Volunteer Program Lead

Volunteer Program Lead

We are leaders in advancing education, advocacy, and research for those impacted by autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis (AiArthritis) diseases through peer-led guidance, collaboration, and resources that are driven by patient-identified issues and patient-infused solutions.

The International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis (AiArthritis) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis diseases through education and awareness, advocacy, research, and extensive community engagement.

As we continue to build our community presence, we are looking for an experienced volunteer program leader to help expand our efforts to build a robust USA presence and improved international presence, including both in person and online opportunities.

The Volunteer Program Lead is responsible for growing, maintaining, and leading AiArthritis' volunteer program. They will initially conduct an audit of the existing program, including all processes, and make recommendations for improvement based on organization goals to expand volunteer opportunities. This role includes recruitment, onboarding, placement, training, engagement, supervision, evaluation, and recognition.

The Volunteer Program Lead will collaborate closely with leadership and program teams to identify volunteer needs, match volunteers to appropriate roles, and support the organization in scaling its initiatives through a robust, well-supported volunteer workforce.

The Volunteer Program Lead will report directly to the Development Director, but will also coordinate volunteers for all managers and directors (4-6 individuals).

• Use professional experience to audit existing volunteer program, identifying areas for improvement, then recommending and implementing new processes.
• Update and implement volunteer role descriptions, expectations, program materials, and manuals.
• Update and implement structures, processes, policies, and workflows.
• Conduct regular organizational assessments to identify volunteer needs across departments.
• Continue building and overseeing volunteer program systems (e.g., CRM, tracking tools).
• Establish risk management protocols, confidentiality guidelines, and compliance standards.

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract diverse volunteers, including patients, caregivers, and community supporters.
• Lead and track outreach campaigns via social media, newsletters, volunteer platforms, and events.
• Screen, interview, and select volunteers based on program needs and organizational fit.

• Update, standardize, and improve on existing onboarding processes, including orientation materials, volunteer handbooks, and training modules.
• Deliver or coordinate volunteer training sessions specific to various program areas (advocacy, peer support, events, special projects).
• Ensure volunteers understand AiArthritis' mission, values, and expectations.
• Provide ongoing support, coaching, and supervision for volunteers.

• Create systems to ensure volunteer satisfaction, support, and community-building.
• Develop recognition programs (e.g., awards, spotlights, newsletters, appreciation events).
• Maintain regular communication through email, text, WhatsApp and other volunteer platforms.
• Foster a positive, inclusive environment where volunteers feel valued and connected.

• Maintain accurate volunteer records, contact logs, hours tracking, and documentation.
• Evaluate volunteer performance and provide feedback or corrective guidance as needed.
• Track program metrics and produce reports for leadership and the board.
• Be responsible for volunteer scheduling, project assignments, and role transitions.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit best practices and internal policies.

• Work with leadership, communications, patient education, and advocacy teams to integrate volunteers into organizational goals.
• Support events (virtual and in-person), campaigns, and initiatives requiring volunteer participation.
• Partner with the development team to identify volunteers who may transition into donors or who may lead fundraising events or other efforts.
• Represent AiArthritis at community events, fairs, and recruitment opportunities.

• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and impact. Identify, ideate, and implement improvements as needed.
• Build scalable systems to support significant volunteer expansion.
• Develop specialized volunteer tracks (advocates, peer educators, event support, fundraising, administrative, research ambassadors, high school/young volunteers, corporate employees, professional in-kind skilled services, etc).
• Stay up to date on nonprofit volunteer program best practices and implement trends to stay current.

• 3–5+ years of experience leading volunteer programs in a nonprofit setting.
• Experience building or significantly expanding a volunteer program.
• Strong project management, administrative, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work with diverse communities.
• Proven ability to recruit, train, motivate, and retain volunteers.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with volunteer coordination or CRM platforms.

Preferred

• Experience with health-related nonprofits or patient advocacy organizations.
• Experience developing training content, manuals, or standard operating procedures.
• Digital engagement experience (Zoom, online communities, social platforms).
• Experience with event planning or advocacy campaigns.

$25 - $28 per hour