Volunteer Coordinator

Job objective: The Volunteer Coordinator plays a vital role in recruiting, training, and supporting the volunteers who power Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois. This position ensures daily service coverage, fosters meaningful volunteer engagement, and contributes to the organization’s operational excellence and community impact.

Essential Functions:

• Recruitment, Training & Supervision
  • Recruit volunteers for meal delivery, packing, production, and office support
  • Conduct weekly volunteer orientations and facilitate onboarding, including background checks
  • Train volunteers on delivery procedures, client interaction, and software tools
  • Coordinate with community leaders to organize group volunteer opportunities
  • Maintain a respectful, collaborative, and welcoming volunteer culture
• Scheduling & Route Coordination
  • Maintain the daily volunteer schedule, ensuring all roles are filled
  • Monitor scheduling platform for call-offs and proactively fill open shifts
  • Track and report on volunteer hours and mileage
  • Collaborate with staff to identify volunteers who may support other areas of the organization
  • Respond to last-minute absences, including sourcing backup support or covering routes when needed
• Engagement and Recognition
  • Coordinate volunteer appreciation efforts, including recognition events and seasonal initiatives
  • Design and distribute a monthly volunteer newsletter with updates, policies, and organizational news
• Cross-Team Collaboration
  • Serve as a responsive point of contact for clients, families, and volunteers
  • Collaborate with kitchen, client, and operations teams to ensure seamless service delivery

Secondary Functions:

• Stay current on populations served including needs, trends, and other resources in the area
• Participate in volunteer webinars, training, meetings, and conferences, as appropriate
• Attend all necessary team meetings and training courses according to MWNEI policies
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in volunteer coordination, program management, or community engagement
• Experience managing schedules, coordinating logistics, and working with diverse populations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across volunteer, client, and staff communities
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with attention to detail and follow-through
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and comfort with volunteer management platforms or scheduling software
• Ability to train and onboard individuals with varying levels of technical and procedural familiarity
• Creative and proactive approach to problem-solving, especially in dynamic or time-sensitive situations
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful collaboration in all volunteer interactions
• Availability to work weekdays and respond to occasional after-hours scheduling needs
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and assist with physical tasks related to packing and delivery
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred

Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their full potential.

WFH policy

Generous PTO policy

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement account

Professional development opportunities

Proficient in writing and speaking English is required. Other language proficiencies are appreciated.