Volunteer & Client Engagement Coordinator

Our Mission:

The mission of Bread for the City is to help Washington, DC, residents living with low income to develop their power to determine the future of their communities. We provide food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to reduce the burden of poverty. We seek justice through community organizing and public advocacy. We work to uproot racism, a major cause of poverty. We are committed to treating our clients with the dignity and respect that all people deserve.

Position Profile:

Bread for the City is looking for a dedicated Volunteer & Client Engagement Coordinator to join our mission-driven team. This role is essential to maintaining high-quality, professional engagement with our diverse clients, volunteers, and stakeholders. As a critical member of the Client Engagement team, you will oversee volunteer operations—including recruitment, training, and support—to sustain our year-round services and our impactful Holiday Helpings Campaign. Additionally, the Coordinator serves as a professional first point of contact at our SE Center, triaging client needs and ensuring our service environment embodies the dignity and respect our community deserves. This position is based at our SE Center.

Volunteer Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Manage a robust network of 2,000+ annual volunteers in collaboration with the SE Center Volunteer & Client Engagement Coordinator to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with individual and group volunteers to foster a strong sense of community and appreciation.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and placement to optimize the experience for both volunteers and clients.
• Track volunteer attendance and service hours accurately, providing professional confirmation letters upon request.
• Collaborate with program teams to maintain adequate volunteer coverage across all service areas.
• Provide clear, accurate information regarding Bread for the City’s services to all volunteer inquiries.
• Evaluate feedback from volunteers and community members to recommend and implement service improvements.
• Strengthen retention systems and recruit diverse volunteer groups to enhance organizational capacity.
• Facilitate the collection of required volunteer documentation, including liability waivers and Code of Conduct agreements, and maintain secure records.
• Coordinate volunteer accommodations, including accessibility needs and language interpretation, to ensure equitable access to opportunities.
• Enforce organizational safety, conduct, and information security policies among all volunteers, addressing any questions or concerns to ensure a safe and ethical environment.
• Develop and expand volunteer programming to include internships, Summer Youth Employment, court-mandated service, and work requirement programs (SNAP/Medicaid).
• Assist with the planning and execution of large-scale organizational events, including Juneteenth and Harvest Fest.

Client Engagement Responsibilities:

• Manage daily building operations by opening the center at 8:30 am.
• Greet and direct visitors to the appropriate staff and programs with warmth and professionalism.
• Triage client inquiries effectively by utilizing a deep knowledge of local community resources.
• Connect clients to essential internal and external community programs.
• Direct incoming phone communications with professional courtesy and efficiency.
• Maintain the professional appearance of reception areas and monitor waiting rooms, restrooms, and common areas.
• Provide administrative support, including office supply management and document processing.
• Distribute incoming and inter-office mail promptly and accurately.
• Support special projects and additional administrative duties as assigned.
• Attend community tabling events to promote Bread for the City Services and recruit volunteers.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A college degree in human services or related fields is preferred, but not required.
• Multitask effectively in a fast-paced, high-engagement office setting.
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to serving and empowering low-income communities.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills with a proactive and dependable work ethic.
• Communicate effectively and empathetically to build rapport with diverse clients, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Deliver exceptional customer service while maintaining a professional and welcoming demeanor.
• Possess experience or a strong interest in volunteer engagement and community outreach.
• Apply Trauma-Informed Care principles to daily interactions (training provided).
• Embody a commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and community resilience.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools with proficiency.
• Manage data entry and documentation with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Multilingual, especially Mandarin or Spanish
• Knowledge of public benefits and social safety net programs.
• Understanding of DC-specific and federal housing assistance programs.

Bread for the City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical or mental disability, medical condition, status as a veteran, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

To Apply:

You must complete an application through Bread for the City's ADP portal. Click here to review available openings and click on "Volunteer & Client Engagement Coordinator" position. Select "apply" at the top right-hand corner to register for a login and apply for the position. Kindly upload a resume and cover letter through this online application process. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Multilingual, especially Mandarin or Spanish