At PALS, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They bring our mission—Changing Lives Through Literacy—to life by walking alongside adult learners on their journeys to greater confidence, skills, and opportunity.

This role is responsible for two vital areas: volunteer coordination and external engagement. The coordinator recruits, supports, and celebrates our volunteers while also strengthening PALS’ visibility and presence in the community. This includes overseeing communications, events, social media, and outreach activities that build awareness and deepen public support for adult literacy.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, telling meaningful stories, and creating inclusive, engaging spaces for community connection. This is a part time role working 24 hours/week.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Volunteer Leadership and Program Support

• Lead volunteer recruitment, screening, onboarding, and matching across all PALS programs.
• Provide ongoing support and appreciation to volunteers to ensure positive, purposeful experiences.
• Work closely with program coordinators to understand volunteer needs and learner goals.
• Maintain volunteer records, schedules, and tracking systems for reporting and program evaluation.
• Develop annual objectives and outcome measures for the volunteer program.
• Monitor and evaluate volunteer engagement to continuously improve the experience.
• Coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation activities.
• Manage volunteer-related budgets and resources.

Communications and Public Awareness

• Implement and oversee PALS’ communication plan to raise awareness about adult literacy and promote program impact.
• Support in the creation of engaging content for the website, newsletter, and social media platforms.
• Collect and share learner and volunteer stories to highlight the human impact of PALS' work.
• Support design and production of promotional materials and outreach tools.
• Ensure branding and messaging are consistent, respectful, and reflective of PALS’ values.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Represent PALS at community events, literacy fairs, and information sessions.
• Build and maintain relationships with other nonprofits, community agencies, local businesses, and educational institutions.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to attract new volunteers, learners, and supporters.
• Help plan and execute community events, including fundraising events, appreciation gatherings, and awareness campaigns.

Organizational Collaboration

• Participate actively in team meetings, planning sessions, and organizational development.
• Contribute communications and outreach content for grant applications and reports.
• Support evaluation, storytelling, and impact reporting for funders and community stakeholders.
• Assist in other tasks that strengthen PALS' reach and reputation, as identified with the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Post-secondary education in Education or Human Services is preferred

Skills and abilities:

• Adaptable and flexible to changing needs and funding requirements
• Collaborative approach in working with colleagues, volunteers, and learners
• Strong communication skills, including written skills for report writing
• Excellent digital skills, including website and social media
• Ability to be a creative problem solver
• Generate and implement new ideas and opportunities
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills to manage diverse responsibilities
• Demonstrated skills and abilities in conflict management
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Ability to be a good active listener
• Empathetic and understanding of the ever-changing needs of individuals

Experience:

• Overseeing and supervising volunteers
• Experience working with adult Learners
• Experience in implementing effective adult education strategies
• Intermediate experience with computers, including Microsoft Office

Other requirements:

• A strong commitment to upholding the guiding philosophies, values, and beliefs of PALS
• Criminal Record and Child Intervention Checks (results will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Volunteer Coordinator works primarily in the PALS office, with typical working hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. However, occasional hours outside of these hours may be required.