Volunteer Programs Lead - Engagement & Retention

Georgia Aquarium; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Aquarium is seeking a Volunteer Programs Specialist to join the Human Resources team. You will coordinate daily operations for general and teen volunteers, interns, and employee volunteers, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and retention across all program areas.

The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to build trust with a large, diverse volunteer population while managing multiple projects and timelines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required with relevant work experience in Volunteer Administration, Human Resources, Training/Education, Customer Experience, Hospitality, Office Administration, or related field.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support and guidance to general volunteers, teen volunteers, interns, and employee volunteers across all program areas.
• Develop and implement volunteer engagement, retention, and recognition strategies that strengthen the overall volunteer experience and encourage long-term commitment.
• Manage reward processing and ordering for volunteers, including uniforms, tickets, incentives, and passes, ensuring timely and equitable fulfillment.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and active volunteers, reviewing applications, answering questions, and processing paperwork, payments, and background screenings.
• Coordinate and facilitate all volunteer onboarding, including information sessions and orientation.
• Support training and development of volunteers by facilitating the mentor/mentee program and coordinating ongoing learning opportunities.
• Plan and execute volunteer engagement initiatives and appreciation events, including monthly activities and Volunteer Appreciation events.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records, files, and position descriptions, creating new volunteer positions and conducting audits for data integrity.
• Collaborate with Aquarium departments to support the Georgia Aquarium Strategic Plan and broader HR activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive volunteer information and ensure compliance with regulations including background screenings and labor laws.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organization

Relationship-building

MS Office

Volgistics familiarity

Tessitura familiarity

Teamwork

Multitasking

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Volgistics

Tessitura

Job description

Georgia Aquarium is seeking a Volunteer Programs Specialist to join the Human Resources team. You will coordinate daily operations for general and teen volunteers, interns, and employee volunteers, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, recognition, and retention across all program areas.

The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to build trust with a large, diverse volunteer population while managing multiple projects and timelines.