Manager of Volunteer Services
Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) seeks a dynamic and dedicated Manager of Volunteer Services to develop and engage our growing community of volunteers and manage the daily operations and administration of GFS’ volunteer program. GFS is in a period of significant transition, building on a sound and vibrant foundation of success over the last 25 years. A strategic planning process has resulted in a long-term vision that sets our aspirations as a leader, magnet, and vibrant forum that invites a diverse public to create, learn and discover personal meaning in their interactions with art, nature and one another. Our plan identifies key strategic priorities (Impact, Relevance, & Capacity) that will drive out next 3-5 years of work toward our larger vision. Expectations for GFS’ Volunteer Program include building on our current vibrant volunteers and continuing to develop and cultivate a diverse volunteer base that is reflective of the shifting demographics of the region and that represent people with different backgrounds and experiences that will bring a broader range of ideas which could lead to new projects and initiatives.
The Manager of Volunteer Services maintains active and collaborative relationships with staff across departments to ensure volunteers are supporting GFS in meaningful ways and also feel supported, themselves, by the larger GFS community. Key staff partners include colleagues in the Development department, the Education department’s Manager of Group Visit and School Programs, and the GFS Horticulturist. The Manager of Volunteer Services will facilitate volunteer recruitment, on-boarding of new volunteers, and manage logistics and the volunteer schedule to maximize volunteer success and contributions to GFS. As we strive to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive, the ideal candidate will have five years’ experience supervising or coordinating volunteers and be able to patiently and effectively interact with a variety of personalities. We are looking for someone who can meet people where they are, be sensitive to their individual concerns, and tactfully handle a wide variety of situations effectively. This requires excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Grounds For Sculpture, Inc. adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop a comprehensive volunteer program that aligns with Grounds For Sculpture’s mission, vision, and
values.
• Manage the Volunteer Program which includes recruitment, interviewing, processing background checks,
orientation, placement, training, scheduling, program and performance evaluation, recognition, and
retention.
• Provide on-site support, supervision, and management of volunteers at various events, programs, special
projects, etc.; often in collaboration with other GFS staff and departments.
• Use an online database system (Volgistics) to post ongoing volunteer positions, staff requests, monitor
timesheets, maintain personnel records. Monitor openings and recruit volunteers to fill essential positions.
• Work with local education institutions and other non-profit groups to form partnerships that will provide
additional resources for volunteers with varied backgrounds and skills.
• Manage communication and scheduling of Group/Corporate Volunteer requests from active and potential
Corporate Members, Universities and Community/Non-profit groups.
• Schedule, coordinate and promote regular Volunteer Trainings and Day Trips that are relevant and
purposeful.
• Work with staff across GFS to identify, and create new, individual and group volunteer opportunities.
• Share oversight of volunteers who work for the education department as GFS docents with the Manager of
Group Visit and School Programs.
• Work with Horticulture staff to expand Volunteer involvement and knowledge base and plan and implement annual plant sale.
• Organize annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner with training/speaker relevant to upcoming season
Skills
• Ability to patiently and effectively interact with a variety of personalities and tend to volunteer and staff
concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain
confidentiality and respect and observe organizational protocol.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, customer service, problem-solving, conflict resolution, decision-making,
leadership, team-building, time management, and motivational skills. Excellent written and verbal
communication skills.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Windows programs.
• Preferred: experience with Volgistics or other volunteer management database
Requirements
• Five years’ of work experience supporting a volunteer program and assisting diverse groups of volunteers
at an art museum or cultural venue serving a quarter million people annually Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience in diversifying the volunteer pool as well as creating an inclusive environment
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills; proficient in standard word processing, spreadsheet and database
software applications
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have ability to stand for long periods of time and to lift 30 pounds or more.
• Flexible schedule and ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• The role requires duties to be carried out at Grounds For Sculpture and off-site events.
Instructions for Applicants:
Candidates must send the following to careers@groundsforsculpture.org to be considered:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Salary Requirements
About Grounds For Sculpture
Nestled in the heart of central New Jersey lies Grounds For Sculpture (“GFS”), a magical place where art and nature are always at play. At its core are more than 270 sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists, each thoughtfully positioned on meticulously landscaped parkland full of thousands of exotic trees and flowers. It is a feast for the senses. Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) is a 42-acre sculpture garden, museum and arboretum with major exhibition, education, performance, restaurant and visitor amenities that make contemporary art accessible by showcasing it in beautiful settings that encourage discovery and learning. Its arboretum has more than 200 cultivars of trees, thousands of flowering shrubs, and settings grand and intimate, all to spotlight art and engage the visitor. GFS’ indoor rotating gallery exhibitions, performing arts events, educational programs, and family activities invite people to approach and interact with art on their terms, growing in knowledge, understanding, and joy. Last year Grounds For Sculpture attracted over 250,000 visitors.
