Specialist, Volunteer Engagement

Job summary

The Volunteer Engagement Specialist is responsible for developing engagement strategies, recognition programs, and onboarding processes for volunteers. They also provide support to departmental leaders in recruitment, retention, coaching, and the analysis of volunteer program metrics.

Job details

ABOUT THE STUDENTS’ UNION The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) is the official student-run organization for undergraduates at the University of Alberta. We aim to improve the undergraduate student experience through the services, events and spaces that we provide. We also advocate on behalf of students within the university community, and to all levels of government. OVERVIEW: The Volunteer Engagement Specialist is a pivotal role within our organization, responsible for creating a positive and inclusive work environment, supporting volunteer development, and enhancing opportunities for student involvement with the UASU. This position is part of the Student Events Unit and the Student Services teams and will collaborate with departmental leaders and various volunteer coordinators to support development within individual volunteer teams, including but not limited to Safewalk, Peer Support Centre, SustainSU, UASUevents Crew, UASUevents Media Team, and Week of Welcome. Additionally, this position will initiate projects and implement strategies organization-wide that support all volunteers within the UASU. The ideal candidate is passionate about building strong relationships, possesses excellent communication skills, and is committed to promoting a sense of belonging and purpose among volunteers. RESPONSABILITIES: Engagement Strategy Development: Develop and implement recognition programs to celebrate the contributions and achievements of volunteers. Regularly communicate organizational updates, opportunities for involvement, and acknowledgments of the efforts of individuals and teams through various channels. Manager and Program Staff Support Provide support for recruitment, retention, and coaching strategies to ensure a diverse and effective volunteer workforce. Provide front-end support for software used for volunteer recruitment and management. Assist managers in the maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records of volunteer information, hours, and activities. Assist with the planning and execution of volunteer appreciation events. Onboarding: Design and implement an effective onboarding process for new volunteers ensuring they understand the organization's mission, values, and operational procedures. Provide support to departmental leaders for onboarding sessions for volunteers, ensuring they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively. Coordinate and facilitate these sessions as needed. Training and Development: Coordinate training sessions and workshops to support the professional development and growth of volunteers. Collaborate with departmental leaders to develop and maintain department and role-specific training plans. Feedback, Evaluation and Documentation: Develop and implement tools to evaluate the success of the volunteer engagement programs. Solicit and analyze feedback to continuously improve the volunteer experience. Analyze data and metrics related to volunteer engagement to measure program effectiveness and track progress over time. QUALIFICATIONS: Post-secondary student experience; Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. Experience in volunteer based programs; experience as a team leader, volunteer coordinator or a role involving onboarding and training is an asset. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact positively with a diverse range of individuals. Strong organizational and planning skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Proficiency in Google Suite; experience in using volunteer software is an asset. A passion for post-secondary student success and a commitment to the organization’s mission and goals. WORKING CONDITIONS: 37.5 hours per week; This is a 6-month contract, with potential for a 12 month extension. Willingness and ability to work varying hours – including weekends and evenings. Work is primarily in-person on the University of Alberta North Campus. This position is union exempt APPLICATIONS CLOSE: October 23rd, 2026 While we thank everyone for their applications, please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Any questions about this posting can be directed to Delane Howie at delane.howie@uasu.ca

What you’ll do

The Volunteer Engagement Specialist is responsible for developing engagement strategies, recognition programs, and onboarding processes for volunteers. They also provide support to departmental leaders in recruitment, retention, coaching, and the analysis of volunteer program metrics.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have post-secondary student experience, with a bachelor's degree preferred. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are required, along with proficiency in Google Suite and experience in volunteer-based programs.

Benefits

• Benefits

Listed skills

• Google Suite · Preferred
• interpersonal skills · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Planning · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Coaching · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred
• Onboarding · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Volunteer engagement
• Volunteer recruitment
• Volunteer retention
• Onboarding
• Training coordination
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Planning
• Google Suite
• Coaching
• Data analysis
• Relationship building
• Project management
• Student Services
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Strategy Development
• Advocacy
• Management
• Training And Development
• Interpersonal Communications
• Employee Onboarding
• Peer Support
• Google Workspace

Job areas

• Human Resources
• Social Services
• Education
• Management & Leadership
• Administrative
• Volunteer Engagement Specialist
• Volunteer
• Unclassified Unit Group
• Unclassified Detailed Occupation
• na

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