Volunteer Coordinator (Contract)

Volunteer Coordinator (Contract)The Volunteer Coordinator (contract) supports the recruitment, training, scheduling, communicating with, and retaining volunteers for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This position serves as the primary day-to-day point of contact for volunteers and assists with volunteer operations across Festival programs and signature events. The Volunteer Coordinator ensures volunteers have a positive experience while supporting the Festival's mission of producing world-class events that celebrate the gift of the cherry trees and promote civic pride, cultural exchange, and community engagement.This position is anticipated to start January 4, 2027 and conclude May 15, 2027.Essential ResponsibilitiesVolunteer Recruitment & OnboardingAssist with volunteer recruitment campaigns through community organizationsSupport volunteer interviews and screening processesCoordinate volunteer onboarding materials and orientation logisticsVolunteer CommunicationsDraft and distribute volunteer newsletters, event updates, reminders, and announcementsMonitor volunteer email accounts and respond to questions in a timely mannerSupport management of volunteer communication platforms and social media groupsEnsure volunteers receive accurate event information, schedules, and training materialsVolunteer Scheduling & Database ManagementMaintain accurate volunteer records in the Festival's volunteer management systemTrack volunteer registrations, assignments, attendance, and service hoursGenerate volunteer rosters and event staffing reportsAssist with volunteer shift scheduling and coverage needsSupport volunteer credential distributionEvent Operations SupportHelp coordinate volunteer staffing for Festival signature events and community programsSupport event-day volunteer operations, including check-in, training, deployment, and troubleshootingServe as a liaison between volunteers and Festival staff during eventsVolunteer Engagement & RecognitionAssist with planning volunteer appreciation and recognition programsHelp coordinate volunteer kickoff events and training sessionsGather volunteer feedback and assist with post-event evaluationsAdministrative SupportPrepare reports on volunteer participation and engagement metricsAssist with data entry, correspondence, and other administrative tasksSupport the Volunteer Manager with special projects as assignedQualificationsRequired1–3 years of experience in volunteer coordination, event management, nonprofit administration, customer service, or related fieldsStrong organizational and administrative skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneouslyExperience using CRM databases, spreadsheets, and online collaboration toolsStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgroundsAbility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required during Festival seasonPreferredExperience managing volunteers for events or nonprofit organizationsFamiliarity with volunteer management softwareExperience coordinating large public eventsBachelor's degree or equivalent professional experiencePhysical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods during Festival eventsAbility to lift and carry materials up to 25 poundsAbility to work outdoors in varying weather conditionsTime Commitment:Part-time: January, February, and May, 2027 Full-time: March and April 2027Required evening and weekend availability:Pink Tie Party – Friday, March 12Opening Ceremony – Saturday, March 20Blossom Kite Festival – Saturday, March 27Night in Bloom – Friday, April 2Petalpalooza – Saturday, April 3Oxon Run Pinknic – Sunday, April 4National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – Saturday, April 10