Volunteer and Event Manager

THIS JOB LISTING HAS EXPIRED

Organization: Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

Posted: April 10, 2026 • Deadline: May 4, 2026

CLASSIFICATION: Full time
REPORTS TO: Communications Director LOCATION: Saint Paul, MN

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters is seeking a full-time Volunteer and Event Manager to plan and implement in-person and virtual events to engage supporters and to manage our volunteer program. This position will be responsible for leading all outreach and advocacy events, including political events through Friends affiliated 501(c)4, Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network. This position will also be responsible for continuing to grow Friends’ thriving volunteer program, including recruiting, training, managing and retaining volunteers to assist at events and in our advocacy work. The ideal candidate is an experienced volunteer manager with exceptional event planning and organizational skills who enjoys making connections with people. Must be available during the entire duration of the Minnesota State Fair.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

  • Reports directly to the Communications Director
  • Works effectively with other departments within the Friends, including Development, Government Relations and Advocacy, and Education

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Recruit, train, and organize hundreds of volunteers to mobilize them for outreach and advocacy events, including political advocacy conducted by the Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network
  • Use the database to create and maintain volunteer management systems including: sign-up forms, contact notes, webforms, surveys, email action alerts, exporting and importing data, and event promotion and participant tracking
  • Plan and lead events for hundreds of attendees, such as trivia nights, town halls, community programs, rallies, expos, the Friends booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Boundary Waters Day at the Capitol
  • Lead volunteer and event aspects of the Citizen Action Network
  • Plan logistics for political events conducted by Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network
  • Plan and lead virtual presentations, including a monthly Lunch with the Friends webinar
  • Plan and lead quarterly outdoor recreation programs for adults, working with the Education team
  • Collaborate with the Development team on planning donor events as necessary
  • Advertise and promote events through multiple communication channels
  • Represent Friends at in-person and virtual events
  • Develop a strategy to prioritize Friends participation in events and assess new opportunities based on this strategy
  • Organize, maintain, and order materials needed for events

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Three to five years of experience organizing and planning events for hundreds of attendees
  • Three to five years of experience recruiting, training and managing (dozens or hundreds) volunteers
  • Significant hands on experience working in a CRM database
  • Ability to adapt quickly and think creatively
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking skills
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
  • Friendly, enthusiastic and positive attitude
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends
  • Willingness and ability to travel by car
  • Passion for preserving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its ecosystem
  • Understanding of the Minnesota State Legislature is preferred but not required
  • Experience working on political campaigns is preferred but not required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • $60,000 – $70,000 per year
  • Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b)-retirement plan.
  • In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary
  • Flexible working hours and hybrid in-person/remote working options
  • We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional

TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references:

Case McCullough Administrative Coordinator casey@friends-bwca.org

In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Volunteer and Event Manager.”

Applications will be accepted until May 4 , 2026.

At Friends, we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. Friends is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.