ABOUT MAINE NEEDS
Maine Needs is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to providing critical resources through community building. Serving all 16 Maine counties, we mobilize a large and growing volunteer base to deliver essential goods and support to individuals and families statewide. We are a growing organization with a lean, passionate team and deep roots in the communities we serve.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Volunteers are the heart of how Maine Needs operates — without them, the mission cannot be fulfilled. This role is the reason it does.
Responsible for recruiting, on-boarding, scheduling, training, and retaining volunteers across all program areas, the Volunteer Program Manager also develops and supports the shift leaders who play a critical role in directing daily operations. This is a people-first leadership role that requires both operational discipline and genuine warmth. The Volunteer Program Manager builds the systems that keep volunteer operations running smoothly and the culture that makes people want to come back.
Working in close collaboration with the Operations Director, this role ensures that every shift is staffed, every volunteer is set up for success, and Maine Needs remains a place where giving your time feels meaningful.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteer Recruitment Develops and executes strategies to recruit general volunteers, group volunteers, and shift leader candidates. Builds relationships with schools, faith communities, corporations, civic organizations, and community groups to maintain a strong and diverse volunteer pipeline. Partners with the Director of Marketing and Development on volunteer recruitment messaging and outreach.
Onboarding and Training
Designs and delivers volunteer on-boarding experiences that set volunteers up for success from their first shift. Develops role-specific training materials for general volunteers and shift leaders. Ensures every volunteer understands Maine Needs’ mission, values, safety expectations, and how their contribution connects to the people we serve.
Shift Leader Development
Identifies, recruits, and develops volunteer shift leaders who help direct daily operations on the floor. Provides shift leaders with the tools, training, and ongoing support they need to lead their peers effectively. Maintains clear communication with shift leaders about expectations, updates, and operational changes.
Scheduling and Shift Management
Manages the volunteer scheduling system to ensure all shifts are adequately staffed across program areas and days. Coordinates group volunteer visits, fills coverage gaps, and communicates schedule updates clearly and promptly. Ensures the Operations Director always has a clear picture of volunteer capacity for each day and shift.
Volunteer Retention and Recognition
Builds and sustains a positive, inclusive volunteer culture that makes people feel valued, connected, and proud to be part of Maine Needs. Develops and implements volunteer appreciation and recognition programs. Monitors retention trends, conducts check-ins and exit interviews, and responds proactively to volunteer feedback.
Group Volunteer Coordination
Manages relationships with corporate, school, faith, and civic groups that volunteer at Maine Needs. Coordinates group visit logistics, communicates expectations and preparation, and ensures group volunteer experiences are well-organized, meaningful, and mission-aligned. Serves as the primary point of contact for group volunteer inquiries and scheduling.
Volunteer Communications
Maintains clear, timely, and consistent communication with volunteers at all levels. Manages volunteer communications channels including email, scheduling platforms, and volunteer management software. Ensures volunteers always have the information they need about their shifts, their roles, and the organization.
Data and Reporting
Tracks volunteer hours, retention rates, shift fill rates, and program participation. Provides regular reports to the Operations Director on volunteer program health and capacity. Uses data to identify trends, address gaps, and continuously improve the volunteer experience.
Reporting and Collaboration
The Volunteer Program Manager reports to the Operations Director. Works closely with the Operations Director on daily staffing needs, shift coverage, and volunteer deployment. Collaborates with the Material Resource Officer on volunteer support for donation days and collection drive receiving. Partners with the Director of Marketing and Development on volunteer recruitment outreach and storytelling.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
• 3–5 years of experience in volunteer management, program coordination, community engagement, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and retain volunteers at scale
• Experience developing and supporting volunteer leadership — shift leaders, team captains, or peer leaders
• Strong organizational skills with experience managing scheduling systems and high-volume coordination
• Genuine warmth and people skills — this role is built on relationships
• Comfortable using volunteer management software, scheduling tools, and email communication platforms
• Experience with corporate or group volunteer programs a strong plus
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Deep commitment to building an inclusive, welcoming volunteer culture
• Passionate about the mission of Maine Needs and the communities we serve
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Salary: $66,000
• Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• 21 Paid Holidays
• 15 Days PTO
• 12-Week Family Leave
• Monthly Wellness Stipend
At Maine Needs we believe that taking care of our community every day begins with taking care of our staff — paying them market value for their efforts and offering built-in respite to step away from this work. This cultivates work-life balance, encourages self-care, and has a ripple effect felt across the organization, fostering a positive culture that volunteers and staff want to be part of.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Every shift is staffed. Shift leaders are confident, prepared, and proud of the role they play. Volunteers feel welcomed from their first day and connected to the mission. Group visits run smoothly and leave people wanting to come back. Retention is strong. The Operations Director never has to worry about whether the volunteer program is holding together — because it is, and the Volunteer Program Manager is the reason why.
TO APPLY
Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@maineneeds.org describing your experience building or managing a volunteer program, how you approach volunteer retention and culture, and why Maine Needs’ mission resonates with you. Please include the contact information for 3 professional references with your application. In the body of the email, please include answers to the following questions:
1. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
2. What service, program or organization doesn't exist but should?
3. What is a universal need?
Jobs@maineneeds.org
Maine Needs is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we support.
