Volunteer Coordinator - Great Lakes Museum

We’re on the lookout for top-tier talent to join our team! If you’re ready to contribute to a growing Museum or are just interested in being a part of positive work culture – we want to hear from you! Seize the opportunity to contribute to a future that will leave a lasting impact for generations. Act today by applying and join us in shaping our volunteer program!

This is a new position. The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the volunteer program, improving it for long-term, regular engagement. The Volunteer Coordinator will establish and deliver a comprehensive volunteer program that prioritizes formalization of recruitment and training, Health & Safety compliance, retention, and day-to-day execution of duties. Working closely with the Museum Manager and Curator, this position will work to gain an in-depth understanding of volunteer interactions and performance and will streamline communications with existing and prospective volunteers.

This position provides a range of administrative tasks and responsibilities and develops and delivers the communication associated with the museum’s volunteer program. This position supports the volunteers, as well as other staff working with museum volunteers in our growing organization. You’ll be part of a small museum staff team and will be expected to support any operational activity/events should it not interfere with the role’s primary responsibilities.

DETAILS

Position: Part-time, temporary contract. Estimated Contract Length: asap – December 2026, with possibility of extension

Location: Great Lakes Museum, 55 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON

Hours per Week: Part Time Contract: 22.5 - 27 hours per week until December 2026 with possibility of extension

Schedule and Hours of work: Work within 8AM-5PM Monday-Friday, with additional hours required for weekend evenings/events if related to volunteer activities. Possibility of negotiating to work on weekends after initial training/probation period. Flex-time outside of working volunteer-specific days (Tuesday and Thursday 8:00AM – 12:00PM) is possible, including weekends if desired.

What you’ll do:

Office Administration: Perform a variety of administrative functions such as responding to public inquiries via phone and email, posting and circulating documents, and data entry. Draft meeting minutes and correspondence. Assist with updates on the website and social media accounts.

Volunteer Program Formalization: Maintain accurate records: utilize and improve systems for tracking administrative data (training, H&S compliance, attendance, hours, etc.) and reporting. Implement technology-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency.

Volunteer Coordination: Develop a network of community associations to promote volunteering at the museum. Recruit new volunteers, then coordinate their training and schedules. Plan and organize volunteer appreciation activities. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and respect.

Guest & Stakeholder Experience: Act as the on-site ambassador for the Museum, ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for visitors, volunteers, and partners. Respond promptly to public and volunteer inquiries related to volunteering. Implement initiatives to enhance volunteer satisfaction and comfort.

In accordance with Policy, a Vulnerable Sector Check and Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C will be required as a condition of employment (paid for by GLM).

This job is for you if…

• Detail-Oriented: You excel at detail-heavy tasks, and thoroughly double check your work to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Interpersonal Skills: You enjoy working with a variety of stakeholders, and are excited at the opportunity to grow the museum’s volunteer program! You’re ready to jump right in and get to know our current volunteers, while working to find great opportunities for them to enjoy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree/Diploma in Volunteer Management, Human Resources or any field with 2-3 years of experience in volunteer services, human resources, project management, management of a large team
• At least one year’s experience with the responsibilities of this role, especially prior supervisory experience in volunteer work, is preferred.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and teamwork
• Education or experience working for a Museum or non-profit is an asset
• Additional languages, particularly French, an asset
• Active involvement in professional associations are considered an asset: PARVO, VMPC, HRPA

Skills

• Superior time and resource management skills
• Exceptional communication skills
• Flexibility and patience, superior interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate and influence others
• Conflict resolution skills and an ability to keep cool in stressful situations
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work in a hands-on environment
• Ability to adapt and respond to emerging needs.
• Possess good written and verbal communications skills.
• Highly developed and demonstrated organizational and communication skills.

SELECTION PROCESS

Get ready to showcase your skills! The selection process is expected to take place in April 6-8, 2026. Keep a close eye on your email to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Deadline to Apply: 12:00 PM (noon), Thursday April 2, 2026

Email your application to: Bep Schippers, Executive Director, executive@marmuseum.ca. Please have Volunteer Coordinator in the subject line.

A full job description is available if requested.