About FMR
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading and growing nonprofit organization working to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region. Our goals are to: improve water quality; conserve important lands; engage people in learning about and taking action to protect and enhance the river; inspire widespread commitment to this natural wonder flowing through our community; and protect our river’s unique scenic, natural, cultural and recreational qualities.
The organization has an annual budget of $3.6 million and employs a dedicated, professional staff of 24 who work to improve the river’s health through policy advocacy, education and engagement, land conservation and restoration and other disciplines. Over 30 years, FMR has established deep relationships and credibility with thousands of citizens, landowners, neighborhood organizations, volunteers, government agencies and elected officials. The organization has become a national model for conservation and watershed protection.
FMR is poised for continued growth and success with a well-known and respected brand, a seasoned and effective staff, a strong board of directors, and a growing support base. The workplace culture at FMR is collaborative, fun and staff share a common love of the river and dedication to the organization’s mission.
FMR believes the Mississippi River belongs to all of us and its gifts should flow equally to everyone in our community. We strive to be culturally competent, welcoming and inclusive of all people. We are working toward greater social and environmental justice, using our resources and influence to redress structural inequality in our own organization and where it intersects with the health and vitality of the Mississippi River. We encourage interested applicants from all backgrounds to apply. (Learn more about FMR’s commitment to advancing equity.)
The position
The Volunteer Coordinator reports to the Stewardship & Education Director and will join a team of five in FMR’s Stewardship & Education department. The Volunteer Coordinator recruits and coordinates individual and group volunteers to participate in FMR’s many events, projects and programs. The Volunteer Coordinator will conduct public outreach to individuals, community groups, and schools, coordinate and track volunteer participation, support FMR events and projects, expand and refine FMR’s database of volunteers as well as support the seasonal event assistants.
The position is right for a self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented person with a genuine commitment to protecting the environmental and cultural resources of the Mississippi River. The ideal candidate will have well-developed communication skills and two years of relevant experience in volunteering, community outreach, strategic communications, or related responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Promote volunteer events, workshops and educational opportunities through mailings, social media, newsletters, websites, community calendars, bulletin boards, tabling, networking and other outreach efforts.
- Expand and refine FMR’s database of volunteers and groups.
- Develop and maintain communication by phone, email and face-to-face with a network of community groups, leaders and individual volunteers.
- Recruit, schedule, and coordinate participation in FMR projects and activities, including the Stewardship Program’s events/projects and other volunteer programs as needed.
- Track volunteer participation in all FMR activities/events accurately and timely in FMR’s database.
- Assist with and support FMR events and activities as needed, including some evenings and weekends.
- Work with FMR’s Stewardship Team to recruit specialized volunteers and participants for FMR training and educational activities and workshops as needed.
- Keep FMR.org’s volunteer web pages updated with important information and project/site updates.
- Serve on FMR’s Communications Team
- Support the Event Assistants as needed.
- Coordinate/develop promotional materials and other communications efforts to promote education programs to the public, as needed.
- Work within the Stewardship & Education Program to implement FMR’s goals and strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Manage and maintain program equipment and supplies.
- Maintain detailed records of program participants and project results in the FMR database.
- Organize and attend volunteer appreciation events and activities as needed.
- Other administrative support or duties as assigned.
Minimum qualifications
- Two or more years of related experience
- Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and balance multiple projects and objectives
- Experience and comfort facilitating programs for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, including comfort with the challenges and rewards of intercultural communication.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or other word processing and spreadsheet applications.
- Ability to occasionally work irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
- Interest in and commitment to protecting the health of the Mississippi River
- Vaccination against COVID-19 is required for this position.
- Access to reliable transportation and a willingness to transport project equipment in their vehicle. Mileage and parking costs for work-related travel will be reimbursed.
Additional desired qualifications
- Experience with event and/or volunteer coordination or support.
- Experience with databases and other office-related software and online meeting platforms.
- Knowledge or background in natural resources, water quality or environmental education.
- Experience facilitating youth internship programs.
Salary & benefits
The salary range for this position is $40,000 – $46,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental and short-term disability insurance, retirement match, parking/transit allowance, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave.
To apply
Please consolidate your application into one PDF document that includes: a cover letter summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position; a 1-2 page résumé; and the names, titles, and phone numbers of three professional references (or two professional and one personal reference). Please include your last name in the file name and email it as an attachment with “Volunteer Coordinator” as the subject line to mbierma@fmr.org(link sends e-mail).
The position will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply by April 14, 2023.
Learn more about FMR’s commitment to advancing equity, our work and our Stewardship & Education Program
