Volunteer Coordinator

ABOUT CARPENTER’S SHELTER:

Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelters, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions and supports sustainable independence for more than 980 families and individuals each year.

TITLE: Volunteer Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Development Manager

LOCATIONS: Alexandria Community Shelter (2355-B, Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314)

The Hoffman Center (930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314)

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Carpenter’s Shelter is seeking a passionate and organized Volunteer Coordinator to lead volunteer engagement across our two emergency shelters. Reporting to the Development Manager, the Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the daily management and coordination of Carpenter’s Shelter’s volunteer program, which engages more than 1,200 volunteers annually in support of our mission. This role works closely with staff, community partners, and volunteers to recruit, train, schedule, and support individuals and groups serving throughout the organization. The Volunteer Coordinator helps cultivate meaningful volunteer experiences, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures volunteer opportunities are effectively staffed to support shelter operations, special events, and enhance services for families and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the lead contact and manager for all volunteers and provides direction, coordination, and consultation for all volunteer functions within the shelter.
• Responsible for recruiting, screening, retaining, training, and managing volunteers. Maintains an ongoing relationship with volunteers, including feedback and recognition.
• Work in collaboration with the Kitchen Coordinators.
• Manages monthly calendars for kitchen volunteers (meals), front desk, life skills courses, one on one job coaching and children’s programs.
• Ensure volunteer pool has timely, accurate information regarding shelter needs, developments and opportunities through various mediums.
• Updates the Monthly Volunteer Vine E-newsletter, internal video monitors, and coordinates social media outreach in collaboration with the Communications Specialist.
• Organizes and conducts shelter tours and orientations.
• Coordinates and executes service/impact days.
• Represent Carpenter’s Shelter at various public forums, information sessions, community engagements and other occasions.
• Provides outreach to local schools and colleges, faith-based communities, and other groups and organizations. Develops and maintains cooperative working relations with the community.
• Evaluate all aspects of volunteer programs to ensure effectiveness and to recommend/implement changes as appropriate.
• Manages, records and organizes all in-kind contributions. Organizes special drives and initiatives at both shelters.
• Organizes all holiday volunteer assignments, related special events and donations.
• Maintain accurate records and provide timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer participation.
• Assist the Development Office with fundraising, daily operations and special events.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Development and Development Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years solid experience in volunteer engagement/management, customer service or client-based operations and or fundraising.
• Prior knowledge and experience in databases (Volgistics, Canva, and Blackbaud-Luminate Online), preferred. Excellent working knowledge of software applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred.
• Candidate must have exceptional oral, written communication and presentation skills.
• Being exceptionally well-organized, detail-oriented, proactive and goal driven is a must.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide array of people.
• An interest in homelessness.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• A valid driver’s license.

SALARY: $55,000 plus Health Benefits, Paid-Time Off, Sick Leave and Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should forward a cover letter and resume electronically to Meghan Cole, Development Manager, at MCole@CarpentersShelter.org by July 24th, 2026. In the subject line, type: “Volunteer Coordinator”. No telephone calls accepted.

ADA STATEMENT: Carpenter’s Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Carpenter’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.

Health, dental, vision and life insurance, Paid-Time off, Sick Leave and Holidays, 403(b) retirement plan