Volunteer and Outreach Manager

The Salem Pantry

Job Description

The Salem Pantry (TSP), a leading food access organization on the North Shore, is seeking a Volunteer and Outreach Manager to lead volunteer programming, community partnerships, and internship development. Reporting to the Director of Programs and Partnerships, this role builds and sustains a strong volunteer community, cultivates relationships with local and corporate partners, and develops internship pipelines with area high schools, colleges and universities, and workforce development programs.

Responsibilities:
Volunteer Program Management
  • Serve as TSP’s primary liaison with volunteers, leading all aspects of the volunteer lifecycle — recruiting, onboarding, training, and scheduling — and administering the volunteer management platform with accurate weekly and monthly reporting to leadership.
  • Develop and continuously improve volunteer management systems and protocols, including registration, data collection, and feedback integration.
  • Engage volunteers at warehouse, market distribution, and ambassador events to ensure quality training, site safety, and effective deployment.
  • Design and implement volunteer recognition and retention initiatives; coordinate with Programs, Logistics, and Administration staff to align volunteer deployment with organizational needs.
  • Cultivate relationships with corporate partners, higher education institutions, and civic organizations to develop and grow group volunteer opportunities; design tailored group experiences and develop stewardship materials.
  • Track and report on group volunteer participation, partnership value, and engagement trends.

Internship Program Management
  • Develop and manage TSP’s internship program across three pipelines: high school career and technical education programs, college and university partnerships, and state workforce development programs.
  • Build and maintain relationships with high school guidance counselors, university career centers, and workforce representatives; navigate program requirements, documentation, and compliance for subsidized placements.
  • Coordinate with TSP staff supervisors to develop structured internship experiences with clear learning objectives and performance check-ins.
  • Manage intern onboarding, scheduling, and ongoing support; maintain accurate placement records and provide regular reporting to the Director of Programs and Partnerships.

Community Outreach and Partnerships
  • Represent TSP at community events, networking functions, and partner convenings to build visibility and expand the volunteer and intern pipeline; recruit, train, and deploy volunteer ambassadors to represent TSP at selected events.
  • Identify, cultivate, and sustain relationships with local nonprofits, faith communities, civic groups, and neighborhood organizations in support of TSP’s outreach and internship goals.
  • Coordinate with the Director of Programs and Partnerships to steward community partnerships aligned with TSP’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, and with the Marketing and Communications Manager on timely outreach communications.
  • Develop and set up a Volunteer Ambassador program to represent the organization at various events.

Organizational Engagement
  • Attend regular all-team meetings and actively contribute to program planning and review discussions.
  • Collaborate with staff across departments to support organizational goals and initiatives.
  • Assist with additional tasks or organizational needs when requested.

Work Environment
This role operates across a food warehouse, retail pantry, outdoor mobile pantry sites, and off-site community and partner locations. The employee must be able to lift 50+ pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in varied conditions, including heat, cold, and dust. A personal vehicle is required; mileage reimbursement is provided.

Qualifications:
We are seeking an individual passionate about TSP’s mission and committed to advancing equitable access to healthy food through all aspects of their work.

Knowledge and Previous Experience
  • 3–5 years of experience in volunteer management, community outreach, partnership development, or workforce development, preferably in a nonprofit or community-based setting.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience building community, institutional, or corporate partnerships; experience with internship, work-based learning, or MassHire programs strongly preferred.
  •  Proficiency with volunteer management software, CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Access to a personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided).

Skills and Abilities
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage authentically with volunteers, interns, community partners, school staff, and corporate representatives.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, facilitation, and presentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent programs, set priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
  • Capacity to navigate public systems and institutional bureaucracies (e.g., workforce agencies, school districts) with patience and professionalism.
  • Sensitivity and competence in a multicultural environment; flexibility to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends; ability to lift 50+ pounds.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and an organizational culture of trust, learning, and humanity.

How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume with the subject line “Community Engagement Manager” to mikelilley@thesalempantry.org

The Salem Pantry is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran status or military service, or genetic information.

Our organization strongly encourages individuals with historically marginalized identities and lived experiences to apply, including those who are excited about the role but may not meet every qualification. We recognize that valuable skills and experiences come from many paths, and welcome candidates whose backgrounds may differ from those outlined in this job description.