Volunteer Coordinator

Gannett Co., Inc.; Buffalo Grove (IL); Remote; USD 43,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Volunteer Services Coordinator to enhance participant and volunteer experiences at various events. This role involves recruiting and managing volunteers, ensuring effective communication, and collaborating with multiple departments. Ideal candidates will have event experience and strong leadership skills, thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years race or event experience preferred.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage all volunteer recruitment for assigned events.
• Act as liaison between departments to identify volunteer needs.
• Provide world-class customer service and ensure enjoyable onsite experience.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Multitasking

Communication

Leadership

Analytical Mindset

Job description

Posted Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:00 AM

The Volunteer Services Coordinator helps drive forward VE's mission to produce world class events that inspire, empower, and celebrate every participant. VE produces world class events with a hometown feel and this role ensures that each event provides an unparalleled participant and volunteer experience.

The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting, managing, and developing relationships with volunteers for the Ventures Endurance portfolio, which includes 38+ events comprised of marathons, cycling events, themed runs and more. This will involve working closely with all key departments within the organization, including event operations and marketing. Competitive applicants will have extensive experience working live athletic events and managing large groups of personnel.

This role reports directly to the Associate Manager, Volunteer & Charity. Travel will be required, upwards of 16 weekends (events) annually, and preference is given to those who can adapt and work well with others in a fast-paced environment.

Ventures Endurance Mission

Produce world-class, community-centric events that inspire, empower, and celebrate every participant.

Ventures Endurance Core Values

2. Act with Authenticity

4. Celebrate Achievements

6. Nurture Passion

7. Live with a Growth Mindset

Responsibilities:

• Manage all volunteer recruitment for assigned events, from the time the event is established through event close out, acting as the point of contact for volunteer communications. Handles up to 20 events annually
• Act as liaison between departments to identify volunteer needs for events, including expos, packet pick-ups, and race day activities. Collaborate with the operations team to ensure the efficient use of volunteers at events.
• Create, maintain, develop and adapt outreach databases and strategies to solicit volunteers from the community. Manage and maintain all volunteer records.
• Provide operations teams with regular updates on volunteer recruitment progress, and proactively solve any volunteer recruitment challenges.
• Handle volunteer inquiries, confirmations and reminders via telephone and email. Answer questions and communicate volunteer registration deadlines, assignment details, and logistical information.
• Manage the volunteer check-in/out process, onsite training, and deployment of volunteers and supplies at assigned events. Work efficiently and nimbly to ensure all areas of event are fully supported.
• Provide world-class customer service and ensure an enjoyable onsite experience for all volunteers and partners.
• Coordinate and manage all volunteer donations during post event close out
• Develop, nurture and grow relationships with volunteer individuals and groups.
• Work closely with event leaders to cultivate relationships with official charity partnersand help support their mission and fundraising efforts, through both pre-event communications and on-site support.
• Lift up to 35 lbs. while onsite at events
• Travel obligations ~30% throughout the year

Required Skills:

• Must exemplify all 7 core values outlined above
• 1-2 years race or event experiencepreferred
• Proven attention to detail with ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Ability to hold oneself accountable and an aptitude for prioritizing multiple projects
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical mindset and approach to managing projects and problem solving
• Ability to forge interdepartmental relationships and build a strong team atmosphere
• Proven leadership and management abilities

Qualities required of all Ventures Endurance team members

Ventures Endurance is a growth-oriented organization with successful team members possessing a strong work ethic and the ability to work individually and as a team. Solutions-oriented individuals with a hands-on approach to identifying inefficiencies and cost saving opportunities, while maintaining a quality workplace environment and product. The flexible and cooperative environment lends itself to a tight-knit community of employees working together to achieve success.

#LI-REMOTE #LOCALiQ #LI-LL The annualized base salary for this role will range be tween $43,000and $55,000. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.