Volunteer Coordinator (Part-Time)

Handmade Arcade; Pittsburgh, Northern (Allegheny County, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Handmade Arcade in Pittsburgh is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to manage recruitment, training, and on-site coordination for our three annual markets. The role combines remote work with in-person event support and requires strong people skills and nonprofit experience.

You will develop strategies to recruit diverse volunteers, maintain records, and ensure effective communication before, during, and after events. This paid position offers flexible hours and active community involvement.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in volunteer management or related fields.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to high standards of customer service.
• Weekday daytime availability; evenings/weekends during events.

Responsibilities

• Develop recruitment strategies to build a diverse volunteer base for three major annual events.
• Maintain volunteer database and track attendance, interests, and availability.
• Create compelling volunteer opportunity descriptions and recruitment materials.
• Respond promptly to volunteer inquiries and applications.
• Develop training materials and conduct pre-event volunteer orientation.
• Communicate event details, logistics, and role expectations clearly to volunteers.
• Serve as primary point of contact for volunteers leading up to and during events.
• Send regular updates and reminders to ensure volunteers are prepared.
• Oversee volunteer check-in, assignment placement, and on-site support during events.
• Troubleshoot staffing gaps and respond to volunteer needs during event days.
• Foster a positive, welcoming environment and volunteer retention.
• Cultivate relationships with returning volunteers and recognize contributions
• Track volunteer satisfaction and retention rates
• Celebrate volunteer contributions through communications and recognition efforts

Skills

Volunteer management

Interpersonal communication

Customer service

Team collaboration

Relationship-building

Tools

Volunteer management software

Job description

Work Location: Approximately 80% remote with 20% spent working in-person at events and community meetings

Compensation: $22/hour

Hours: 4-10 hours per week not to exceed 10 hours per week except for during event weeks.

Organization Summary:

Handmade Arcade is the spark that ignited Pittsburgh’s robust maker community. Predating all other local craft-focused markets as well as Etsy, Handmade Arcade has been a leader in Pittsburgh’s maker movement since 2004, becoming a nonprofit in 2017. Handmade Arcade now hosts multiple markets each year and provides year-round workshops and educational opportunities for makers hoping to grow their businesses. Handmade Arcade is dedicated to Pittsburgh’s craft, maker, and arts community and is committed to improving quality of life and economic success for our region’s makers.

Mission

Handmade Arcade empowers makers of all ages by providing them with professional development and connections to customers.

Vision

Handmade Arcade envisions an inclusive artistic community where all makers are empowered to share their craft and to achieve their creative potential and financial goals.

Values

Equity

Transparency

Handmade Arcade champions collaboration, creativity, inclusivity, and innovation in our vibrant creative community. We empower artists and makers at all stages of their journey, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging fresh ideas and approaches.

Position Summary:

The Volunteer Coordinator is a new position responsible for managing volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination for Handmade Arcade’s three annual large-scale shopping markets.

Reporting Relationships:

The Volunteer Coordinator reports to Handmade Arcade’s Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute recruitment strategies to build a diverse volunteer base for three major annual events

Maintain volunteer database and track volunteer attendance, interests, and availability

Create compelling volunteer opportunity descriptions and recruitment materials

Respond promptly to volunteer inquiries and applications

Training & Communication

Develop training materials and conduct pre-event volunteer orientation

Communicate event details, logistics, and role expectations clearly to volunteers

Serve as primary point of contact for volunteers leading up to and during events

Send regular updates and reminders to ensure volunteers are prepared

Event-Day Coordination

Oversee volunteer check-in, assignment placement, and on-site support during events

Troubleshoot staffing gaps and respond to volunteer needs throughout event days

Ensure volunteers have necessary supplies, information, and breaks

Foster a positive, welcoming environment that encourages volunteer retention

Relationship Building

Cultivate relationships with returning volunteers and recognize their contributions

Gather feedback from volunteers to improve future experiences

Track volunteer satisfaction and retention rates

Celebrate volunteer contributions through thank-you communications and recognition efforts

Minimum Qualifications & Skills:

Demonstrated commitment to Handmade Arcade’s values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, financial sustainability, and collaboration

At least three years of experience in volunteer management, human resources, or team management

Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills with diverse groups of people

Commitment to high standards of customer service

Willingness to be a team player and collaborate closely with staff, contractors, and other team members

Ability to self-direct work and resourcefully work through challenges in fast-paced event environments

Experience with volunteer management software or databases preferred

Weekday daytime availability required for non-event periods, weekend and evening availability required during event periods

High degree of technological competency and interest in new technology (Handmade Arcade uses Squarespace, Google Drive, Neon CRM, Jotform, and other technology on a daily basis)

Ability to perform other related duties, as needed and/or required

Other Requirements:

Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance

Pennsylvania Criminal History Record

FBI Clearance

Essential Functions:

Move inside event venues of various sizes to communicate with event attendees, donors, and sponsors

Present in front of groups of people both in-person and virtually

Move items weighing 25-35 pounds for workshops and events

Operate a computer and other necessary event/office machinery, including copy machine, printer, and electronic payment device (i.e. point-of-sale system)

Handmade Arcade is committed to building a team that is reflective of our region’s diverse make-up of makers, customers, and collaborators. Candidates with disabilities, candidates who are BIPOC, and/or candidates who are members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community are encouraged to apply.

Why It’s Great to Work for Handmade Arcade:

Competitive hourly pay rate

Work remotely

Paid vacation and sick time

11 holidays

Flexible schedule (sometimes includes evenings and weekends as needed for meetings and events)

Independence and innovative thinking encouraged

Modest monthly reimbursement available for remote work expenses

Collaboration with the region’s talented and robust maker, arts, and craft community and like-minded nonprofit organizations

Supportive and engaged board of directors and volunteers

Values-driven nonprofit committed to transparency and equity

Handmade Arcade is an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends heavily on the effective employment of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran’s status, or any characteristic protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.