Volunteer and Sustainability Coordinator at The Sewing Labs – Kansas City, Missouri

The Volunteer and Sustainability Coordinator is a part-time role that supports and maintains The Sewing Labs’ volunteer program and coordinates ongoing sustainability and textile waste reduction efforts across the organization. The position focuses on stewarding established systems and processes to ensure that volunteer engagement, in-kind donation management, and sustainability practices operate smoothly and consistently.

This role supports day-to-day operations related to volunteers, donations, recycling, and community engagement, with an emphasis on coordination, documentation, and implementation rather than program development or strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainability Program

Donation and Materials Management

· Coordinate daily intake, weighing, recording, and distribution of donated textiles, sewing notions, and sewing machines.

· Maintain existing processes for effective use, storage, and redistribution of in-kind donations.

· Manage physical storage and movement of donated materials, including preparation for off-site events and community projects.

· Coordinate scheduling and logistics for donation drop-offs and pickups using established procedures and staff guidance.

· Track and maintain accurate data on donation volume, use, and impact for internal reporting.

· Support overflow donation management using established procedures.

Internal Sustainability Practices

· Coordinate scheduling, communications, and documentation related to ongoing sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.

· Monitor and support existing internal sustainability systems, identifying process improvements as needed.

· Manage onsite recycling systems, including co-mingled waste, textiles, and electronics.

· Transport textiles and electronics to off-site recycling partners as needed.

· Support staff and volunteers in following established waste reduction practices.

Community Outreach and Education

· Educate volunteers, donors, students, and community members on sustainable sewing, textile reuse, and upcycling practices.

· Ensure TSL is represented at select community events, tabling opportunities, and partner meetings as scheduled, either by attending directly or coordinating coverage.

· Support and assist with facility tours for volunteers, donors, and community groups as needed.

Volunteer Coordination

Recruitment and Onboarding

· Recruit and onboard volunteers for donation processing, sustainability projects, classes, and events.

· Screen volunteers to ensure appropriate placement based on organizational needs.

· Post and maintain volunteer opportunities through Civic Champs and other established communication channels.

Training, Support, and Scheduling

· Deliver volunteer orientations and task-specific training using existing materials.

· Coordinate group volunteer activities, community project sewing days, and special volunteer projects.

· Maintain clear, up-to-date instructions for volunteer shifts and activities.

· Maintain organization of volunteer work areas and the designated volunteer room.

· Manage the Ambassador volunteer program, including orientation and event coordination.

Recognition and Retention

· Track volunteer hours, participation, and assignments in the volunteer management system.

· Coordinate volunteer appreciation activities and recognition efforts.

· Gather volunteer feedback and share observations with staff to improve volunteer experience.

Operations Support

· Attend monthly staff meetings.

· Answer general phone and in-person inquiries related to volunteers and donations.

· Assist with general cleaning and upkeep of shared spaces related to volunteer and donation activities.

· Support special event volunteer coordination as scheduled.

Qualifications

· Passion for sustainability, waste reduction, and community education.

· Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a part-time role.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work independently while collaborating with staff and volunteers.

· Comfort working with databases and basic reporting tools.

· Experience with volunteer coordination or nonprofit operations preferred.

· Familiarity with Civic Champs or similar volunteer management systems preferred.

· Knowledge of sewing and textile reuse helpful but not required.

Physical Requirements

· Repetitive physical and mental tasks.

· Walking, standing, bending, lifting, and twisting.

· Use of hands to handle tools and materials.

· Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

· Ability to drive for donation transport and recycling drop-offs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.