Events & Volunteer Coordinator (Volunteer)

About Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue

Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue (SWFLSTR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, and public education. Founded in 2025, our organization is working toward establishing a dedicated sea turtle rehabilitation facility serving Southwest Florida.

As our organization continues to grow, we're expanding our presence at local festivals, community events, fundraising opportunities, and conservation-related activities. We're looking for a dependable, organized individual who can help coordinate these opportunities and strengthen our volunteer involvement throughout the region.

About the Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced and motivated Events & Volunteer Coordinator to help organize SWFLSTR's participation in community events and coordinate the volunteers who make those activities possible.

Working with our Community Partnerships & Outreach Coordinator, you'll help identify worthwhile events, manage participation logistics, organize volunteer schedules, and ensure our organization is prepared and represented professionally.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys planning, coordinating people, and making things happen behind the scenes. We're especially interested in someone who can take initiative, work independently, and help us participate in more community activities without relying on our Founder and Executive Director to personally coordinate every event.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify local festivals, community gatherings, conservation events, and fundraising opportunities where SWFLSTR could participate.
• Maintain a calendar of upcoming events, registration deadlines, and volunteer needs.
• Coordinate event registration, participation requirements, and communication with event organizers.
• Recruit and schedule volunteers to staff outreach tables, community events, and fundraising activities.
• Communicate event details, schedules, responsibilities, and expectations to participating volunteers.
• Coordinate event supplies, informational materials, merchandise, and other necessary resources.
• Develop and maintain event preparation checklists and volunteer scheduling procedures.
• Help onboard new event volunteers and ensure they understand their responsibilities.
• Attend select events to assist with setup, coordination, volunteer support, or organizational representation.
• Maintain records of event participation, volunteer hours, community contacts, and event outcomes.
• Work with the Community Partnerships & Outreach Coordinator to identify ways to improve event participation and community engagement.

Qualifications

We're especially interested in individuals with previous experience in event coordination, volunteer management, nonprofit operations, community engagement, or related fields.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience planning or coordinating events, activities, or volunteer programs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience scheduling, coordinating, or supervising volunteers or teams.
• The ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence communicating with event organizers, community members, and volunteers.
• Familiarity with online calendars, spreadsheets, and basic organizational tools.
• Reliable transportation and availability for occasional in-person activities.
• An interest in wildlife conservation, environmental protection, or community service.

Previous nonprofit or conservation experience is helpful but not required. Experience coordinating community festivals, fundraising events, outreach booths, or volunteer programs is especially valuable.

Time Commitment & Location

We anticipate approximately 3–5 hours per week, although the schedule may vary depending on upcoming events.

Much of the planning and coordination can be completed remotely, but occasional in-person participation will be necessary. Some events take place on weekends.

Applicants must reside in or near Sarasota, Charlotte, or Lee County, Florida.

We're seeking someone interested in making an ongoing contribution to SWFLSTR, ideally for at least six months.

Why Volunteer With SWFLSTR?

Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue is working to build a stronger community presence while laying the foundation for a dedicated sea turtle rehabilitation facility in our region.

Community events are an important part of that effort. They allow us to introduce our mission to new audiences, connect with potential supporters, build partnerships, and raise awareness about the challenges facing sea turtles.

As our Events & Volunteer Coordinator, you'll play an important role in making those opportunities possible. Your organizational skills and leadership will help us expand our reach, support our volunteers, and build a stronger foundation for future growth.

Help us bring Southwest Florida's communities together for sea turtle conservation.

Rescuing Today. Protecting Tomorrow.