Manager of Volunteer Engagement

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope is a Chicago nonprofit working to end food hunger and address its root causes. Founded in 1970, we have evolved from a traditional food pantry into a comprehensive organization providing nutritious food, social services, and mental health support to individuals and families across Chicago.

We support the whole person with with respect, dignity, and compassion through:

• Five food access programs providing monthly groceries—including fresh produce, protein, grains, canned goods and other pantry staples—plus Bonus distributions offering additional food throughout the month.
• Home delivery for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities.
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Each year, Nourishing Hope provides nutritious food and essential support to tens of thousands of Chicagoans. In 2025, we distributed more than 6 million pounds of food, served 50,000 neighbors, and provided more than 7,000 social services, including over 3,400 free mental health counseling sessions.

When you join Nourishing Hope, you become part of a team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors and strengthening our Chicago communities.

Position Summary

The Manager of Volunteer Engagement is responsible for managing and executing all aspects of Nourishing Hope’s volunteer program to ensure the operational success of our most valuable commodity, our Volunteers. This includes designing, planning, and directing a volunteer program to augment the services of the Nourishing Hope staff, as well as the recruitment program to attract new volunteers. This position oversees the recruiting, training, and integrating of volunteers, and is ultimately responsible for managing a team that plays a frontline role in communicating the impact volunteers have on Nourishing Hope’s mission.

Schedule and Locations

This position will be based out of Nourishing Hope’s headquarters, 1716 W. Hubbard St. in Chicago, and will split time between all four Nourishing Hope sites.

The work schedule will generally occur within the core hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will include one evening shift per week. Occasional Saturday shifts may be required based on program needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and execute strategies to expand and enhance the volunteer program, aligning with Nourishing Hope’s mission including recruiting, scheduling, recognizing, documenting and contributing to our volunteer experience through hospitality and care.
• Create a sense of community for the volunteers across the agency and by site and shift. Inform and assist in integrating and cultivating volunteers into other areas of the organization including financial and in-kind support, and committee and board membership so that they become the strongest possible supporters of Nourishing Hope’s work.
• Supervise and support Volunteer Engagement Coordinators across all locations.
• Manage volunteer issues and coach staff through challenges to help create a healthy, safe and positive environment for volunteers.
• Manage volunteer department budget.
• Cultivate, solicit, steward and schedule all community and corporate volunteer groups, in collaboration with the Development team.
• Oversee the scheduling of volunteers as needed for programs and special events (e.g., fundraising, off-site events, and food drives) by coordinating with staff on their programs and needs.
• Work with outside groups to staff community events (e.g., street fairs) with Nourishing Hope volunteers, in order to expand the pool of volunteers to support the growth plans of Nourishing Hope.
• Create and implement ways to recognize and reward volunteers.
• Maintain the database of volunteers’ contact information and background, schedules, attendance records, program jobs, and shifts. Create reports in Salesforce and report metrics as appropriate to staff and the board.
• Create and track programs’ successes and make recommendations for improvement.
• Inform volunteers of the work of Nourishing Hope and coordinate periodic and additional training.
• Act as an ambassador of the work of Nourishing Hope to the larger community.
• Provide support to the Chief Operations Officer, within scope of job, as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a human services field.
• Two years of experience overseeing volunteer programs serving at least 100 volunteers annually, including at least one year of staff management and coaching experience.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Possesses an upbeat, “can do” approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Excellent project management skills, including ability to handle multiple assignments prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
• Easily navigates technology; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and other desktop publishing tools. Knowledge of Salesforce strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to deliver effective presentations to both small and large groups.
• Ability to authentically communicate the history and mission of Nourishing Hope and confidently present to groups of volunteers.
• An understanding of, and belief in, the importance of food security for everyone.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 based on experience

Full-time benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Paid birthday holiday
• Parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Language pay (Spanish, Russian, Polish)
• $250 employee referral bonus
• Free subscription to mental wellness app

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local law.

We kindly ask that agencies and recruiters refrain from reaching out. Unsolicited sales messages will be blocked and reported as spam.