Associate Manager of Volunteer Development

• We support a community of volunteers connecting people to the outdoors and each other. Our members have the opportunity to connect with transformative outdoor experiences, and that magic translates to our work culture. Every day is different and offers opportunities to connect in a new way. 
• You’ll join a tenured team invested in your growth and success. You’ll be supported through the initial onboarding and with ongoing on-the-job learning.
• We hire smart, collaborative people who love the outdoors. Your colleagues will be people you love working with to creatively solve problems, and who you’ll want to adventure with on the weekends.

Job Overview

The Associate Manager of Volunteer Development supports The Mountaineers volunteer base of 3,000+ volunteer leaders, instructors, committee members, and branch council members. Reporting to the Associate Director of Leadership, this position is responsible for the execution of our org-wide leadership development program and volunteer recognition programs, as well as related monthly and annual communications, for both adult and youth programs. Working closely with a mix of staff, key volunteers, and external partners, the Associate Manager of Volunteer Development collaborates to provide high-quality, impactful programming for Mountaineers volunteers. 

Success in this role looks like growth in program capacity, high student and participant satisfaction, high volunteer satisfaction, growth and development of individual volunteers, and growth and sustainability of a highly-skilled volunteer base.

You’ll love this job if: 

• You’re passionate about fostering community engagement and supporting volunteers in their growth and leadership development at The Mountaineers.
• You enjoy implementing and tracking programs that recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers.
• You thrive on building meaningful relationships and collaborating with diverse groups, including volunteers, staff, and community partners, to develop impactful leadership development opportunities.
• You’re excited to oversee multiple projects that innovate and continuously improve ongoing volunteer development opportunities at The Mountaineers, equipping our volunteers with the tools and resources for effective leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Development Programs: Responsible for the scheduling and success of The Mountaineers robust leadership development programs.

• Work closely with the Associate Director of Leadership to develop vision, design, and budget for leadership development and volunteer recognition programs.
• Schedule, manage, and track leadership development programs and events for volunteers.
• Support eLearning course development and administration.
• Develop and manage relationships with leadership development presenters and content experts.
• Attend and participate in volunteer and staff led programs, as needed.

Volunteer Support & Recognition: Responsible for administering The Mountaineers org-wide volunteer recognition programs.

• Develop and implement program evaluations to ensure leadership development programs are meeting The Mountaineers mission and volunteer needs.
• Schedule and track volunteer appreciation events while managing annual recognition, benefits, and award programs for volunteers.
• Create and manage systems to connect volunteers to approved vendors.
• Work with various Activity Councils to facilitate annual Activity Summit meetings.

Communications: Responsible for the creation and/or curation of the Education Department’s scheduled and ongoing communications with Mountaineers volunteers.

• Manage and write quarterly magazine contributions (Outside Insights) for the Education Department.
• Manage and write content for regular Education Department blogs, including program announcements and annual recaps.

Commitment to Equity and Belonging

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to The Mountaineers focus on advancing equity in alignment with our core values. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with colleagues of varied professional and lived experience. We encourage you to apply even if your background is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. 

We are also committed to building a culture where all people feel emotionally and physically safe. In support of this commitment, all prospective employees must agree to abide by The Mountaineers Code of Ethics and our Child Protection Policies. We do not tolerate discrimination, sexual misconduct, harassment, micro-aggressions, retaliation, assault, or any form of child abuse. 

Work Environment 

This role is based in Seattle, WA at The Mountaineers program center in Magnuson Park.  This position is expected to have a regular presence in our Seattle Program Center, with opportunities for a partial remote work schedule. The Mountaineers will provide a laptop computer for remote access. For remote work, the Associate Manager of Volunteer Development is expected to have a suitable remote work environment, including broadband internet access, to accomplish their job duties.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work and manage a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed. Frequent evening work is expected.
• Ability to travel to meet with branches throughout the Puget Sound region. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift/move 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally on event days.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to Apply

Special Benefits

This position is for a full-time, non-exempt employee. Salary range is $25-$29/hour, depending on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, and paid sick, vacation, and holiday time. 401(k) retirement plan available after three months. 

PTO benefit package for current staff and new hires as of Jan 1, 2024 include:

• 15 paid days vacation in first year, with additional accrual based on tenure 
• 4 paid volunteer days
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave according to Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance

Additional benefits include:

• Flexible working environment, with up to 40% remote work for most employees
• Mountaineers Family membership, including member access to our three mountain lodges
• Opportunities to advance your outdoor skills with $1,000 toward Mountaineers courses each year
• Two free tickets to many Mountaineers events
• Free copy of each newly published Mountaineers Books title
• Access to outdoor industry discounts (prodeals)
• Four on-site climbing and bouldering walls
• Bring your dog to work days
• Free parking for your bike or car, and an office located right on a bus line, with alternative transportation reimbursement (up to $100 per month for full time employees)  
• In-office shower for midday run, climbing session, or morning commute

Minimum Requirements

Requirements

• Experience in program and/or event planning, oversight, and evaluation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once and prioritize tasks as needed.
• Experience in writing newsletters, blogs, or similar communications, or a comparable position with demonstrated success in these areas.
• Cultural competency and desire to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check (applicants will be disqualified from consideration for any felony conviction involving a minor, a sexual offense, or violence). 

Desired Qualifications

While we do not anticipate that candidates will have the full slate of qualifications listed below, these are the qualifications that will make someone successful in the position. Candidates should see this role as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, and have a desire to learn and grow in areas below where they currently lack experience.

• Experience working directly with volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proven strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to communicate empathetically in all interactions.
• Desire to spend time outdoors and learn new outdoor activities. 
• Experience with some or all of the following leadership development topics: 
  • Risk Management 
  • Group Facilitation 
  • Education & Instruction 
  • Equity & Inclusion