Volunteer and Outreach Manager

Position Description: The Volunteer and Outreach Manager position has two primary duties.

• Recruitment, training, and managing volunteers who assist with activities led by the Council’s Education, Stewardship, and Community Events programming to provide meaningful engagement opportunities for volunteers. This position will assist the organization in maintaining volunteer recruitment avenues and records, assist in the development of volunteer resources, and maintain ongoing communication with volunteers. 
• Guide and manage CSWC’s public outreach efforts through tabling at community events throughout the year and building organizational presence through multiple outreach methods. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train, and coordinate dynamic and dedicated volunteers for each CSWC program area (Community Events, Stewardship, and Environmental Education). Volunteer activities include stewardship plantings, trash cleanups, paddling events, environmental educational outings, and more. 
• Recruit community members for the Paddle Team, including the Multilingual Paddle Team, working with community members from diverse, Spanish-speaking, Slavic-speaking, Zomi-speaking, and other non-English speaking communities, as well as English-speaking communities in the watershed. 
• Coordinate volunteer scheduling with prompt and clear communication with volunteers and internal staff. 
• Maintain accurate volunteer records (e.g., background checks, volunteer agreements, contact information, service placement, and hours).
• Work closely with the Program Coordinator in planning and implementing volunteer training(s), including Paddle Team Training.
• Participate in Council events, as needed, to understand needs, operations, and how volunteers function within the program.
• Responsible for all CSWC communications with volunteers, including emails, website updates, volunteer inquiries, and internal event coordination with Program Directors

CSWC Outreach

• Create, maintain, and implement a dynamic year-long outreach calendar and program, helping the public to better understand CSWC’s mission and work throughout the Watershed. 
• Be CSWC’s main contact and point person for all external community partner events - this will require working some nights and weekends.
• Maintain and create outreach materials for CSWC programming and outreach (multiple languages).
• Attend outreach events and educate the public about the Council, its mission, and its programming. 

Other responsibilities: 

• Participate in at least one CSWC Board Committee (Development, JEDI, Land-Use).
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Demonstrated ability and commitment to work well with people of diverse backgrounds, ages, abilities, and cultures, with a genuine interest in creating and facilitating volunteer experiences. 
• Experience successfully leading and coordinating volunteers and volunteer opportunities for events of all sizes, including large events such as festivals. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including writing, speaking, and relationship building.
• Knowledge of natural resources, especially as it pertains to the urban environment.
• Available to work evenings and/or weekends in addition to workdays.
• Proficient in Google Suite, Constant Contact, email marketing management, and social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and projects with attention to detail and accuracy, adapt to shifting deadlines, and manage multiple priorities. 
• Ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds, walk in and around streams and other project and monitoring sites, and work at a desk for extended periods, with reasonable accommodation.
• Dedication to and/or lived experience working in inclusive, anti-oppressive community engagement and program design, particularly in communities of color. 
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English. 
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation. 

Other Desirable Qualities: 

• Experience creating meaningful connections and contacts within communities of color. 
• Knowledge of and connection to Portland, Gresham, and Fairview neighborhoods, schools, natural areas, and non-profit organizations in our watershed. 
• Familiarity with CSWC Community Partners, such as Portland Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Environmental Services, Verde, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Port of Portland, etc. 
• Kayak and/or canoe paddling experience.
• Ability to drive a manual transmission and back up a trailer. 
• Ability to speak and write in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, or other languages spoken in the watershed is a plus. 

Work Environment: This position includes moving on uneven terrain, often during inclement weather. The Volunteer and Outreach Manager is often responsible for either CSWC or community event setups and breakdowns, which may include lifting 30-50 lbs and setting up tents, tables, and chairs. The person in this position often paddles in canoes or kayaks to access sites or give tours. Around 25% of this job requires mobility in non-ADA accessible spaces and moving heavy objects. It also will include working or being seated at a desk.  The variations in work environments are about a 50/50 split, but can vary throughout the year based on the programming schedules. Please contact the Council with specific questions about accessibility and special accommodation. 

Travel and Safety Requirements: Travel by car, a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, the ability to be insured for vehicle usage, and willingness and ability to use personal transportation related to work are preferred (mileage reimbursed). Appropriate field and safety attire is required as events dictate. 

To Apply: Application materials can be submitted via mail or email. 

• Cover letter, which should include, but is not limited to, an introduction of yourself, a highlight of your qualifications and strengths most relevant to the organization and position, a recap of what you would bring to the organization, and your reason for interest in the position. Do not exceed two pages. 
• Resume. Do not exceed two pages.
• Three references. At least one reference must be from a current or previous work supervisor. 

Submit paper applications to: Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Attn: Heather King, 7040 NE 47th Avenue, Portland, OR 97218

Submit email applications: jobs@columbiaslough.org with the subject line “Volunteer and Outreach Manager Application”

No phone or email inquiries. 

Closing Date: Application materials must be received no later than October 2, 2023, at 11 PM.

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council is an equal opportunity employer.  We will not discriminate and will take measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job application on the basis of race, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender expression.