This position is responsible for engaging volunteers, churches, and Catholic parishes to further the mission of Catholic Social Services through volunteerism and engagement. This includes volunteer recruitment, orientation, training, evaluation, recognition, and tracking. The position reports to the Senior Director, Development & Communications and works closely with CSS’s programs and development staff. Enlisting the input and involvement of colleagues and the community, this position identifies and implements opportunities for involvement between Catholic Social Services, its programs, parishes, schools, volunteers, and other constituencies in the Anchorage area.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

The communications team has the great privilege of sharing the stories of our community and engaging our community partners. With a focus on ethical storytelling and community engagement, we share the perspectives and experiences of our neighbors and create opportunities for our neighbors to engage in programs and partner together to help those in need.

Your work on our team has the potential to build understanding, enact change, and create a more prosperous community for all who call Anchorage home.

Competency: Must be able to maintain confidentiality and treat all individuals with dignity and respect. Individual must have a sincere commitment to the mission of CSS, its programs, and the people they serve. Must be professional and represent Catholic Social Services in all settings with a gracious and positive attitude.

Stress Tolerance: Displays emotional resilience. Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism and caring. Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance. Seeks support from others when necessary and uses appropriate coping techniques.

Knowledge: Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care is a plus. Knowledge of computer programs such as Windows, Outlook, and Microsoft Suite are required.

Skills: Must have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and work well as a member of a team. Must be flexible, dependable, possess good written and oral communication skills and demonstrate attention to detail and organization. This position will meet new supporters in their first step of the donor pipeline and is responsible for creating positive experiences and strong interactions with supporters. Must have strong social and interpersonal skills.

Volunteer Coordination

• Data entry, including processing new applications, making reports, and other tasks as needed.
• Work with programs on maintaining volunteer hours.
• Work closely with programs to support volunteer activities and create new volunteer opportunities.
• Coordinate and oversee group volunteer events.
• Work with HR on conducting background checks.
• Maintain communication with potential volunteers through the application to program process.
• Maintain current and archived volunteer files and databases.
• Monitor the volunteer email and calendar.
• Conduct volunteer orientation and follow up calls to new volunteers.
• Assist in developing and updating training materials.
• Create strong rapport and relationships with volunteers.
• Work with volunteers at the program level to gain a good understanding of volunteer duties and volunteer interests.
• Work closely with development to ensure all volunteers are being properly stewarded and given opportunities to support the agency further should they be interested.
• Provide event support with volunteer recruitment, day of organization, and appreciation.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive recruitment, orientation, training, retention, and recognition plan.
• Ensure that all volunteers are knowledgeable and feel valued. Daily supervision of volunteer efforts is delegated to the team in the program where the volunteers are assigned.
• Oversee and support staff who are hired to work with volunteers in the communications dept.

Community & Parish Engagement

• Serve as primary point of contact for all requests to volunteer/collaborate including, telephone, voicemail, email, and written requests and ensure a timely response.
• In partnership with the communication team, develop and maintain appropriate collateral materials for recruitment of volunteers.
• Promote CSS events and encourage participation within different church ministry groups, parish staff, and other key religious community groups.
• Work closely with Parishes in the Anchorage community to engage and educate groups, form relationships, and provide donation and volunteer opportunities.
• Engage with religious groups and communities. Work with groups such as, but not limited to: youth groups, women’s groups, Knights of Columbus, schools.
• Engage with Parishes during Holidays and other special events.
• Attend fairs, festivals, schools, corporations, etc. in promoting Catholic Social Services when appropriate and required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, or related field. Four (4) years of experience may be substituted for the required education.

Minimum Experience Requirement: One (1) year of experience in volunteer management, community engagement, customer services, or a related field.

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

Work environment: Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time.

Travel: Frequently - Travel out of Alaska is rare. Frequent travel within Anchorage is required.

Location: Example: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.