Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope is a Chicago nonprofit working to end food hunger and address its root causes. Founded in 1970, we have evolved from a traditional food pantry into a comprehensive organization providing nutritious food, social services, and mental health support to individuals and families across Chicago.

We support the whole person with with respect, dignity, and compassion through:

• Five food access programs providing monthly groceries—including fresh produce, protein, grains, canned goods and other pantry staples—plus Bonus distributions offering additional food throughout the month.
• Home delivery for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities.
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Each year, Nourishing Hope provides nutritious food and essential support to tens of thousands of Chicagoans. In 2025, we distributed more than 6 million pounds of food, served 50,000 neighbors, and provided more than 7,000 social services, including over 3,400 free mental health counseling sessions.

When you join Nourishing Hope, you become part of a team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors and strengthening our Chicago communities.

Position Summary

The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to create a positive volunteer experience at Nourishing Hope. Reporting to the Manager of Volunteer Engagement, this position will focus on meeting the volunteer needs of the organization by stewarding and coordinating volunteers and volunteer groups via hands-on opportunities at our four locations. The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator helps manage and support over 100,000 volunteer hours annually and will work in person. As needed, this position will support and travel to all Nourishing Hope locations and assist in building strong relationships with the volunteer and donor communities.

Schedule and Locations

This position primarily works out of Nourishing Hope's Headquarters, located at 1716 W Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60622. The work schedule is Monday through Friday and may require occasional Saturday shifts. Hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm with an occasional shift flexing into the evening. The ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours is required. Hours and other onsite location presence may vary based on programmatic needs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Group Coordination & Experience Management - Serve as the lead coordinator for volunteer groups of five or more, managing all communications, scheduling, and on-site logistics across Nourishing Hope’s four city locations. You will partner with the development and program teams to ensure a seamless experience from the initial inquiry to the completion of their service shift.
• Donor Stewardship & Community Partnerships - Act as a liaison for schools, residential buildings, and small businesses to introduce them to volunteer activities and fundraising opportunities. You will manage a portfolio of small business partners and collaborate on stewardship plans to convert volunteers into long-term financial supporters.
• Communications & Resource Development - Support high-level volunteer engagement by producing the Monthly Volunteer Bulletin and updating orientation materials and website content. You will also manage on-site resources, such as delivering announcements, guiding tours, and maintaining the cafe board and name tag systems.
• Data Management & Recruitment - Utilize agency-wide data tools to maintain accurate volunteer records and monitor attendance trends. You will actively support recruitment and retention strategies for individual volunteers to ensure a steady pipeline of support for all organizational programs.
• Mission Advocacy & Team Support - Represent Nourishing Hope as a community ambassador, promoting the organization’s mission and values to the larger public. Additionally, you will supervise interns and provide cross-departmental support as assigned to meet evolving program needs.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma.
• 1-3 years experience working with volunteers in a non-profit, events, or fundraising setting.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Ability to work collaboratively across the development department and organization.
• Energized by working with groups of people in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable with public speaking.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Possess the ability to multitask, have great attention to detail and stay organized.
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Commitment to Nourishing Hope’s mission and an understanding of and belief in the importance of food security for all.

Highly Preferred:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM database platform.
• Valid State of Illinois Drivers license and 3 years clean driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds frequently.
• Ability to lift, bend, crouch, reach.
• Ability to work on one’s feet for most of the day.
• Ability to engage in prolonged standing and walking.
• Ability to occasionally operate a cargo van.
• Manual dexterity to use computer, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Ability to do sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Visual: Close visual acuity (with correction) to read needed work documents, papers and computer terminal.
• Visual acuity (with correction) to operate a motor vehicle (van).
• Ability to adjust focus, use depth perception, peripheral vision, and color vision to operate safely in a collaborative, physical environment.

Salary and Benefits:

• Pay Rate: $22.00 per hour.

Full-time benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid birthday holiday.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Parental leave.
• Language pay.
• $250 employee referral bonus.
• Free subscription to mental wellness app.

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local laws.