Volunteer Coordinator

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About Architects Without Borders Seattle (AWB)

Founded in 2005 by a group of Seattle architects and designers in response to a devastating tsunami, Architects Without Borders Seattle is part of an international coalition committed to providing pro bono services to build strong communities. AWB Seattle is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Volunteers are fundamental to our work as all of our project work is completely volunteer led and assisted. AWB has one paid staff member, our Executive Director.

AWB Mission and Values

AWB volunteers collaborate with underserved communities to deliver ecologically sensitive, culturally appropriate, life-changing design.

Core Values:

• Appropriate design solutions are vital to communities and the environment
• Collaborative long-term relationships with communities are essential to providing effective design assistance
• Exchange of knowledge and skills can empower both communities and designers
• Interdisciplinary teams create innovative and insightful projects
• Volunteer passion, energy and efforts make our work possible

Volunteer needs for AWB

AWB has sustained its work over the years through the time and talent of volunteers. Ongoing organizational needs require volunteers to work in areas such as:

• architecture and design
• committee leadership
• communications delivery including social media, website, newsletter
• graphic design for organizational materials
• event support for fundraising and stewardship
• board leadership
• administrative tasks or projects

Volunteers currently come to AWB through personal networks, established volunteer platforms, or by completing a volunteer interest form on AWB’s website. AWB requires a Volunteer Coordinator to support the mission of AWB by recruiting and onboarding volunteers in order to match the needs of the organization with the talents and passions of potential volunteers.

Responsibilities of the Volunteer Coordinator:

• Learn the current work and processes of AWB to gain understanding of volunteer roles
• Manage volunteer interest requests from potential volunteers
• Organize and facilitate regularly occurring onboarding sessions for new volunteers
• Coordinate recruitment of volunteers based on needs of the organization
• Coordinate placement of volunteers
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director to create sustainable processes for volunteer engagement
• Update volunteer database with volunteer information
• Attend AWB events to serve as an ambassador for AWB and volunteer recruitment
• Provide input and evaluations on the effectiveness of AWB’s volunteer processes
• Investigate volunteer recruitment opportunities
• Share AWB’s gratitude and support for volunteers through gratitude outreach activities

Skills and Qualifications

• Passion for the mission of Architects Without Borders Seattle
• Evening and weekend availability for volunteer onboarding sessions and events
• Experience, training or competency managing volunteers
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Detail oriented
• A self-starter who can work independently and a team player who wants to collaborate with AWB leadership and volunteers
• Experience as a committed volunteer to an organization
• High EQ - a 'people person’ who feels energized spending time with others and is genuinely interested in learning more about their interests and passions
• Customer service mentality - good at setting expectations for others, and responds with respect and kindness with all types of personalities