Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator

Location: SWMLC’s Office is located in Galesburg, MI, but staff also work remotely

Salary: $39,000-45,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Life insurance, Flexible spending account, 403(b) with match, paid professional development, paid vacation, paid sick/personal leave, paid holidays, paid cell phone

Job Status: Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Reports To: Development Director

Closing Date: October 21, 2024

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) is a 501(c)(3) accredited nonprofit land conservancy created in 1991. We work in the nine counties of southwest Michigan to protect, restore, and care for vital lands and waters for people and wildlife – now and for generations to come. To date, SWMLC has protected over 19,000 acres of forests, prairies, wetlands, dunes, savannas, and fens through acquisition of land for nature preserves, establishment of conservation easements with willing private landowners, and partnerships with other conservation organizations.

Position Description:

SWMLC is looking for an enthusiastic conservationist who is team-oriented, resilient, and passionate about sharing the story of SWMLC’s local conservation efforts, and connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with nature.

Reporting to the Development Director, the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator is a new position that will identify, schedule and implement an annual program of meaningful volunteer experiences, events and activities with a view towards building and expanding relationships to help support community engagement, donor development and fundraising opportunities that maximize organizational benefit and best leverage existing resources and collaborative/ partnership opportunities. This will include assisting with the distribution of event marketing materials, managing online event registrations, communicating with attendees before and after the events, leading volunteer and other events and activities to help promote recognition and awareness of SWMLC within the community. SWMLC is looking for an individual that will come with their own ideas, as well as the flexibility and openness to incorporate the ideas and experience of the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Outreach/Engagement
• Identify, schedule and implement an annual program of meaningful events, experiences and activities to engage new and existing audiences, including the Annual Meeting, monthly outreach events, tabling at partner events, and informational presentations with partners or community groups.
• Assist with drafting and distributing press releases and build strong working relationships with members of the press to frame stories and provide quotes from staff and conservation partners regarding land conservation and related topics.
• Organize and implement public outreach and press events.
• Perform analyses on missing demographics represented within SWMLC’s volunteer, donor, and preserve user community and identify the most effective ways of engaging these groups of people.
• Conduct presentations, walks, and tours for the community to increase awareness of SWMLC, its initiatives, and nature.
• Manage the “Outreach Committee” composed of staff, board members, and volunteers who meet several times/year to discuss outreach initiatives
• Manage SWMLC’s general conserveland email inbox
• Volunteer Coordination
• Develop and implement a corporate/business volunteer program and identify top 50 prospects to expand business partnerships and corporate donation opportunities.
• Create, schedule and manage business/corporate volunteer workdays, and build relationships with business/corporate representatives.
• Assist with the management of Stewardship, Land Protection and General volunteers and activities to help create a volunteer pathway to deeper donor engagement
• Assist with volunteer recognition events and activities.
• Manage volunteer database in E-Tapestry.
• Fundraising/Development
• Provide support to Development and Communications Team for donor-related campaigns and activities.
• Assist Development Director in scheduling and implementing major donor events.
• Other duties as assigned

 Preferred Skills & Experience

• Associate’s degree or higher in conservation, outdoor education, nonprofit management, communications or related field
• Experience in volunteer coordination, outreach/event coordination, education (environmental, outdoor, or science education), non-profit work, conservation work, or relevant field
• Ability to perform physically challenging work outdoors and in all weather conditions or uneven terrain
• Ability and willingness to work some non-standard hours for events, including evenings and weekends
• Competency with MS Office Suite
• Passion for conservation and commitment to the mission, vision, and goals of SWMLC
• Experience leading groups in outdoor settings, including youth groups
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Organized, detailed and able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Confidence in public speaking
• Exceptional customer service attitude

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is proud to be an Equality Opportunity Employer. We embrace and celebrate diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that inspires all individuals. Our commitment is to provide a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, ensuring that every team member is valued and respected.