Volunteer Manager

Our mission is to create one of the largest nature reserves in the United States. This will serve as a refuge for people and wildlife, forever.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Volunteer Manager plays a pivotal role in spearheading the development of American Prairie’s volunteer program. In 2025 the program contributed more than 3000 hours of volunteer time from over 60 individuals and we’re excited to build on that momentum.  This position involves cultivating relationships with current and prospective volunteers, managing recruitment and training, and ensuring smooth, meaningful volunteer experiences that advance our mission. The Volunteer Manager works closely with staff across the organization to understand volunteer needs, schedule and support activities, handle day-to-day program logistics, track participation, gather feedback, and maintain clear communication with volunteers and team members. The role is focused on practical coordination and reliable support to keep the volunteer program running effectively.

• DIVISION: Conservation
• REPORTS TO: VP of Public Access and Infrastructure
• SUPERVISES: Volunteers
• LOCATION: Lewistown, MT or Bozeman, MT
• FLSA STATUS: Exempt
• GROUP: Core
• HOURS: Full-Time averaging 40 hours per week

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

30% Volunteer Recruitment

• Develop and execute strategies to recruit volunteers.
• Create compelling volunteer positions descriptions and promote them through various channels.
• Collaborate with team members to identify volunteer needs for different projects and departments.
• Interview volunteer candidates.
• Match volunteers with appropriate opportunities based on availability, skills, and department needs.

30% Volunteer Engagement

• Foster a sense of belonging and dedication among volunteers.
• Provide orientation and training to new volunteers, ensuring they are well prepared for their new roles.
• Organize recognition and appreciation programs to celebrate volunteer contributions.
• Support volunteer success and accountability, addressing performance or conduct issues with fairness and consistency.

20% Program Development and Management

• Continually assess and improve the volunteer program to align with organizational goals.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures, best practices and guidelines for volunteer programs.
• Educate departments on best practices for working with volunteers.
• Coordinate lodging, transportation, and other field needs for volunteers.
• Coordinate with other organizations or businesses to offer volunteer opportunities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure volunteers are integrated into the organization’s activities effectively.
• Create and maintain volunteer schedules.

10% Relationship Building

• Cultivate relationships with volunteers, donors, and community partners to support volunteer program growth.
• Communicate regularly with volunteers to provide updates and gather feedback.

10% Data Management

• Maintains records of volunteer hours and counts of contacts with the public.
• Maintains files, records, applications, contributions and other data concerning volunteer programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• 3-5 years of  experience in volunteer coordination, community engagement, or nonprofit program support.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, onboarding, training, and supervising volunteers.
• Understanding of best practices in volunteer engagement, retention, recognition, and risk management.
• Familiarity with nonprofit operations and boundaries around volunteer roles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail orientated but flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing needs or conditions.
• Collaborative, team orientated, and comfortable working across departments as well as independently.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills able to juggle multiple programs and events.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to motivate and encourage others.
• Solid problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient with Google and Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Travel up to 20% of time annually.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and overnights as needed.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be comfortable traveling by vehicle in remote areas in a variety of weather conditions year-round.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with SalesForce or a similar CRM platform and related integrations.
• Familiarity with safety protocols for fieldwork or habitat restoration projects.

COMPENSATION

• Salary Range:$55,000.00 To $71,000.00 Annually
• Benefits:

• • Paid Vacation
  • Paid National Holidays
  • Paid Sick Days
  • Paid Volunteer Hours
  • 401K with up to 3% employer match
  • Medical Insurance with optional Flexible Savings or Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Account
  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, Critical Illness, & Accident Insurance
  • Reserve Lodging Perks
  • Corporate Discounts
  • Flexible Scheduling