Senior Director, Volunteers

Job Title: Senior Director, Volunteers

Department: Human Resources 

Location: Remote/Virtual office within the continental US

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Classification: Exempt

Position type: Full-Time Employee

Pay Band: $100,000 - $150,000

 

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We're the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian-military divide every day.   We deliver first-class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members.  We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families.  We focus on data-driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling.   And we do all this in a highly flexible, virtual environment with great benefits!  Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision-making.

Are you ready to make a difference for the families of those who serve our great nation?  We are the ideal match for the innovator, the out-of-the-box, strategic thinker who understands the value of social impact.

 

General Description

The Senior Director of Volunteers is a key member of the Blue Star Families team, responsible for leading and overseeing the organization's volunteer program. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), this role requires an experienced leader who can manage complex volunteer-related matters, provide strategic input, and ensure the program's success at both national and chapter levels.

The Senior Director will develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive volunteer program that aligns with Blue Star Families’ mission and goals. This includes recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, ensuring their effective integration into various projects and events, and working closely with national office staff and chapter leaders. The Senior Director of Volunteers will ensure that all volunteer activities comply with relevant regulations and best practices, fostering a safe and supportive environment for our volunteers. Additionally, this position will provide input into strategic decisions, contribute to budget planning.

 

Key Job Functions:

Program Development:

• Design and implement a comprehensive volunteer program in alignment with Blue Star Families’ mission and goals, with a strong focus on compliance.
• Develop volunteer role descriptions, policies, and procedures that adhere to legal and regulatory standards.
• Manage and monitor volunteer management software platforms through The Neighborhood, ensuring data protection and privacy.
• Provide strategic input and recommendations for improvements to the volunteer program.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Recruitment and Onboarding:

• Develop and execute strategies to recruit volunteers at both national and community levels, emphasizing a thorough vetting process.
• Create engaging recruitment materials and campaigns that align with compliance standards.
• Oversee the onboarding process, ensuring all volunteers are adequately trained and prepared, with a focus on legal and ethical standards.

Volunteer Management and Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing concerns, providing guidance, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
• Organize regular training sessions and professional development opportunities, focusing on compliance and best practices.
• Manage volunteer schedules and assignments, ensuring alignment with organizational needs and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with national staff and chapter leaders to identify volunteer needs and opportunities, ensuring all activities are legally compliant.
• Oversee the management of larger groups of volunteers, directing professionals who support these teams.

Recognition and Retention:

• Develop and implement strategies to recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Foster a positive and supportive volunteer community to enhance retention, emphasizing adherence to organizational policies.
• Conduct regular feedback sessions with volunteers to understand their experiences and improve the program, focusing on compliance and best practices.

Reporting, Budgeting, and Evaluation:

• Track and report on volunteer activities and program outcomes, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
• Analyze data to assess program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Provide input into the volunteer program's budget, making recommendations based on operational needs and strategic goals.

 

Required Experience, Skills & Background:

• Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in volunteer management or a related field.
• At least 5 years of managerial experience, with a proven ability to lead and manage teams, including larger groups with moderate complexity.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or commensurate experience.
• Proven expertise in managing complex technical volunteer matters with a focus on compliance.
• Proficiency in using volunteer management software and other digital tools, with a strong understanding of data protection regulations.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with an emphasis on compliance and ethical standards.
• Occasional out-of-town, overnight travel may be required.
• Occasionally may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

 

Desired Experience, Skills & Background:

• Knowledge of the military family experience is a plus.
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; familiarity with Salesforce is a plus.
• Familiarity with membership-driven organizations.
• Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of processes and programs and implement improvements, particularly in compliance-related areas.
• Comfort and proficiency in public speaking.
• Excellent writing skills, with a focus on clear and compliant communication.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and drive decision-making in compliance-sensitive contexts.

 

More About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another.

Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.

Blue Star Families is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

 

EEO Policy

Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Why Blue Star Families?

• Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific)
• Career growth opportunities
• Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more)
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses
• On-the-job professional development training
• Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience
• Competitive salaries
• Workplace flexibility