Volunteer Program Coordinator - Back to the Start

Established in 2022, Back to the Start is a new non-profit that empowers incarcerated people to write and produce their childhood stories to raise public awareness and galvanize support for systemic changes that ensures children can reach their full potential.  These powerful narratives underscore the need for critical investments in early childhood and family resources, providing a platform to advocate for upstream policy solutions at the intersection of childhood poverty, trauma and systemic racism. Our writers highlight the cradle-to-prison pipeline which compels us to rethink the current narrative of "blaming the individual" and focus instead on solving system failures. Back to the Start is fiscally sponsored by Empowerment Works, a 501 (c)3 charitable organization.

Back to the Start has multiple focus/work areas including prison writing workshops, multi-sector partnerships, public awareness and advocacy, media partnerships, and fundraising. We are seeking a program coordinator volunteer to assist with organizational operations, marketing, communications, fundraising, finance and public advocacy.  The program coordinator volunteers have an opportunity to wear multiple hats, working across different disciplines to coordinate efforts to accomplish our goals.  

A Program Coordinator volunteer duties may include some of the following: 

• Developing, writing or posting communication to social media
• Writing emails to supporters or donors
• Writing/compiling grant applications
• Maintaining and updating a foundation/grant database
• Correspondence with our fiscal sponsor on operational requirements
• Transcribing written materials from inside prison into electronic format
• Coordinating fundraising events
• Running errands such as picking up mail or making photocopies of workshop curriculum
• Copy, scan, transcribe and organize physical or electronic files
• Participating in knowledge building workshops such as “Philanthropic Storytelling” or visiting San Quentin to meet the inside team (optional)

Time Commitment: 

• 10 - 20 hours per week, times flexible
• Work from home on follow up items 
• Back to the Start has some flexibility on when/where hours are completed

Skills & Qualifications: 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite and Google Work Applications
• Ability to follow directions and comfortable in an office environment 
• Ability to engage with individuals in an empathetic, culturally responsible manner 
• Verbal and written communication skills 
• Adapt well to a dynamic, rapidly changing environment and works effectively within a team 
• Willingness to provide a pleasant and welcoming environment 
• Embrace our Mission, Vision and Values, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.  You can read more about our core values here: https://www.backtothestart.org/our-mission-vision-values 

Location: 

• Volunteering is hybrid, at times working onsite and other times WFH.  Onsite takes place in Kentfield, Marin.