Recruiting & Retention Officer (Human Resources)

Recruiting & Retention Officer

The Civil Air Patrol seeks volunteers with an interest in recruitment, onboarding, and member engagement to support unit growth and long-term retention.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with approximately 58,000 members nationwide. In its Air Force Auxiliary role, CAP conducts the majority of inland search and rescue missions in the continental United States and supports disaster relief, homeland security, and emergency response missions at the request of federal, state, and local agencies. CAP also operates a nationally recognized Cadet Program, mentoring more than 24,000 young people through leadership, aerospace education, and character development.

The Clearwater Composite Squadron (SER-FL-447), assigned to Group 3, serves the Tampa Bay area through emergency services, aerospace education, and youth leadership development. Squadron meeting nights are Thursdays, though much of this role is performed outside normal meeting hours.

This position is well suited for a volunteer who enjoys working with people, systems, and follow-through and wants to help ensure that new members are welcomed effectively and existing members remain engaged.

Duties may be prioritized based on the volunteer’s strengths and availability; no candidate is expected to perform all functions personally.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Outreach

• Coordinate recruiting and outreach activities in collaboration with the Public Affairs Officer
• Support open houses, orientation nights, and community engagement events
• Assist with outreach efforts such as flyers, school/community postings, and recruiting booths
• Maintain liaison awareness with local military recruiting offices for referral opportunities

Onboarding & Orientation

• Support onboarding programs such as Cadet Great Start
• Assist with prospective member and parent orientations
• Ensure new members are connected with a mentor or wingman

Attendance & Follow-Up

• Monitor participation trends in coordination with squadron staff
• Ensure appropriate follow-up contact with absent members as a re-engagement opportunity

Retention, Renewals & Feedback

• Track upcoming membership renewals and assist with reminder efforts
• Engage constructively with members considering non-renewal
• Provide feedback to squadron leadership on retention trends

Qualifications

• Minimum age: 21
• Background in HR, recruiting, education, administration, or volunteer coordination preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working with adults, youth, and parents in a structured organization
• Willingness to become a member of Civil Air Patrol and comply with all regulations
• Ability to pass an FBI background check
• Enthusiasm for community service and youth development

Time Commitment

• Approximately two meetings per month, plus flexible remote work
• Many duties may be completed from home
• Commitment level scales based on availability and squadron needs

Benefits

• Leadership training and mentoring
• Recognition through the CAP Recruiting & Retention Specialty Track
• Networking at Wing, Region, and National conferences
• Meaningful involvement in youth development and community service missions