Specialist, Volunteer Engagement

WHO WE ARE:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

Upcoming Office Closure:

The National MS Society will be closed from December 23 to January 1. During this time, staff will be unavailable as we take a break to rest and recharge. We encourage all candidates to submit your applications as soon as possible, as we will begin the interview process in January 2025. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year!

Essential Function/Responsibility
Event volunteer acquisition and engagement (85%):

• Lead recruitment, scheduling, training, engagement, recognition, and tracking for a variety of Society functions including but not limited to Bike MS, Walk MS, Challenge Walk and Leadership events
• Implement recruitment strategy that includes re-engaging prior event volunteers through phone calls and emails as well as outreach to new volunteers and community groups
• Execute event communication plan and coordinate with appropriate staff to ensure promotion of opportunities across all media streams (e-blasts, websites, social media, etc.)
• Provide clear and consistent communication prior to and at the event: work with volunteers to determine appropriate volunteer position; confirm volunteer placement; provide event details, duties, and expectations; determine opportunities for engagement in other areas of our work
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key volunteers and event volunteer leads to ensure high level of retention and engagement through ongoing communication and in-person meetings
• Ensure volunteers are properly trained and oriented to their role
• Implement recognition strategy, ensuring each volunteer feels valued and appreciate for their contributions
• Track event volunteer data in accordance with data strategy
• Maintain regular communication with Relationship and Event Production staff, sharing progress on filling volunteer positions, developing contingency plans where necessary, and troubleshooting volunteer gaps
• Ensure day of event plans are implemented, including but not limited to attendance at event and/or developing plan to identify and train staff or volunteers to support day of event activities and volunteers in various markets/areas.
• Ensure risk management requirements are met for all event volunteers, efficiently managing completion and collection of volunteer consent forms, background checks and required training

Other volunteer engagement (15%): Engage volunteers across the organization to build capacity including recruiting, managing and onboarding.

• Recruit, screen, train, onboard, manage, and track skilled and specialty volunteers.
• Be knowledgeable of all opportunities to engage in our work in assigned market
• Implement centrally produced tools and resources to create a consistent volunteer experience across the organization
• Execute volunteer recognition strategy, including working with market leader to identify and nominate awardees for local recognition and Volunteer Hall of Fame awards
• Engage volunteers in other programs, including MS Ambassadors, office volunteers and internships
• Recruit, engage and manage interns throughout event season to increase capacity and provide a valuable internship experience
• Other duties as assigned

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

Minimum Qualifications:

BA/BS degree

3+ years of recruitment, volunteer engagement or related experience may be accepted in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.

Minimum Experience/Skills/Competencies Required:
* Two or more years of volunteer engagement experience
* Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
* Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
* Strong oral and written communication skills
* Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects and priorities effectively
* Demonstrated initiative and motivation
* Ability to manage difficult or complex situations and/or relationships with confidence and
diplomacy
* Ability to establish strong collaborative relations and work with others in a cooperative and
effective manner
* Ability to travel and work occasional nights and weekends
* Commitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS
Society

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities and strive to make it as effortless as possible to apply for our positions. With only a few required sections and the option to use our resume parsing tool, we aim to streamline the application experience, saving you time and effort. Additionally, if you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please feel free to attach it along with your resume, and any other documents required, to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience page. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and look forward to receiving your application!

Important: Please check the job posting to see if a Cover Letter or any other documents are required for the position you are applying to. You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it. The My Experience page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments. If you experience any trouble submitting your materials, please check out our FAQ & Contact Us page.