Volunteer Coordinator

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

For over 30 years, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas ("Arts & Ideas") has inspired and delighted audiences with an annual program of over 200 performing arts and humanities events year round, at least 80% of which are free.

Focused events in June range from world and nationally-renowned speakers sharing the stage with critical local voices for discussions on democracy, to jazz concerts, theatrical performances, dance; takeout mixology classes; bike and walking tours; and live, individual performances by local on-call artists on front lawns and sidewalks throughout the area.

Year-round programs include special town-hall events, a fellowship program for youth, planning and implementing mini-festivals in New Haven's culturally-rich neighborhoods, participation in the NEA Big Read, and our annual Visionary Leadership Award program.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the supervision of the People Generalist and having key communication with Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, the Volunteer Coordinator will work closely to define opportunities, plan recruitment, schedule volunteers, oversee the daily operations of the volunteer program, and manage the Festival's INFO Center. Volunteers donate their time in support of the Festival by ushering, surveying, working in the INFO Center, and a host of other duties and recruitment of volunteers will be key. This position will help the Festival build and maintain connections through strong outreach tactics, community engagement, and other means to expand our volunteer corps.

Volunteers

Recruit, update and manage the Festival's volunteer corps. Distribute application forms, match volunteers to available slots; and provide each individual volunteer with a schedule of job assignments.

Work with the Audience Services Manager (ASM) to develop a plan and protocol for in-depth training/retraining of volunteers to assist Front of House (FOH) staff.

Organize and host a series of volunteer training/orientation/welcome sessions.

Update volunteer handbook and other informational materials to hand out at each session.

Identify and implement volunteer recognition and thanks at the end of the Festival

Manage INFO Center supply and volunteer t-shirt inventory

Open and close the INFO Center in collaboration with the Operations Manager

Orient and supervise volunteers during shift changes in the INFO Center

Maintain daily relations with all scheduled volunteers individually and in relation to other volunteer supervisors (House Managers, Events Managers, etc.) by:

Making reminder phone calls and/or e-mails

Coordinating pick up and drop off of various volunteer supplies

Recruiting and rescheduling volunteers on an as-needed basis

Help with clean-up of the INFO Center on the final night of the Festival.

Prepare a final report on all aspects of the above.

REQUIREMENTS

Must have experience in coordinating schedules and administrative abilities

Must be highly organized and detail-oriented

Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities with efficiency and poise

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to maintain a positive presence and a calm demeanor under pressure

Good to excellent computer skills, including database management, and Microsoft Office.

Must be able to lift and carry decorations, signage, and related event materials.

Outdoor event work is required.

ORGANIZATIONAL DESIRES

Interest in the arts & performing arts

Conversational Spanish

Strong connections to neighborhoods and community groups in and around New Haven

CLASSIFICATION

Job Type: Part-Time (Seasonal)

Pay: $22.50 per hour

Schedule: May through June

May through June (8-32hr per week)

*Note: With occasional weekend and late-night hours during the summer (May-June)

Location: 195 Church Street 12FL New Haven, CT 06510