Volunteer Advisor

Earthwatch Institute is an international, non-profit organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Earthwatch funds field scientists and their research worldwide. Earthwatch recruits volunteers from the general public to help scientists conduct their field research. The successful candidate will have a blend of consultative sales and customer service skills. Past experience in research, conservation, or educational based travel, ecotourism and voluntourism is a plus.

Position Overview: 

The Volunteer Advisor is the key front line position responsible for recruiting potential volunteers and maintaining the vital relationship with our existing volunteers and supporters.  This position will represent the voice of a dynamic, exciting and professional science based environmental organization with a 35-year history of engaging the public. 

The position will be responsible for meeting or exceeding volunteer recruitment targets through outbound phone work, inbound conversion of inquiry leads, tradeshow lead conversion, as well as customer service from the time the volunteer signs up on a project to the time the volunteer travels.  The volunteer advisor is responsible for recruiting new qualified field volunteers onto our research projects, managing a portfolio of existing clients, and providing on going service to ready to field volunteers until they return from the field.

Additionally, the volunteer advisor is responsible for working collegially with other departments in supporting marketing efforts, product development, and membership and donor development as well as ensuring all volunteers are versed in our risk and safety management policy.

Responsibilities:

Recruit qualified team members; primarily phone based (45% of position):

1. Responsible for monthly outbound phone and e-mail sales campaigns to targeted existing and new volunteers.
2. Attend tradeshows and conferences to promote Earthwatch and market EW to new and existing audiences.
3. Convert in bound telephone inquiries into bookings, memberships and donations. In addition provide customer service to all in-coming phone and email inquiries.

Customer Service to Volunteers ready to field (45% of position)

1. Phone and email correspondence with volunteers to prepare them for their expedition.
2. Collect volunteer forms, track and save to server.
3. Follow up on PI questions about volunteers.
4. Flag volunteer evaluation feedback for PI.

Support Membership and Donor Cultivation (10% of position):

1. Solicit additional donations from volunteers.
2. Sell memberships to prospective and existing volunteers.
3. Process and enter memberships, tradeshow leads and other inquiries into database.
4. Review new and existing clients for possible donor cultivation prospects and pass information. along to the development department.

Qualifications:

1. Passion for environmental sustainability
2. 2 + years experience in sales, recruiting or customer service; ideally within a travel or conservation organization.
3. Must be comfortable making outbound sales calls to existing and prospective volunteers.
4. Excellent customer service skills.
5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
6. Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team in a fast paced and changing environment.
7. Superior multitasking skills and attention to detail
8. Good prioritization skills and time management.
9. International travel experience across a range of countries helpful (especially South America, Asia, and Africa).
10. Stamina, positive attitude, and a sense of humor.
11. Ability to work hours in excess of 9:00 - 5:00
12. Willingness to work evenings and weekends to attend EW tradeshows, events and functions as required.

Compensation: $30,000 - $35,000 commensurate with experience.  Excellent benefits.

To Apply:

Due to limited time and financial resources we are only able to accept applicants who are already eligible to work in the United States.

Please indicate job title in subject line of email. Please email, fax or mail cover letter and resume. No phone calls please.    

HR Earthwatch Institute
P.O. Box 75
Maynard, MA 01754-0075