Volunteer Coordinator

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose Summary:

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for the recruitment, coordination, support, and retention of volunteers who contribute to The Salvation Army’s programs and services. The position develops positive relationships with volunteers, ensures appropriate screening and orientation, coordinates volunteer schedules, and supports volunteers to contribute safely and effectively to the mission and objectives of The Salvation Army.

The position also provides seasonal coordination and supervision of volunteers supporting the Christmas Kettle Campaign , including volunteer scheduling, orientation, site coverage, communication, and day-to-day support during the campaign period.

The role provides day-to-day coordination and administrative support while promoting a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful volunteer environment consistent with The Salvation Army’s values and policies.

KEY Accountabilities:

1. Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement

• •Recruit, screen, onboard, and retain volunteers in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• •Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, businesses, churches, and other groups to promote volunteer opportunities.
• •Respond to volunteer enquiries and match volunteers with appropriate roles based on their interests, skills, availability, and program requirements.
• •Maintain regular communication with volunteers and recognize their contributions.
• •Support volunteer appreciation and recognition activities.
• •Develop strategies to encourage ongoing volunteer participation and strengthen volunteer engagement.

2. Volunteer Coordination

• •Coordinate volunteer schedules and assignments to ensure adequate coverage for programs and services.
• •Provide volunteers with clear information regarding their duties, responsibilities, schedules, and expectations.
• •Monitor volunteer attendance and address scheduling issues or concerns in a timely manner.
• •Maintain accurate volunteer records, including applications, screening documentation, training, hours, and placement information.
• •Ensure volunteer activities comply with organizational policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
• •Work with program staff to identify current and future volunteer requirements.

3. Christmas Kettle Campaign – Seasonal Supervision

• •Coordinate and supervise volunteers supporting the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign during the designated seasonal period.
• •Recruit and schedule kettle volunteers to provide appropriate coverage at assigned kettle locations.
• •Coordinate volunteer sign-up, confirmations, cancellations, replacements, and schedule changes.
• •Provide seasonal volunteers with orientation regarding kettle procedures, expectations, safety, customer service, and The Salvation Army’s mission.
• •Maintain regular communication with kettle volunteers and provide timely responses to questions or concerns.
• •Monitor kettle locations and volunteer coverage throughout the campaign and arrange replacements when required.
• •Work with kettle site partners, staff, and community contacts to support positive relationships and effective campaign operations.
• •Conduct or coordinate site visits as required to provide volunteer support, monitor operations, and address issues.
• •Ensure volunteers follow established procedures for kettle operations, cash handling, safety, conduct, and reporting.
• •Escalate incidents, concerns, or operational issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• •Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation and hours associated with the Christmas Kettle Campaign.
• •Assist with seasonal volunteer recognition and appreciation.
• •Provide post-campaign feedback and statistics to assist with evaluation and planning for future Christmas Kettle Campaigns.

4. Volunteer Orientation and Training

• •Coordinate volunteer orientations and onboarding.
• •Provide information regarding The Salvation Army’s mission, values, confidentiality requirements, workplace expectations, health and safety, and relevant program procedures.
• •Coordinate or facilitate training required for specific volunteer assignments.
• •Provide ongoing guidance and support to volunteers in their assigned roles.
• •Ensure seasonal kettle volunteers receive appropriate orientation before commencing their assignments.

5. Program and Community Support

• •Work collaboratively with staff and program leaders to identify volunteer needs and develop appropriate volunteer roles.
• •Support the delivery of community programs, events, fundraising activities, food programs, seasonal initiatives, and other services as required.
• •Assist with special events and seasonal campaigns, including Christmas programs and community outreach initiatives.
• •Promote a positive and respectful experience for volunteers, clients, donors, staff, and community partners.
• •Develop and maintain positive relationships with community partners involved in volunteer activities.

6. Administration and Reporting

• •Maintain accurate and confidential volunteer files and databases.
• •Track volunteer hours and prepare regular statistics and reports as required.
• •Maintain volunteer schedules, communications, forms, procedures, and informational materials.
• •Monitor volunteer participation and identify opportunities to improve volunteer engagement and program effectiveness.
• •Prepare seasonal volunteer statistics and reports for the Christmas Kettle Campaign.
• •Ensure required documentation is completed and maintained in accordance with organizational requirements.

7. Health, Safety, and Risk Management

• •Promote a safe environment for volunteers, staff, clients, and visitors.
• •Ensure volunteers understand and follow health and safety procedures.
• •Report incidents, hazards, concerns, and policy violations promptly.
• •Ensure required screening, references, background checks, training, and documentation are completed before volunteers undertake applicable duties.
• •During the Christmas Kettle Campaign, monitor volunteer safety and escalate operational or safety concerns promptly.
• •Ensure volunteers are aware of appropriate procedures for emergencies, inclement weather, and other conditions that may affect kettle operations.

Working Conditions:

The position may require:

• •Regular interaction with volunteers, clients, staff, donors, and community members.
• •Increased workload and operational activity during the Christmas Kettle Campaign.
• •Occasional evening and weekend work, particularly during the Christmas season and special events.
• •Travel between kettle locations and other program sites as required.
• •Working in community-based, office, warehouse, retail, outdoor, or program environments depending on operational requirements.
• •Occasional lifting, moving supplies, setting up events, or other physical duties appropriate to the program.
• •Working outdoors or in varying weather conditions when conducting Christmas Kettle site visits or supporting kettle operations.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding o