Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator

Location: The Salvation Army, 322 Gayle Ave N.W., Aiken, SC

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

About this opportunity: Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator

Pay Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $19.23 per hour, paid biweekly

The Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator supports the mission of The Salvation Army by maintaining and strengthening its image in the community, increasing awareness of Salvation Army programs, and coordinating special events and volunteer activities.

This position is responsible for recruiting, screening, training, scheduling, and coordinating volunteers to ensure adequate support for programs and services throughout the organization. The coordinator also plans and executes special events, develops community partnerships, assists with fundraising initiatives, and works closely with leadership to identify volunteer, event, and resource needs.

The ideal candidate is organized, motivated, creative, and passionate about community engagement, volunteer development, and supporting the mission of The Salvation Army.

Key Responsibilities

• Volunteer Coordination and Oversight (50%): Recruit, interview, screen, process, train, schedule, and coordinate volunteers to meet organizational needs. Develop volunteer training resources, identify volunteer leadership opportunities, and implement volunteer appreciation and recognition initiatives. Work with department supervisors to identify volunteer needs and coordinate appropriate assignments. Oversee volunteer participation in Christmas holiday partnerships, including Red Kettle and Corporate Angel Tree programs.
• Special Events and Program Coordination (25%): Plan, organize, coordinate, and execute Salvation Army special events, fundraising activities, and community engagement initiatives. Coordinate United Way Days of Caring, National Volunteer Week, and other organizational events. Manage event timelines, schedules, logistics, staffing, and promotional coordination. Assist with establishing fundraising goals, securing sponsorships, maintaining event records, and preparing acknowledgment letters.
• Community and Corporate Relations (25%): Develop and maintain professional relationships with businesses, churches, civic organizations, government agencies, and community partners. Serve as a liaison to coordinate volunteer and resource assistance. Represent The Salvation Army at community events and public functions to promote volunteer opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and increase community involvement.
• Volunteer Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date volunteer databases, participation records, and program information. Monitor volunteer activities and provide monthly reports to leadership regarding volunteer program status, performance, and needs.
• Organizational Support: Collaborate with Salvation Army leadership to remain informed of strategic plans, annual goals, upcoming events, and departmental needs. Participate in training and professional development opportunities to remain current with volunteer coordination practices. Assist with special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.

What We Are Looking For in You

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field;

AND

Three years of experience recruiting individuals to perform volunteer work and/or coordinating special events;

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses & Certifications

Valid State Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of volunteer recruitment methods and practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate special events and volunteer opportunities.
• Ability to recruit, motivate, train, and coordinate volunteers effectively.
• Ability to evaluate volunteers and match their skills and abilities with appropriate opportunities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community partners.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and encourage participation in Salvation Army programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present programs and volunteer opportunities through public speaking.
• Ability to think creatively, recognize current trends, and develop effective plans for volunteer engagement and special events.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, databases, schedules, and reports.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to represent The Salvation Army in a positive and professional manner.

Physical Requirements

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Ability to meet attendance requirements.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to conduct public speaking and communicate with groups and community organizations.
• Ability and willingness to perform duties in accordance with the mission and Christian principles of The Salvation Army.
• Ability to perform occasional walking, standing, lifting, and carrying of light objects weighing less than 25 pounds, approximately 5–10% of work time.
• Duties are generally performed while seated, with occasional periods of standing or walking.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in a normal office environment with little or no physical discomfort associated with changes in weather, noise, dust, dirt, or similar conditions.

Some responsibilities may require working outside the office while coordinating special events, attending community functions, meeting with corporate partners, and supporting volunteer activities.

Employee Benefits

Some of the benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plans and More!

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan provisions.

Why Work for Us?

The Salvation Army offers a broad range of career opportunities, particularly targeted toward those motivated by our mission, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army strives to do the "Most Good" for its employees by offering a greater sense of purpose in the work performed, by training and mentoring employees, and by offering competitive compensation and benefit plans.