Program Manager

Good Shepherd Volunteers (GSV) is a service volunteer program headquartered in Queens, NY. GSV connects the passions, interests and skills of young adults to serve women, children and families affected by violence, poverty, and neglect in various sites throughout the USA and internationally. GSV was founded by and continues to be sponsored by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd evoking a spirit of openness, inclusiveness and acceptance. GSVs are diverse--just like the individuals and families they serve— including those from working class contexts, LGBTQ+ demographics and multiethnic backgrounds. To address injustices, oppression and alienation, GSV carries out its work guided by these four core tenets: social justice, simplicity, spirituality, and community.

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Manager is a highly relational, productive and results-driven role focused on program quality, recruitment, business development, alumni engagement, social media outreach and monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL). Working closely with the Executive Director, other GSV staff and mission partners, this position aims to optimize GSV’s outcomes to deepen its impactful mission and values across a wide range of collaborators and service opportunities—both domestically and globally while fostering character development of its service volunteers.

This role requires someone who is adaptable, proactive, organized, team-focused and a natural communicator with positive energy. The Program Manager needs to embody a “can-do” attitude and cultivate an enabling environment where volunteers thrive personally and professionally to contribute to the best of their abilities.

PROGRAM QUALITY

• Design, plan, and facilitate volunteer orientation and quarterly retreats in collaboration with staff, alumni, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, and partners.
• Provide ongoing coaching and individualized development plans for volunteers to ensure their personal and professional growth for both domestic and international volunteers.
• Identify, link and facilitate non-site placement training opportunities, peer training curriculums and deliver training when needed.
• Lead site visits, mid-year, and end-of-year evaluations to ensure alignment between expected goals and performance
• Strengthen partnerships with peer service organizations for social outreach, additional service opportunities and professional networking
• Collaborate with partner agencies to coordinate community support needs, volunteer logistics and other administrative responsibilities
• Enhance GSV and partner agencies focus on performance systems, volunteer profiles and prioritized needs
• Mentor community support persons (CSPs) to enhance community dynamics, intentionality and well-being
• Coordinate with GSV staff to ensure appropriate budgeting and programming resource stewardship

RECRUITMENT & COMMUNICATION

• Collaborate with the GSV team to design and implement integrated recruitment strategies
• Lead virtual engagements for prospective volunteers, college staff/faculty and other interested individuals
• Manage GSV’s social media presence by creating engaging and values-centered content
• Develop marketing materials and digital campaigns that strengthen GSV’s brand recognition
• Optimize touch points with college staff and faculty to foster GSV stronger linkages and referrals
• Screen applications, conduct interviews, and assist in volunteer matching
• Collaborate with partner agencies to ensure accurate and high quality recruitment materials
• Represent GSV at recruitment fairs, college service events, and other networking opportunities
• Support annual appeals, donor communications, and event planning
• Co-design and implement a campus ambassador strategy to develop college staff/faculty partners

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

• Build and maintain strong relationships with GSV alumni to mentor and support current volunteers
• Coordinate with the Executive Director to plan and implement alumni events
• Collaborate with GSV staff and partner agencies to integrate alumni participation into programming
• Maintain an alumni database with enhanced digital tools for improved analytics and data visualizations
• Support the transition of outgoing GSVs as they become new GSV alumni
• Facilitate alumni interest to support programming initiatives

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Support the Executive Director in identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities
• Enhance fundraising efforts with individual donors through specific events and campaigns
• Prepare proposal technical components to match program strategies with donor expectations
• Strengthen organizational visibility in fundraising and donor networks

MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEARNING (MEAL)

• Co-design and manage a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) system
• Strengthen data analysis to ensure attainable recruitment targets and programming projections
• Identify best practices and lessons learned for organizational growth and development
• Develop stronger feedback tools and mechanisms to capture input from key partners and volunteers
• Promote an open environment to address difficulties and act upon ideas and solutions
• Implement new accountability, learning and knowledge management standards
• Support the management of donor compliance according to funding requirements

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in international development, education, social work, nonprofit management
• Experience as a full-time service volunteer in either a domestic or international context
• Experience in volunteer management, retreat planning, residence life, or faith-based service programs preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and motivate potential volunteers
• Proactive problem-solver with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong initiator, productive energy, adaptable while displaying a strong work ethic and innovative approaches for recruitment and program quality
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated professional capacity to represent GSV
• Aptitude to manage multiple priorities and work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (including MS Teams, Access, and Excel) and data tools (Power BI)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally—25%
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive in the NYC metro area preferred
• Based in NYC or metro area
• Spanish Proficiency (Strongly Preferred)

Location: Astoria, New York

How to apply:

Send your resume and a cover letter: director@gsvolunteers.org

• Comprehensive Health Benefit Plan including medical, dental, and vision
• Professional Development Courses and Trainings
• Retirement Savings Plan: 403(b)
• 12 paid holidays, 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, and 10 annual sick days

Spanish Proficiency (Strongly Preferred)