Job Description

Description
Volunteer Engagement Associate
Job Status: Temporary Full-Time
Pay & Grade: $55,634 to $69,073 Annually Grade: 5
Hours of Work:35 Hours per week
Initial location: Kitchener City Hall
Posting period:July 3, 2025 to July 10, 2025 (at 6:00pm)
Overview
This role supports staff and community partners in building meaningful and inclusive volunteer experiences. It collaborates with all levels of staff to create purposeful volunteer roles and develops effective engagement strategies, resources, and plans. The position provides guidance on best practices in volunteer management, including recruitment, training, risk management, policies, and procedures. It also leads the planning and delivery of volunteer and resident recognition programs and events.
Responsibilities

• Assists staff across the corporation with the planning of new or redesigned volunteer and engagement opportunities considering a range of volunteering options
• Organizes and chairs an internal volunteerism committee for city staff who work with volunteers.
• Provides the necessary support to staff for volunteer recruitment, orientation, volunteer management and Better Impact training, and records management for new and existing volunteer engagement opportunities.
• Engages, collaborates and coordinates with residents, community partners and staff to co-design neighbourhood-based and city-wide volunteer programs, recognition events and other initiatives.
• Plans, coordinates and administers recognition programs and events that celebrate the values of volunteerism and contributions made by community members, including but not limited to:

• Resident Garden Recognition Program - Recognizes all varieties of public-facing gardens, celebrates gardeners, and fosters community through gardening.
• Good Neighbour Recognition Program - Recognizing acts of kindness, community volunteerism, etc.
• Other volunteer appreciation programs such as Kitchener In Bloom, Community Clean-up Program, corporate Volunteer Recognition activities and other initiatives.
• Responsible for the evaluation of volunteer programs and activities, and the collection of statistical information.
• In conjunction with the Volunteer Engagement team, anticipates and forecasts ongoing volunteering trends, needs and opportunities for the corporation to engage our community members.
• Manages project/program budgets efficiently.
• Acts as the designated back-up for the Volunteer Program Coordinator
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 2-year degree or diploma in a specialized post-secondary program in a related field.
• Minimum of one to two years of related experience.
• Showcase and support project values compatible with the organization.
• Ability to work flexible hours including daytime, evening, weekends.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills with a proven ability to provide timely and relevant support for community-led engagement initiatives, to manage multiple tasks and deadlines and to work independently.
• Applied knowledge of volunteer management practices, policies and procedures as per Volunteer Canada; knowledge of volunteer trends, motivations and engagement behaviours. knowledge of community development processes and community engagement tools and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and oral) and collaboration skills to work with staff across the corporation, identifying their volunteer needs, managing expectations and assisting with the development of appropriate matching engagement opportunities.
• The ability to competently communicate and reinforce the value of volunteerism and relevant policies and standards of practice with employees who work with volunteers.
• Effectively work in and foster a team environment.
• Demonstrated strong analytical, assessment, planning and creative skills to identify innovative opportunities that support many forms of volunteer and community participation.
• Must have an understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code, AODA legislation and inclusion and diversity best practices as it relates to volunteer placements and community engagement.
• Experienced in planning and coordinating events.
• Working knowledge of social media and marketing.
• Must have demonstrated proficiency in the use of personal computers using Microsoft office applications.
• Working knowledge of change management theory.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

Department/Division:Community Services, Neighbourhood Programs and Services
Group: CUPE 791
Competition Number: 2025-230
Job Code: 1540
Number of positions: 1