EMPLOYMENT POSTING POSITION: ASSISTANT VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
OVERVIEW
Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare festival, with a focus on providing accessible, inclusive, and vibrant theatrical works to the public. The Festival presents Shakespeare plays, related dramas and special events from June to September in two modern theatre tents, in the magnificent waterfront setting of Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park. Bard Education also offers online content and programs throughout the year. Full details here.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant Volunteer Coordinator will support the Patron and Volunteer Supervisor in providing an accessible and inclusive volunteer program at Bard on the Beach. Volunteers play an important role at our Festival acting as ambassadors and providing a friendly, welcoming face for our patrons. The Assistant Volunteer Coordinator will assist with all aspects of the program including recruiting, training, coordinating and supporting a diverse group of over 300 dedicated volunteers. They will help to provide individualized support for volunteers and facilitate initiatives that promote a respectful culture. This position is an opportunity for a young worker to develop their leadership skills and start a career in theatre administration. They will be part of a welcoming and collaborative staff team that is deeply committed to upholding and practicing Bard’s Company Commitments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with recruitment and general orientation of all volunteers.
- Regular scheduling of enough volunteers for each performance, event, or departmental need.
- Nightly deployment of volunteers on site to various work areas based on volunteer strengths, abilities and responsibilities required.
- Development of the volunteer training program focusing on patron experience as well as the safety and wellbeing of volunteers. This includes facilitating our volunteer buddy initiative, and providing volunteers timely and personalized one-on-one training sessions with front of house managers and a shadow shift system with designated experienced volunteers.
- Continual contact and individualized support of volunteers where appropriate.
- Development and execution of the volunteer recognition program prioritizing social engagement of volunteers through experiential incentives.
- Fostering a welcoming and inclusive volunteer program, and continually working to remove barriers preventing participation.
- Development and maintenance of accurate records of all volunteer activity including availability, hours worked, experience and training using Better Impact volunteer database and Spektrix ticketing database systems.
- Direct supervision of some volunteer positions.
- Evaluation of the volunteer program through in-person focus groups, surveys, and day-to-day feedback from volunteers
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS
- An interest in working with a diverse group of volunteers or personal experience as a volunteer
- Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on building an inclusive and respectful workplace
- The ability to adjust their methods of training and communication and create an individualized approach to every volunteer
- Experience in working with the public and creating a welcoming, inclusive space
- Experience working or volunteering in live events is an asset
- Clear communication skills, in writing and in conversation
- The ability to stay organized and accurate in a time-sensitive and fast-moving environment while also being flexible and comfortable with new projects
- The ability to respond to last minute requests in a positive and productive manner
- Comfortability with Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
- The ability to learn new software systems (i.e. Bard uses the volunteer software Better Impact)
- An interest in the theatre and the arts and a desire to learn more about working in arts administration
This position is funding dependent, and applicants must be:
- Post-secondary student enrolled in a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
HOURS
April through May: 30 hours per week, flexible working from home or our administrative offices at the BMO Theatre Centre
June through September: 35 hours per week, working from our temporary venue in Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park
Evening and weekend availability is required. A combination of remote and in-person work is possible throughout the position’s term, with added flexibility in April and May.
COMPENSATION
$20.00 per hour
TO APPLY
Please upload your resume and a cover letter together in one PDF named “[First & Last Name] Assistant Volunteer Coordinator,” summarizing your qualifications and experience at the link below to apply.
Let us know what excites you about building a volunteer program and the values and culture you hope to foster. Please include your personal experience as a volunteer if applicable.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Bard on the Beach is committed to promoting an accessible, safe, inclusive and diverse environment. We respect, value and celebrate the diverse experiences of each person and actively encourage everyone to consider joining our team. If you have questions or need support or assistance in submitting your application, please reach out to Stacey Menzies at resumes@bardonthebeach.org or call 604-737-0625 ext. 2235.