Interim Volunteer Engagement Manager

Did you know La Soupe’s incredible volunteers contributed over 16,000 hours in the past year? Our operation wouldn’t be as robust without their support! If working with a dedicated, engaging, and diverse group of people doing good in the neighborhood tickles your fancy, we invite you to join our team. 

Why You Should Apply:

In addition to our amazing volunteers, La Soupe employs a small but mighty team all working towards the same goal - bridging the gap between food waste and food insecurity. We offer a fun and engaging environment that values diversity and inclusion. Plus - a casual dress code and free lunch every day of the week :)

Role: In coordination with the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, the Interim VEM will play a vital role in managing and supporting La Soupe's volunteer operations. This position involves daily communication with volunteers, coordination with the Kitchen Operations team, scheduling, onboarding, and ensuring smooth execution of daily volunteer efforts to support the Operations Team. The Interim VEM will also assist with broader initiatives, including event planning, reporting, and volunteer appreciation efforts, while collaborating with internal and external teams to support La Soupe's mission. This position will temporarily be covering the bulk of administrative tasks for the Volunteer Engagement Manager during a temporary leave of absence and could evolve into a more generalist role in the volunteer department, to support expanded opportunities and engagement. 

Reports to: Chief Philanthropy Officer

Payroll type: Salary - $22 - $24/hr 

Days/hours work:  32-40 hours a week Mon - Fri, evening and Saturday availability. 

Desired timing of hire: Interim coverage for temporary leave. Start;  Immediate - Early February. Anticipated completion Early June.

Job Posting date: 12/24/2024

Locations: La Soupe, 915 E McMillian St, Cincinnati, OH 45206

About La Soupe: La Soupe the largest chef-led initiative in Cincinnati that bridges the gap between food waste and insecurity. We partner with volunteers and over 150 local grocers, farms, restaurants, manufacturers, and distributors to rescue an average of 25,000 lbs of fresh food weekly. Our team of chefs expertly transforms these rescued ingredients into restaurant-quality soupes and meals that are shared with community partners who feed those facing food insecurity. La Soupe has rescued over 5 million pounds of food and shared over 3.5 million restaurant-quality servings since its inception. While our professional chefs and dedicated volunteers are addressing the immediate needs of food waste and food insecurity, La Soupe dietitians, teachers, and advocates are dedicated to creating sustainable change through our programs that educate and empower communities to waste less and live healthier.

Job Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Coordination:

  • Welcome and guide volunteers, addressing questions and concerns.

  • Support VC in Introducing new volunteers to La Soupe’s mission, protocols, safety, and sanitation practices.

  • Foster a positive work experience and keep volunteers motivated throughout their shifts.

  • Support Volunteer Coordinator Lead with setup and breakdown of volunteer tasks throughout the day.

  • Oversee the daily schedule and support VC in ensuring smooth execution of daily volunteer operations.

  • Work closely with kitchen managers and Volunteer Coordinator Lead to align workloads.

  • Assist with onboarding new volunteers as needed.

  • Conduct rounds to support volunteer work, address issues, and host necessary conversations.

  • Host volunteer groups, including welcome, tour, workload management, and post-event thank-you emails.

Administrative: 

Manage volunteer communications, including scheduling, assistance, and responding to emails (shared effort with Volunteer Coordinator Lead).

  • Coordinate group scheduling and internal communication processes.

  • Coordinate and maintain schedules in collaboration with Rescue/Share, Kitchen, and Education Teams (FRU and Duplie).

  • Communicate essential updates with internal and external teams.

  • Perform daily checks and reports on inventory, supplies, and schedules. 

  • Support the label-making process and inventory for all products

  • Oversee volunteer check-ins (both in person and digitally).

  • Manage all aspects of volunteer scheduling

  • Manage all aspects of internships, administrative and in person. 

  • Prepare and Manage all monthly reports for internal and external needs 

  • Send monthly email campaigns with updates for the volunteer community

Events and Development

  • Plan and execute annual volunteer appreciation party in partnership with the development and kitchen teams

Skills and Education:

  • High school education and technical proficiency

  • Proficiency with volunteer management software and Google Suite

  • Ability to learn and utilize new technologies and tools as needed

  • Servsafe certification or willingness to learn (company sponsored)

  • Culinary experience preferred

  • Strong organizational and communication skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

  • Experience in volunteer coordination, event planning, or related fields is preferred.

  • Proficiency in managing schedules, reports, and digital communication tools.

  • A collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving.

Ideal characteristics:

  • Strong Interpersonal Skills:

    • Ability to build rapport with a diverse group of volunteers.

    • Excellent communication and active listening skills.

    • Empathetic and approachable demeanor.

  • Organizational Skills:

    • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

    • Proficient in scheduling and maintaining accurate records.

    • Detail-oriented and capable of handling logistics efficiently.

  • Leadership and Management Abilities:

    • Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.

    • Conflict resolution skills to handle volunteer concerns effectively.

    • Capable of providing clear instructions and constructive feedback.

  • Passion for the Mission:

    • Strong commitment to La Soupe’s mission of addressing food insecurity.

    • Enthusiastic about volunteer work and community service.

    • Ability to inspire and engage volunteers with the organization’s goals.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility:

    • Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

    • Willingness to adapt to changing needs and priorities.

    • Ability to think on their feet and solve problems creatively.

  • Team Player:

    • Collaborative mindset, working well with staff, volunteers, and external partners in a professional and positive manner.

    • Willingness to assist in various tasks and support different departments.

    • Strong sense of cooperation and teamwork.

  • Professionalism and Reliability:

    • Punctual, dependable, and able to maintain confidentiality.

    • High level of integrity and ethical behavior.

    • Professional appearance and demeanor, especially during public events and interactions.

  • Problem-Solving Skills:

    • Ability to anticipate potential issues and proactively address them.

    • Resourcefulness in finding solutions and improving processes.

    • Capacity to handle stress and remain calm and positive under pressure.

  • Experience and Knowledge:

    • Previous experience in volunteer coordination, nonprofit work, or related fields. (preferred, not required) 

    • Understanding of food rescue and hunger relief initiatives (preferred, not required).

    • Knowledge of safety and sanitation practices in a food handling environment (preferred) 

Compensation: Salary within the range of  $22.00-$24.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • Sick Days and PTO availability based on scheduled hours prorated against a 40 hour week with periodic adjustment to actual hours worked

  • Paid Holidays if normal work schedule falls on La Soupe observed Holiday, Free Lunch, Free parking

  • No additional Health Insurance or benefits (temp role)

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sort, and lift. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee should possess stamina for physical work. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Equal opportunity: La Soupe, Inc. values a diverse and inclusive work environment where every team member matters. All qualified applicants for this position will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.