Volunteer Manager - Remote in the US

Reports To
Director of Constituent Engagement

Who is Persevere?

Persevere is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to decreasing recidivism and increasing successful reentry and transition for men and women involved in the criminal justice system. To accomplish this, Persevere offers a customizable, comprehensive program for criminal-justice-involved individuals to develop meaningful job skills and gain successful access to the labor market. These services include software coding classes; job readiness and employability instruction, including life skills and financial education; work experience; job search and job placement; entrepreneurship training; and for some, a residential transition program.

National data shows recidivism rates are highest among those who are unemployed. Criminal justice-involved men and women have long struggled to find employment upon release. They face immediate disadvantages due to their criminal justice involvement and must compete with non-offenders for unskilled, low-paying jobs. Even when they find employment, retaining it can be challenging. Many are unable to comply with parole conditions and end up incarcerated again.

Real Hope, Valuable Skills, & Meaningful Opportunity.

Job Overview

This full-time position offers a remote work opportunity. The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and expanding Persevere’s volunteer efforts to support marketing, fundraising, and other functions. This role also involves recruiting and managing interns, mobilizing volunteers as mentors, and supporting the growth of the alumni society. A core responsibility is developing and executing a growth plan, in partnership with fundraising staff, to increase volunteer engagement. The Volunteer Coordinator will manage volunteer databases, create and maintain volunteer training materials, and match volunteers to opportunities that align with their skills and interests. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, passionate about volunteer work, and an excellent communicator who will help ensure volunteers feel supported and valued while upholding Persevere’s mission and values.

This is a full-time, salaried position with excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, matching 401k and a generous paid time off allowance.  This position is 100% remote.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Volunteer Engagement & Coordination:

    • Mobilize volunteers to serve as mentors, helping to foster relationships that support program participants’ reentry and success.

    • Coordinate all volunteer activities, ensuring volunteers are matched to roles that best utilize their skills.

    • Maintain and manage a database of volunteers and their skills, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.

    • Serve as the primary point of contact for all volunteers, providing ongoing support and communication.

  • Volunteer Training & Development:

    • Write, update, and maintain a volunteer training manual that ensures all volunteers are prepared for their roles.

    • Coordinate and conduct volunteer training in partnership with the Re-entry Manager.

    • Create an annual evaluation process for volunteers, ensuring ongoing development and feedback.

  • Alumni Society & Community Building:

    • Support the growth and activities of the alumni society, building a strong, engaged community of Persevere’s graduates.

    • Develop programs and activities that keep alumni connected, inspired, and engaged in the organization’s mission.

  • Recruitment & Internship Management:

    • Recruit, train, and oversee interns to support marketing, fundraising, and other organizational functions.

    • Develop and maintain internship programs, coordinating with universities and other partners to provide meaningful opportunities.

  • Collaborative Growth Plan:

    • Develop and implement a strategic growth plan for volunteer engagement, working closely with fundraising staff to increase volunteer participation.

    • Work cross-functionally with marketing, fundraising, and program teams to identify and utilize volunteer strengths in various initiatives.

  • Program Support:

    • Coordinate guest speakers and mentors for Banyan Labs coding program and 2Gen youth classes.

    • Develop and support pen pal programs for incarcerated individuals.

    • Assist in the coordination of re-entry team meetings and initiatives.

  • Administrative & Compliance Tasks:

    • Ensure all volunteer-related activities comply with the necessary legal and organizational requirements, including background checks, TB tests, and drug screenings.

    • Maintain accurate records of volunteer data as requested by the respective DOCs or Persevere’s executive team.

    • Coordinate volunteer participation in corporate training and assist with the development of standard operating procedures.

  • Additional Responsibilities:

    • Participate in cross-training staff and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and teaching skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people.

  • Experience in recruiting, managing, and overseeing interns, as well as managing volunteer programs.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

  • Proficient with Google Suite and other relevant tools.

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.

  • At least three years of experience in volunteer management and recruitment.

  • Experience working with vulnerable populations is highly desired.

We highly value

  • Passion for supporting underserved communities and commitment to Persevere’s mission.

  • Self-starting, hardworking, and inquisitive nature with a focus on innovation.

  • Strong leadership qualities with a passion for driving change.

  • Relentless dedication to personal and organizational success.

  • Integrity and ethical leadership in all aspects of work