The Volunteer Coordinator builds and sustains the heart of the Center's volunteer program — a key part of how we deliver quality programs across our new 5,700 sq ft facility. This person oversees the full volunteer journey: recruiting, screening, welcoming, training, scheduling, and celebrating the people who give their time to the Center.
The Coordinator is the friendly, go-to contact for all volunteers and Ambassador team leads, working closely with the Executive Director and program staff to match volunteer skills and availability with the Center's needs. It's arelationship-driven, community-facing role at the center of our day-to-day culture.
The position is a part-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Executive Director, working 20 hrs +/- per week, on site as well as occasional off site. This position also involves learning a new software program to accommodate the above management of volunteers.
Ambassador Team Oversight
The Coordinator directly supports the Center's five volunteer Ambassador teams: Connection Crew, Experience Team, Wellness Partners, Creative Circle, and Sunshine Squad.
What You'll Do
Recruitment
- Develop a year-round volunteer recruitment approach across all four communities in our service area
- Create and maintain recruitment materials, including position descriptions, interest forms, and outreach content
- Build relationships with local faith communities, civic clubs, businesses, and schools
- Represent the Center at community events to connect with prospective volunteers, when applicable
- Keep a pipeline of prospective volunteers and respond to inquiries within 48 hours
Screening & Onboarding
- Conduct friendly initial conversations with prospective volunteers
- Administer background checks per Center policy, and raise any concerns with the Executive Director
- Verify credentials for specialized roles (fitness instructors, health program leads, drivers)
- Complete reference checks for volunteers in direct member contact or sensitive roles
- Manage onboarding paperwork: applications, waivers, confidentiality agreements, emergency contacts
- Match volunteers to the Ambassador team that best fits their skills, availability, and interests
Training
- Lead New Volunteer Orientation covering our mission, policies, member privacy, emergency procedures, and role expectations
- Create role-specific training for each Ambassador team
- Coordinate specialized training as needed: falls prevention, dementia awareness, mandatory reporter requirements,
CPR/first aid
- Keep training records current for all active volunteers
- Offer continuing education opportunities to help volunteers grow in their roles
Scheduling & Day-to-Day Support
- Maintain the volunteer master schedule so every program and event has the coverage it needs
- Be the go-to contact for volunteer questions, concerns, and schedule changes
- Host regular check-ins with Ambassador team leads to coordinate across teams and catch issues early
- Track volunteer hours and participation, and check in with volunteers who've become less active
- Keep accurate records in the volunteer management database: hours, roles, and contact information
- Address performance or conduct concerns directly, and loop in the Executive Director as needed
- Build backup coverage plans for high-priority programs and events
Recognition & Retention
- Design a year-round recognition program that celebrates milestones, tenure, and impact
- Coordinate recognition events, including an annual appreciation gathering and seasonal thank-yous
- Make sure volunteers feel seen — through cards, notes, and public recognition
- Ask for volunteer feedback and use it to keep improving their experience
- Track retention and build thoughtful strategies to keep volunteers engaged
- Work with staff to help volunteers feel genuinely valued and part of the Center community
Reporting & Collaboration
- Share monthly volunteer program metrics with the Executive Director: active volunteers, hours contributed,retention, and new recruits
- Prepare volunteer program summaries for board reports and donor communications as needed
- Work with program staff to plan ahead for volunteer needs on new programs and events
- Document volunteer hours that may count as in-kind match for grant reporting
Qualifications
- Experience in volunteer coordination, program coordination, or community outreach — or, at minimum, personnelmanagement experience in a public-facing service role
- A track record of building teams: recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers or community participants
- Strong interpersonal skills; warm, approachable, and an effective communicator across diverse backgrounds
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail; comfortable managing multiple priorities at once
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and open to learning volunteer management software
- Self-directed and able to work independently with minimal supervision
- A genuine respect for and commitment to older adults
- Two or more years of experience in volunteer coordination, program coordination, or community outreach
- Experience in a senior center, nonprofit, social services, or community-based organization
- Bilingual English/Spanish — a real asset given the Santa Ynez Valley service area
- Familiarity with volunteer management platforms (e.g., Better Impact, Galaxy Digital)
- Knowledge of Older Americans Act programs or Area Agency on Aging services
- CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain one
Working Conditions
- Work is based on-site at the Center working alongside volunteers and staff, with some remote work for coordinating materials and schedules; occasional community outreach and some evening/weekend availabilityrequired
- Frequent standing, walking, and light physical activity throughout the facility
- Regular interaction with members, volunteers, staff, and community partnersJuly 29, 2026
- Occasionally involves light-to-moderate lifting (up to approximately 25 lbs+/-), such as moving event supplies, folding tables and chairs, or program materials
- Must pass a background check in accordance with Center policy
- Reliable transportation required for occasional off-site outreach
Accessibility & Workplace Safety
The Solvang Senior Center is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this role, please let us know — we're happy to talk it through.
The Center follows applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to maintain a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and members, and provides guidance and training on safe practices relevant to this role.
How to Apply
Please send a resume and a short cover letter telling us about your experience with volunteer or community program coordination, and why you're interested in serving older adults in the Solvang area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Solvang Senior Center
Email: [email protected].
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
