Job Posting: Volunteer Services Manager (Norfolk Botanical Garden)

Volunteer Services Manager

Position type: Full-time employment, average of 40 hours per week. Non-exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Salary: Starting rate $22-$24 an hour. 

Description: The Volunteer Services Manager leads the coordination, engagement, and ongoing development of Norfolk Botanical Garden’s diverse volunteer program. This role ensures volunteers are effectively recruited, trained, placed, and supported in alignment with Garden-wide goals while fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven experience. Working closely with the Volunteer Services Assistant, the Manager oversees daily program operations, maintains accurate records across multiple platforms, and collaborates with staff to identify and fulfill volunteer needs. This position plays a key role in cultivating a welcoming environment by building strong relationships with volunteers and staff to ensure volunteers feel valued and connected to the Garden’s mission. The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator, organized leader, and enthusiastic ambassador for the Garden’s volunteer culture. This position requires occasional evening, weekend, and holiday availability to support volunteer involvement in special events, programs, and seasonal exhibits.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and manage program-level goals and initiatives that support volunteer engagement, service quality and retention ensuring alignment with broader departmental objectives and the Garden’s mission.
• Oversee recruitment, screening, onboarding, and placement processes; participate in key interviews and orientations, while delegating day-to-day tasks to the Volunteer Services Assistant.
• Collaborate with staff across departments to identify volunteer needs and match individuals to appropriate assignments.
• Supervise and support the Volunteer Services Assistant in carrying out routine operations.
• Promote an inclusive and positive volunteer culture through effective communication, recognition events, and support.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date volunteer records across platforms including Volunteer Hub, Blackbaud Altru, and National Crime Search.
• Monitor and verify volunteer hours for accurate tracking and reporting.
• Prepare monthly and year-end reports on volunteer participation, hours served, and engagement metrics.
• Develop and regularly update volunteer policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure program consistency and effectiveness.
• Represent the Garden at community outreach events, volunteer fairs, and public festivals to promote the volunteer program and recruit participants.
• Coordinate volunteer participation in major events and seasonal exhibits, including recruitment, scheduling, and collaboration with event staff to ensure adequate on-site support.
• Manage the volunteer newsletter and contribute to Garden publications.
• Conduct routine surveys, exit interviews, and follow-up communications to evaluate and enhance volunteer experiences.
• Maintain active membership in professional volunteer administration organizations such as Southeastern Virginia Association of Volunteer Administration (SVAVA) and Volunteer Hampton Roads.

• Assist with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Functions:

• Ability to drive a golf cart.
• Ability to stand for up to 8 hours and work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work in an office setting, sitting for extended periods while using a computer, email system, phone system, and radio system for communication.

 Qualifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license & proof of car insurance.
• Must be able to reliably commute to and from the Garden.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills with the ability to speak effectively with both individuals and groups.
• Must have organizational and time management skills.
• Associate’s Degree and 5 years of hands-on experience in a nonprofit or volunteer-related environment preferred.
• Experience with database management is highly desirable.
• Experience with public speaking and outreach is a plus.

Reports To: Vice President of Education & Conservation

Benefits:

• Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual premium and 65% of dependent/family premium)
• 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary 4% match
• Company sponsored life-insurance coverage.
• Group rates on voluntary benefits such as dental, supplemental medical expense insurance, vision, STD, accident.
• Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Staff discounts on programming & gift shop.
• EAP services for all employees. 

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition including lactation, status as a veteran or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Click here to apply.