Manager Of Volunteer Engagement

The mission of the Children’s Museum Houston is to transform communities through innovative, child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children in Greater Houston.

For more than four decades, Children's Museum Houston has supported student achievement, empowered parents, and ignited a life-long love of learning. We are consistently rated as one of the top children's museums in the nation. Our program serves more than 900,000 participants annually at the museum, at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center, and at the 270+ outreach locations across Greater Houston. We welcome families with offerings that include 13 exhibits, a performing arts series, a full slate of cultural programming, science activities led by degreed educators, and weekly Free Family Nights. 

Job Summary: 

The Manager of Volunteer Engagement is responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the volunteer engagement programs at CMH and FBCDC. This includes Kids Committee, Discovery Squad, Junior League placements, student practicums and internships, volunteer groups, and adult individual volunteers. Approval, communication, and scheduling with corporate adult volunteer groups will be managed by the Development Department, with implementation managed by the Volunteer Manager. These duties will be synchronized with the Museum’s current Strategic Plan, furthering all related priorities.

 Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

Public-facing position with visiting public along with collaborative leadership and strategy across all internal departments including FBCDC.  Has major impact on visitor experience primarily through the organization and deployment of volunteers. Ensure that all volunteers are properly vetted and trained. Youth volunteer programs will be designed using internship and apprenticeship models that advance the mutual goals of the youth and the Museum. Remain ready to support VET and the Museum’s organizational goals through additional duties as assigned.

Kids Committee (ages 8-13)      

• Coordinate the recruitment, training, scheduling, management, evaluation, and recognition of the Kids Committee members.
• Lead the meetings at CMH and FBCDC with designated staff.
• Collaborate with other staff members and participate in meetings in order to gain member feedback or address funder deliverables.
• Responsible for writing and handling all correspondence for Kids’ Committee as well as reviewing and submitting any changes to PR Department that need to be made to website/social media regarding the program.
• Promote the program to CMH and FBCDC partners and schools including using as a pipeline to Discovery Squad membership.

Discovery Squad (ages 14-17)

• Coordinate the recruitment, training, scheduling, management, evaluation, and recognition of the Discovery Squad members.
• Collaborate with other staff to develop thorough training for members so that they are prepared to volunteer on the floor, including for special events.
• Responsible for writing and handling all correspondence with Discovery Squad members as well as reviewing and submitting any changes to PR Department that need to be made to the website/social media regarding the program.
• Coordinate training and working relationship between Discovery Squad and Museum staff that will be working with them as needed, including onboarding and orientation in May of each year to review expectations, policies and procedures such as how to handle emergencies, schedules for educational opportunities for Discovery Squad members, evaluations, etc.
• Schedule monthly meetings throughout the summer for team building and leadership training.
• Function as advisor to Discovery Squad Executive Committee.

 Adult and Group Volunteers

• Coordinate the recruitment, training, scheduling, management and evaluation of general museum individual volunteers and group volunteers.
• Responsible for responding to general volunteer inquiries received by mail, telephone or on-line.
• Assist VET and other staff in making appropriate placements and training for all volunteers.
• Coordinate the placement, training, and management of corporate volunteers who are recruited, vetted, and scheduled by the Development Department.

 Junior League Placements

• Served as the museum’s liaison to the Junior League of Houston for the Overnight Adventures and Family Math Adventures programs.
• Coordinate the recruitment, promotion, and scheduling for the Junior League Overnights.
• Responsible for all communications with participating schools to ensure that all permission slips, medical health releases, and chaperones lists are acquired for each overnight.
• Responsible for coordinating the set-up for the Museum’s Junior League Overnights and ensuring that safety protocols are in place.

Intern and Practicum Students

• Serve as the Museum’s liaison with colleges and organizations for potential intern programs.
• Initially vet interns’ capabilities and interests. Share findings with appropriate staff to determine the next steps for possible placement.
• Assign interns to appropriate staff and monitor progress.
• Lead Cristo-Rey student intern program.

 General

• Track hours for all volunteers and create monthly board reports.
• Ensure that volunteers go through background check process and pay invoices to maintain the system.
• Ensure that all qualifying youth volunteers have the opportunity to apply for the Presidential awards.
• Manage the Jhin Youth Volunteer Award annually in coordination with the Development Department and the Jhin family.
• Serve as a representative of the museum in the community throughout the year to heighten awareness of volunteer opportunities and needs at the museum.
• Serve as the liaison for CMH with the Points of Light Institute to track, record, and honor volunteer service hours at a national level.
• Collaborate with the Development Department to host corporate volunteer groups.

Please note that duties other than those listed above may be assigned. The following are Essential Functions of the job & may not be altered without changing the primary purpose and objectives of the position:

1. Coordinate all volunteer groups including Kids Committee, Discovery Squad, Junior League placements, student practicum and internships, and adult individual and group volunteers.  
2. Ensure proper vetting of all volunteers to maintain a safe environment.
3. Promote volunteer programs to keep a healthy number of volunteers.
4. Collaborate with other staff and support VET as needed for museum operations.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Directly Supervise: (train, review work, correct work, provide input for dismissal):

• Kids Committee - varies
• Discovery Squad - varies
• Intern/Practicum Students - varies
• Individual Adult Volunteers and Group Volunteers - varies
• Junior League Programs - varies

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Must be PC literate in MS Office, have proven ability to work at an intermediate level in Word and Excel
• Superior organization skills
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing schedules.
• Flexibility and collaborative problem-solving
• Experience and ability to work with children and teens.

 Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of experience in related field

Experience: 

• 4 years of supervisory experience or similar
• Education or experience working with children and teens.

Physical Requirements:

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Manual Effort Applied and Percent of On-the-Job Time

• 15% lifting

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Office conditions for 80% of worktime
• Some weekend work is required. Must be flexible with schedule.
• Some weeks require work over 40 hours.
• Requires work time both indoors and outdoors.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Inside of Greater Houston Metropolitan Area

• Travel is a routine, regular part of job; less than 30% of working time

Outside of the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area

• Travel is a routine, regular part of job; less than 30% of working time

We believe in creating an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion, without bias. We know we are better when we are developed, engaged, and able to bring our whole authentic selves to work. Our people are trusted experts. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train, and reward talent, and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other. 

 We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.