistency, and volunteer satisfaction across departments.
● Plan and oversee volunteer appreciation and recognition initiatives to strengthen retention and engagement.
● Develop lead volunteers and internal leadership pathways. Conduct volunteer check-ins, address performance concerns, and support conflict resolution in collaboration with the Operations Manager.
● Cultivate strong, long-term volunteer relationships to enhance engagement, continuity, and organizational impact.

Training & Risk Management
● Develop and maintain volunteer training materials aligned with organizational policies, safety standards, and program needs.
● Design and lead volunteer orientation sessions and program-specific trainings.
● Ensure volunteers understand and comply with expectations, procedures, safety protocols, and role responsibilities.
● Maintain volunteer records and required documentation, including background checks, waivers, and accurate tracking of volunteer hours. Support incident reporting and follow-up processes.

Youth & Family Volunteer Programs
● Develop, coordinate, and lead structured youth volunteer opportunities aligned with internal needs and external education and workforce development goals.
● Identify and expand age-appropriate opportunities for youth and families to participate in existing volunteer programs and events, ensuring meaningful, safe, and mission-aligned engagement.
● Provide appropriate supervision and ensure compliance with youth safety standards and age-appropriate responsibilities.
● Foster a supportive, skill-building environment that encourages long-term engagement in wildlife conservation and community service.
● Collaborate with Education staff to align youth pathways with broader programming and career exploration initiatives.

Group Volunteer Programs
● Recruit, design, and facilitate service opportunities for corporate teams, schools, civic organizations, and community groups.
● Collaborate with program staff and operations leadership to identify organizational priorities and develop group volunteer projects that meet real operational and programmatic needs.
● Build relationships with local businesses and institutions to increase group participation and recurring service partnerships.
● Coordinate logistics, materials, safety briefings, and day-of leadership to ensure high-quality, safe, and mission-aligned experiences.

Community Engagement
● Support and coordinate volunteer involvement in public-facing events, including onsite tours, wildlife releases, bingo, trivia, fundraising events, and tabling or outreach activities.
● Lead onsite tours for volunteers and community members and host select engagement and fundraising events as needed.
● Assist with event logistics and volunteer staffing to ensure smooth execution and positive participant experiences.
● Represent the organization professionally in community settings and facilitate engagement that strengthens community partnerships, outreach effectiveness, and organizational visibility.

Qualifications
Think Wild values diverse experiences and encourages candidates who are motivated and passionate about our mission to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.
● Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, environmental studies, education, communications, public administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
● 2–4 years of experience in volunteer management, community engagement or education, nonprofit programs, or event coordination
● Experience recruiting, coordinating, and retaining volunteers, staff, or teams
● Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
● Ability to lead groups and provide clear direction in both indoor and outdoor environments
● Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
● Ability to collaborate across departments and work independently with initiative
● Proficiency with email, spreadsheets, and database systems
● Commitment to diversity, equity, and accessible volunteer engagement
● Alignment with Think Wild’s mission
● Ability to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications
● Experience in a nonprofit, conservation, education, or mission-driven organization
● Experience working with youth programs or facilitating group engagement
● Experience coordinating community events or fundraising activities
● Familiarity with tools such as Little Green Light (or similar CRM), QuickBooks, Gusto, Google Workspace, and Canva
● Spanish language proficiency

To Apply
Please submit the following to info@thinkwildco.org:
● Cover letter
● Resume
● Three professional references (we will only contact if offered the role)

Use the subject line:
“Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator Application – [Your Name]”

Application review will begin on 3/1, and the position will be open until filled.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, please do not call or visit in person. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you are interested in working with Think Wild but do not yet meet the qualifications for this role, we encourage you to explore our internship opportunities at: https://www.thinkwildco.org/internships

Think Wild is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Thank you for your interest in supporting wildlife rehabilitation, education, and conservation in Central Oregon.