Volunteer Progam Manager

Position Title: Volunteer Program Manager

Reports to: Director of Operations

Paygrade: 30

Salary/Rate:$70,292 - $87,865

FLSA Status: Full Time / Non-Exempt

Workplace Status: In-Person

Work schedule: Tuesdays-Saturdays

Posting Dates: 11/10 until filled

How to Apply: Candidates may apply through the application portal at sbg.org/careers

About Seattle Botanic Gardens:

Gardens are an essential part of the human experience. We visit gardens to find peace and healing, to be with friends and family and to better understand and connect with the natural world. Plants shape how we live, what we notice, and how we care for one another.

Seattle Botanic Gardens is building an exceptional nonprofit organization dedicated to plant-based learning, conservation, and community stewardship. Across a 320-acre living network of gardens, collections, research, and educational programs, we connect people with the wonders and vitality of plants, advance horticultural excellence, inspire environmental stewardship, and ensure that Seattle's green future remains vibrant, resilient, and accessible to all.

Position Summary:

The Volunteer Programs Manager will play a key role in strengthening long-standing volunteer programs while building the volunteer infrastructure, community relationships, and engagement opportunities needed to support a unified Seattle Botanic Gardens.

The Volunteer Programs Manager is responsible for the oversight and recruitment, orientation, engagement, and recognition of volunteers across Seattle Botanic Gardens.

The position serves as a key point of entry for prospective and current volunteers, helping create meaningful connections between individuals, programs, and the organization's mission. The Volunteer Programs Manager fosters a welcoming and inclusive volunteer experience while partnering with program managers and staff across the organization to ensure volunteers are effectively supported and able to make meaningful contributions to organizational goals. The Volunteer Programs Manager reports to the Director of Operations and supervises volunteer program staff.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• • Oversee volunteer programs across all Seattle Botanic Gardens locations
  • Supervise, train, and support volunteer program staff and volunteer leaders
  • Partner with program managers and staff to identify volunteer needs and create meaningful roles
  • Develop, document, and maintain volunteer policies, procedures, and handbooks

Recruitment, Orientation & Training

• • Serve as the main point of contact for prospective volunteers, including inquiries, applications, and placement
  • Plan and lead volunteer recruitment, including outreach to community organizations, schools, and corporate partners
  • Coordinate onboarding, orientation, and role-specific training, including safety and emergency protocols
  • Maintain volunteer position descriptions, schedules, and role assignments

Engagement & Recognition

• • Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable volunteer culture
  • Plan recognition and appreciation efforts, such as annual events, milestones, and awards
  • Gather volunteer feedback and use it to improve the volunteer experience
  • Address volunteer concerns and performance issues with care, fairness, and discretion

Data, Systems & Reporting

• • Manage the volunteer management system and volunteer records
  • Track and report volunteer hours, participation, and impact
  • Support grant and compliance reporting as needed
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements

Collaboration & Special Projects

• • Coordinate volunteer support for events, plant sales, tours, and educational programs
  • Work with Development, Communications, and IT teams to promote volunteer opportunities and maintain systems
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required:

• • Five years of professional experience in volunteer engagement, volunteer program management, community engagement, nonprofit program management, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated ability to authentically engage, build rapport, and work professionally with volunteers, staff, board members, and the general public.
  • Demonstrated ability to assess needs, solve problems, and develop practical systems and processes that support volunteer engagement and program success.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced, small-team setting
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to track, analyze, and report volunteer data
  • Excellent computer skills, including experience with volunteer management systems (VMS), CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office products.
  • Cultural competency and a commitment to an inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and anti-racist environment
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel between sites

Nice to Have:

• • Passion for mission and the importance of connecting people to plants and natural spaces.
  • Ability to handle difficult situations with poise, diplomacy, and discretion
  • Experience with change management or organizational complexity

Professionalism:

• • Support the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Seattle Botanic Gardens and follow its policies, procedures, core values, and behaviors
  • Model clear, consistent process documentation
  • Take responsibility for professional development and stay current on changes affecting this work
  • Maintain a professional appearance and protect confidentiality

Job-Specific Physical Requirements

• • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
  • Ability to drive an electric cart
  • Mobility in a three-story building with no elevator
  • Regular travel between Seattle Botanic Gardens sites
  • Ability to operate a computer and remain stationary for extended periods
  • Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands and fingers
  • Open-format or shared office space with low-to-moderate noise

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• • Frequent interruptions from people, phone calls, and noise
  • Multiple simultaneous tasks, with deadlines and cyclical workload peaks
  • Close attention to detail when working with data and paperwork
  • Occasional on-call availability for emergencies or crisis situations

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Seattle Botanic Gardens shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include hiring and termination of staff, selecting volunteers, selecting vendors, and providing services.