Manager, Volunteer Programs

 Manager, Volunteer Programs

(Southern California, Full-Time, Exempt Position)

You love engaging with people, focusing on the details, bringing structure to chaos, and passionately working to create a friendly work environment. You naturally bring joy to those around you, are ambitious and hungry, and feel most satisfied when your work has deep, meaningful impact. At Defy, your challenge will be to use that passion, attention to detail, and energy to connect volunteers to Defy’s mission and service.

You will develop broad-ranging relationships with diverse groups of volunteers in the business community. You will employ broad-ranging skills: marketing, event management, program coordination, public relations, communications, networking, and customer service. This is a full-time position that is based in Defy Ventures’ Los Angeles (Koreatown) office; work from home is allowed up to 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and coordinate diverse volunteers and mentors for prison and community-based program activities and events
• Manage sensitive volunteer information in compliance with secure information protocols
• Prepare materials and support logistics for volunteer events
• Manage communication between volunteers and the program team, as needed
• Input and update volunteer information into database tracking systems
• Provide technical facilitation of Zoom meetings during virtual events
• Provide customer service, as needed, to volunteers
• Attend and support prison and post-release volunteer events during weeknight evenings (several per month) and occasional weekends.
• Providing relevant orientation and training for volunteers
• General event support

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to intelligently and credibly articulate Defy’s story and mission
• Excellent written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong verbal communications skills with the ability to interact successfully with a diverse constituency while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Collaborative team player with a "can do" attitude; willing to roll up sleeves and do whatever it takes to support team priorities
• Superb time management and organizational skills while working under pressure
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent deadlines
• Familiarity with databases and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Google Suite applications
• Internal fire that drives achievement; goal-orientation and love of a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Highly industrious and resourceful, consistently executing tasks with a sense of urgency
• Able to lift 15 pounds
• Must have a reliable car and a valid driver’s license. There will be some travel throughout Southern California for events.
• Must be able to receive clearance from prison partner facilities
• Strong presentation skills
• Lived-experience is a plus

Compensation

• Annual salary of $66,750
• Comprehensive health benefits
• 15 days of vacation per year and paid sick time

About Defy Ventures

Defy Ventures is an entrepreneurship, employment, and personal development training program that recognizes the potential in many formerly and currently incarcerated people to become successful, legal entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) “defy the odds” through our program which includes intensive leadership development, Shark Tank-style business pitch competitions, and executive mentoring. We build a redemptive, authentic community between EITs and our executive volunteers as they bond in their humanity through their collaboration along the entrepreneurial journey.

Defy Ventures is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

To apply, please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume.