Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

About the Role

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and community-minded Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager to help connect people to nature, stewardship, and each other. This full-time, in-person position plays a key role in developing and delivering engaging community education programs, interpretive trail experiences, and leading a vibrant volunteer program. The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative, resourceful professional who enjoys building relationships, creating meaningful experiences, and taking initiative to bring program and project ideas from planning through successful completion. The annual salary is $48,000–$52,000, commensurate with experience, plus benefits (dental insurance, health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, vision insurance).

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, schedule, and implement volunteer & community education programming and curricula, and guided trail interpretation for the general public and Institute members of all ages.
• Design and oversee evaluation methods for programs and volunteer activities; collaborate with staff to adapt programs based on outcomes.
• Develop, manage, and track the annual budgets for community programs and volunteer initiatives.
• Create and maintain the community program and volunteer calendar.
• Partner with other staff to expand opportunities for students, educators, and families.
• Work with Advancement & Communications staff to promote programs and volunteer opportunities (e.g., create website content and marketing materials).
• Provide support to Advancement & Communications staff with major donor events & activities.
• Lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, placement, and recognition in partnership with the HR Manager and program area supervisors.
• Directly supervise volunteers while coordinating with department managers and staff.
• Provide environmental education training to staff and volunteers as needed.
• Oversee inventories of program and volunteer resources.
• Manage Institute trailhead kiosks and interpretive signage, and contribute educational content for the website and outreach platforms.
• Serve as a guest presenter and represent PCCI at community events as needed.
• Assist staff in carrying out the mission of the Institute.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Learning Landscapes.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in art, biology, education, environmental science, interpretation, or related field, OR five years of experience in a similar field.
• Experience creating and managing program registration forms.
• Ability to accurately track and maintain participant and volunteer data in DonorPerfect and Excel.
• Experience in environmental interpretation, developing interpretive trail signage, or leading interpretive nature walks.
• Ability to develop relationships and manage resources that enhance and strengthen the educational efforts of the Institute’s mission.
• Experience in volunteer management, community engagement, or nonprofit program development strongly preferred.
• Ability to teach, lead, interpret natural history, and inspire diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, adapt, and follow through.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and writing.
• Strong ability to work both collaboratively across teams while also operating independently.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and lead hikes up to five miles on uneven surfaces and trails.
• Access to reliable transportation for occasional off-site programming (mileage reimbursed).
• Ability to work with and supervise volunteers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams).
• Ability to quickly learn and stay current with new technology tools and software.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including 1–2 weekend days per month and 1–2 evenings per week.
• This is a place-based position requiring regular on-site presence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in volunteer management, community engagement, or nonprofit program development is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement educational programs and interpretive experiences.
• Strong skills in leadership, communication, and relationship building.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions and performing physical tasks as described.
• Proficiency with relevant software and technology.