Natural History Museum: Manager, Volunteer Programs

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic Manager, Volunteer Programs for the Natural History Museum (NHM). Reporting to the Director, Education and Programs, the Volunteer Manager will lead a team responsible for developing a world-class volunteer program that delivers a rich indoor and outdoor experience. The Manager, Volunteer Programs is responsible for creating – in collaboration with staff throughout the NHM – an environment that supports and enriches the lives of volunteers providing service in the public areas of the Museum with a focus on the Museum’s mission and visitor experience. The successful candidate will plan, recruit, place and supervise volunteers, support retention and recognition activities, provide introductory training and coordinate more specialized training. The Manager, Volunteer Programs needs to love working with people, be detail-oriented, have strong organizational skills, the ability to follow through consistently, be flexible and adaptable while maintaining the highest professional and visitor experience standards and will demonstrate a desire to learn, grow and excel.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

- Provide the vision of the Volunteer Program in support of all public and educational programs, interpretation, research and special events.
- Develop a recruitment and retention program that creates, sustains, supports and recognizes a diverse volunteer workforce responsive to the needs of the NHM visitors and museum requirements.
- Supervises and guides volunteers while insuring a rich and engaging training program focused on content and engaging interpretive delivery for school groups and for other visitors.
- Conduct volunteer orientations, trainings and assist in educating volunteers in the Museum’s Mission, Ideology, Vision and Strategic Priorities, and our visitor-focused culture.
Collaborates with staff throughout the museum to support the volunteer program and - museum activities.
- Day to day Manager of Volunteer Coordinator and oversight supervisor for all volunteers working on public floor.
- Work closely with the Docent Board (NHM) and the Manager, Volunteer Programs (Page) for a holistic approach to volunteer program with sister institutions.
Other duties as assigned.


This position has the following requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline.
5-10 years experience with a volunteer program or comparable experience in an educational or non-profit environment.
Demonstrated passion for and commitment to providing Volunteers of a wide range of ages, backgrounds and interests with a rich and rewarding experience.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Interest and capacity to understand and share a range of NHM content, and ability to collaborate with a wide variety of professionals from diverse fields.
Ability to make critical and independent decisions when appropriate.
Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to follow through.
Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, holidays and/or weekends. Standard schedule will include at least one weekend day per week.
Must be self-motivated and goal oriented.
Fluency in a second language ideal.
Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office software and ability quickly to master new systems.


Salary is commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits. This is a full time, regular, exempt position.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhm.org/jobs and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application by clicking https://home.eease.com/recruit2/?id=1241021&t=1.