Volunteer Coordinator
Full-time; $52,000–$60,000/yr; Full-Time Exempt
Opened in 1977 in the heart of the community’s civic center, the Los Altos History Museum is a successful small museum located about 30 miles south of San Francisco. The 1.36 acre Museum complex consists of a 1905 historic house museum interpreted as an orchardist’s home in the 1930s, a modern 3-story 8,200-square-foot museum building, and outdoor agricultural displays, next to a heritage orchard. We feature top-quality, award-winning original exhibitions and superior curriculum–based education programs amid an active schedule of lectures, programs, family activities and special events which attract diverse audiences. Serving over 21,000 people a year from all around the Bay Area, the private nonprofit Association of the Los Altos Historical Museum manages a collections of over 16,000 items and an active schedule of exhibits, programs, and outreach. The Museum is fortunate to have tremendous community support and a talented volunteer network. Our annual budget (approx. $500,000) is funded by individual donations, municipal support, grants, membership, bequests, special events, gift store sales and an active event rentals program.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
One of a small professional staff, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the Museum’s mission to “foster the creative energy of volunteers” is fulfilled. As a fully integrated part of a team including the Executive Director, Curator of Collections, Director of Communications, Exhibit Specialist, and Business Manager, the Volunteer Coordinator ensures all Museum programs are sufficiently staffed with volunteers. Working closely with long-term volunteers in the Museum’s Volunteer Committee, Docent Committee, and other committees, the Volunteer Coordinator is the staff person responsible for the smooth recruitment, retention, and appreciation of a volunteer program consisting of over 120 active volunteers.
Responsibilities Include:
- Creates processes for tracking volunteer applications, interviews, and satisfaction/retention of existing volunteers
- Works with Committee Chairs to identify needs and pair interested volunteers with appropriate volunteer opportunities
- Oversees the Museum’s Teen Docent program, successfully recruiting and training a cohort of at least 15 interested an engaged teens from area high schools
- Creates training documents and ensures training is conducted for safety, diversity, sexual harassment, and other state-mandated training; works with the Exhibits Specialist and other staff to ensure training on exhibits and programs is effective, timely, and well-attended by volunteers
- Identifies and implements communication tools that assist with volunteer task assignment, calendaring, and confirmation/fulfilment of assignments
- Manages volunteer staffing at events produced by the Museum, including large public festivities, fundraisers, exhibit openings, and public programs/lectures
- Manages existing volunteer pipeline partnerships and identifies potential new volunteer pipeline partnerships, including corporate volunteer programs and service organization projects.
Metrics of Success:
- Growth of number of docents, such that Museum can expand open hours from 16 hours a week to 20 hours per week in the first year
- 10% growth in # of volunteers on all other committees, to ensure robust and active volunteer engagement in the Education, Collection, Oral History, Garden, Orchard Commons, Exhibits and Facility Committees.
Required Skills:
- Is professional and poised, working easily with the public, volunteers and staff.
- Is a persuasive representative of the Museum, encouraging residents to become long-term volunteers with the museum
- Is familiar with volunteer management software, apps, and other digital tools
- Has knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding volunteer work
- Is responsible, courteous, responsive, and capable of setting a high standard of collaborative team building
- Understands and inculcates non-profit mentality and ethos
Desired Skills and Education:
- Appreciation for local history
- Experience with non-profit operations
- Bachelor’s degree in communication or related field desired, or 5 years of experience in a similar role
Job Location: Los Altos, CA (San Francisco Bay Area/Peninsula)
Company Name: Los Altos History Museum
The Los Altos History Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Nonprofit tax identification number 94-2542813.
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