Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement

Job Posting: COORDINATOR, VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT
Type: Full-Time
Location: Ottawa

**Salary**: $55,000-$65,000 annually, based on experience and fit
Start Date: November 17, 2025

ABOUT US

The Ottawa Food Bank is the primary emergency food provider in the National Capital Region, supporting nearly 100 community food programs. With over 556,000 annual visits, including 37% children, we distribute close to 8.3 million pounds of food each year, thanks to the generosity and support of our community.

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of Volunteer Engagement, the Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement ensures the effective administration and operation of the Ottawa Food Bank’s volunteer program.
This role supports all aspects of the volunteer program and the volunteer life cycle, including volunteer recruitment, screening, orientation, placement, training, recognition, scheduling, and retention, while also contributing to strategic projects and initiative.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborates with staff across the Ottawa Food Bank to determine upcoming volunteer needs and

ensures adequate scheduling to meet operational demands.
- Develops a deep understanding of The Ottawa Food Bank operations and events requiring volunteer support, and the role volunteers play in their success.
- Supports and facilitates the volunteer registration process, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience.

Builds and maintains strong relationships with volunteers, and volunteers groups addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Supports the volunteer program in all environments, including at the Ottawa Food Bank warehouse, Community Harvest Farm, and off-site events.
- Identifies and pursues potential volunteer recruitment opportunities through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring outreach to underrepresented communities.
- Provides information and orientation training sessions to volunteers both online and in person, as needed

Ensures Supervisors of Volunteers are informed of relevant policies and health and safety requirements of the Ottawa Food Bank and that these are clearly communicated to volunteers.
- Maintains accurate volunteer profiles and volunteer participation records using the Ottawa Food Bank’s volunteer software platform.
- Supports staff in the planning and execution of volunteer appreciation opportunities.
- Liaises with internal department and external stakeholders/organizations to coordinate volunteer engagement opportunities.
- Maintains up to date knowledge of the Ottawa Food Bank’s volunteer management platform and ensures that it is effectively utilized. Ensures any required upgrades or updates are implemented.
- Provides regular progress updates and identifies successes, issues, and challenges related to volunteer management and engagement to the Manager of Volunteer Resources.
- Participates in public speaking and community engagement opportunities.
- Contributes volunteer program-related information and content to the volunteer section of the Ottawa Food Bank website and volunteer newsletter.
- Supports the planning, distribution, and analysis of the annual volunteer survey, contributing insights to improve program effectiveness.
- Monitors the condition of the volunteer lounge and brings forward any concerns to the Manager of Operations.
- Supports volunteer activities that may occur during evenings or weekends, ensuring appropriate coordination and coverage outside regular working hours.
- Supports and assists other departments and team members as required.
- Performs additional tasks and participates in special projects as required to support the volunteer program and organizational goals.

KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

Strong understanding of effective volunteer engagement strategies.
Strong oral, written, presentation, and public speaking skills.
Highly organized, independent, and self-directed, with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous priorities. Comfortable working in a busy environment.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to seek out solutions to challenges, with a continuous improvement mindset.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 2 years of experience in volunteer administration in a paid or unpaid capacity, preferably within a medium to large non-profit organization.

EDUCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma in social services, psychology, sociology, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Certification in Volunteer Management or Human Resources Management is considered an asset.
Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) designation or currently working towards certification is an asset.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTACTS

The work involves frequent contact with co-workers, volunteers, and the public, including corporate and community organizations.
The incumbent works extensively with Operations and Events staff to plan the deployment of volunteers and resolve any issues that arise.
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