IONS is situated in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaw people. Unceded means that the Mi’kmaq have never relinquished, sold, traded, or transferred ownership of their land to European settler colonies, yet land was taken over without their consent through various processes of settler colonialism. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which the Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik people first signed with the British Crown in 1726. These Treaties did not involve the surrendering of rights to the lands and resources they had traditionally used and occupied. We are all Treaty People.

We further acknowledge that Nova Scotia is the birthplace of Black culture and heritage in Canada. People of African descent have shared these lands for over 400 years, and over 50 strong and resourceful African Nova Scotian communities exist here today.

We are committed to the struggle against systems of oppression that have resulted in profound inequities and the denial of self-determination rights. We are working actively to deepen our learning at an individual level, provide learning opportunities about anti-racism and decolonization, and to develop partnerships with organizations serving and led by underrepresented groups.

  • Volunteer Engagement Lead

    $49,440 – $55,620

    Company Website

    Volunteer Engagement Lead
    Full-time, 2-year Contract with possibility of extension

    The North Grove is committed to building an equitable and diverse team that is reflective, at all levels, of the community we serve. We welcome all applications; however, we strongly encourage applications from Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotian, Black, Indigenous/First Nation, racialized, newcomer, 2SLGBTQIA+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities. All candidates from equity-deserving groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

    About The North Grove:

    The North Grove (www.thenorthgrove.ca) is a dynamic community hub, situated in the diverse community of Dartmouth North. We offer services, programs, and space for people to learn and connect through family support, food, and friendship. We also partner with more than 25 organizations to help improve health, reduce social isolation and strengthen connections in this community.

    The North Grove team is made up of 30 staff. We work with a dedicated Board of Directors, more than 170 community volunteers and a network of supporters that includes funding partners, corporate and individual donors. Collaboration, creativity, and community-centered decision making are important to us.

    Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are central to our work and as a team we have committed to a DEIB framework that includes ongoing learning opportunities, policy development, and partnership work.

    Learn more about our DEIB commitment here: https://www.thenorthgrove.ca/deib

    Our approach is rooted in strengths-based practice. This practice sees all members of our community as having resourceful and resilient qualities and strives to support individual self-determination. We seek applicants who share our commitment to working within this model.

    The Opportunity:

    Note this is a two-year term position, with the possibility to renew based on program needs and funding.

    We are looking for a full-time Volunteer Engagement Lead to join our team and continue to create a warm and welcoming environment for our more than 170 volunteers. This individual is enthusiastic about their work, has strong interpersonal skills, and is adaptable to the ever-changing needs of a volunteer program. This position is well-suited for someone who can balance seeing the bigger vision for volunteer engagement and providing an individualized experience for volunteers. The Volunteer Engagement Lead will also support our new social enterprise, Primrose Preserves, through administrative tasks and volunteer coordination – including youth volunteers. We are looking for someone who is a strong collaborator, a self-starter, and ready to dream big.

    The Volunteer Engagement Lead will keep communication lines open with our volunteers, lead onboarding and training of new volunteer recruits, and create new volunteer opportunities to support our social enterprise. They will coordinate appreciation events and work with the Volunteer and Social Enterprise Manager to build partnerships central to the vision of the volunteer program and business development.

    Behind the scenes, the Volunteer Engagement Lead will coordinate and maintain the volunteer database, structure scheduling processes, and be a consistent touchpoint for the staff team to ensure program needs are met. They can problem-solve when needed and are always looking for new ways to create more meaningful experiences for volunteers.

    Youth volunteer leadership opportunities are in high demand at The North Grove. This area is continually evolving and we are looking for someone who can help co-create a sustainable engagement strategy for youth volunteerism.

    Our ideal candidate is adaptable and personable and enjoys a hybrid of administrative and public-facing work. They are a skilled communicator, enjoy establishing processes and systems to keep things organized, and naturally create an environment where people know they can show up as they are and be valued for the skills, time, and energy they contribute.

    We’re excited to hear from you!

    Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), Monday to Friday, with some weekends and occasional evenings.

    Reporting Structure: The Volunteer Engagement Lead will report to the Volunteer & Social Enterprise Manager

    Key Responsibilities:

    Volunteer Program

    • Manage the volunteer database (Volgistics) and keep volunteer records up-to-date
    • Follow, improve, and capture the processes to recruit and onboard volunteers
    • Work closely with staff to help meet their volunteer needs
    • Supervise and work with volunteers, including corporate & youth volunteers, to facilitate positive and engaging experiences
    • Work closely with volunteers to help them feel engaged, welcomed, and valued
    • Communicate daily with volunteers about scheduling, availability, and events
    • Plan, organize, and facilitate volunteer appreciation events
    • Implement new onboarding and scheduling tools for youth volunteers
    • Manage the volunteer program budget
    • Coordinate Youth Volunteer Leadership summer programs
    • Help track volunteer data and feedback to improve programming

    Social Enterprise

    • Assist with communications relevant to the social enterprise – retailers, wholesalers, primary producers, etc.
    • Manage product inventory
    • Engage volunteers, including youth & corporate volunteers, in social enterprise
    • Support implementation of the business plan for Primrose Preserves
    • Record keeping of sales and production data to improve processes and support reporting and evaluation

    North Grove Community Member

    • Participate in broader activities that support the organization: tours, videos, fundraising opportunities, posting program information, special events, internal committees, etc.
    • Support our growing focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

    What You Will Bring:

    The North Grove is seeking to build a diverse team and values lived experience and non-traditional ways of learning. If you don’t meet all the criteria below but you are excited about the job description and believe you bring unique experience and perspective, please apply!

    • 2+ years of experience coordinating volunteers or community-based work.
    • Experience coordinating or supporting volunteers is an asset.
    • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
    • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a collaborative team environment.
    • High degree of skill and comfort with technology, including interest in, and experience with databases.
    • Clear communication skills and attention to detail.
    • Strong problem-solving and relationship-building skills, with the ability to confidently navigate challenges in a constructive and collaborative manner.
    • A strong drive for personal and professional development and desire to learn
    • Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, inclusive environment and demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity in all interactions.
    • A sense of fun and a commitment to kindness and empathy
    • Experience managing or supporting volunteers (asset).
    • Comfort and experience working with youth (ages 13–18) (asset)
    • Interest or experience in working with diverse communities using a strengths-based approach, particularly with individuals facing systemic barriers.

    We encourage you to check out our social media platforms and website for more about who we are and the kind of communications we share.

    What We Offer:

    Staff wellbeing is prioritized, and we provide training opportunities, employer-paid medical/dental benefits from day one, 4% employer-paid RRSP contribution after probation, 4 weeks of paid vacation, all statutory holidays, paid sick time and 4 personal days. A computer is provided. This position is based in Dartmouth, however there is the opportunity to do some work from home.

    Salary Range: $49,440 – 55,620 annually*

    *Note that this hiring range is based on a comprehensive compensation policy outlining current earning potential of up to $61,800 for a coordinator position.

    The Selection Process – What to Expect:

    Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short initial phone screening call to go over the basics of the position, get a high-level understanding of your experience and answer any questions you may have.

    Following the phone screening calls, a handful of candidates will be invited to an in-person interview at The North Grove, followed by a second round if required. Candidates are encouraged to submit any accommodation requests to the email below.
    In-person interviews for this role will happen on Friday, June 5th.

    Anticipated start date: Monday, June 23rd. Must be available in July.

    Everyone who applies for this position will receive an email update from The North Grove within one month of the application deadline.

    How to Apply:

    To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in one document by email to Naomi Samela, Operations Manager, at [email protected] under the subject line: Application for Volunteer Engagement Lead by Monday, May 25th at 9am.

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