Part Time Group Volunteer Leader

ABOUT CRADLES TO CRAYONS:

Cradles to Crayons (C2C) was founded in 2002, with the mission of providing children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive - at home, at school and at play. C2C is at the cutting edge of volunteer management, and through its "Giving Factory" provides unique, hands-on opportunities for people to help other people. Headquartered in Boston, MA, C2C opened in Philadelphia in 2007 and in Chicago in 2016.

How Our Model Works: Cradles to Crayons collects new and nearly new children's items through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. Donations are then processed and packaged by volunteers, and are distributed to disadvantaged children through a collaborative network of social service agencies and school partners. C2C supplies these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.

Cradles to Crayons meets a critical need as many children 12 years old and younger live in low-income and/or homeless situations. These living conditions can have negative effects on self-esteem as poverty can lead to increased social and emotional behavioral challenges; it impacts early education since half of children living in poverty start 1st grade up to 2 years developmentally behind their peers; and safety may be compromised as children living in poverty have increased risk of injury.

While meeting the immediate needs of low-income children, Cradles to Crayons also sets a foundation for lasting change by providing meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities to thousands of individuals and families and hundreds of corporations each year by organizing clothing collections, hosting fundraisers, or working in the "Giving Factory" warehouse.

Cradles to Crayons earned the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator for several consecutive years. Only 2% of charities rated have received this distinction, differentiating C2C from its peers, exemplifying the high standard of service at C2C, and indicating that C2C outperforms most other charities in America.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Volunteers are the engine that power Cradles to Crayons, from the acquisition of product at community drives, through the processing of donations. The Group Volunteer Leader conveys the Cradles to Crayons' mission, quality standards, and provides an exceptional volunteer experience, before, during, and following the volunteer visit, to individuals and groups alike. A high-quality experience for the volunteers is necessary to ensure the inflow of product, funds and volunteer labor to fulfill our mission. This position has the responsibility to ensure all stations are "volunteer ready", efficient and safe by following work station guidelines and expectations. When not working with volunteers or preparing for a shift, the Group Volunteer Leader works on other warehouse projects.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Model and lead a positive "One Cradles" culture, underpinned by Cradles' Cultural Values and related behaviors.
• Achieves a high level of customer service during all stages of the volunteer experience.
• Make certain that high quality product is produced during volunteer shifts.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers and volunteers.
• Connect volunteers with other departments for further engagement.
• Effectively convey to volunteers about the organization and work stations.
• Work with groups of children and/or adults.
• Ensure all set-up and clean-up procedures are complete and that stations and warehouse are always in the best condition.
• Enter data into inventory management System (Salesforce).
• Restock inventory as necessary.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Read, speak and write fluent English, with great written and verbal skills.
• Work proactively, independently, work under supervision, and work in a high energy and team-based and goal-oriented environment.
• Communicate with coworkers, volunteers, and all visitors to the "Giving Factory" in a courteous and professional manner.
• Work evening and weekend hours as necessary.
• Easily walk up and down stairs, bend down, reach, push and pull and lift up to 30 lbs.

SCHEDULE:

• This position will primarily have the following schedule:

• Tuesday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

• Wednesday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

• Thursday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

• Saturday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

• Changes to the schedule will be communicated in advance.

DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH:

Diversity and Inclusiveness are core values at Cradles to Crayons, and we continuously strive to be a team where everyone feels welcome and supported. It is the policy of Cradles to Crayons to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Individuals from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This is a warehouse environment and normal changes in temperature are to be expected while working inside the warehouse or outside, on or around the loading dock. There are no hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.

ACCOMMODATION:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made by Cradles to Crayons which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others, or which impose undue hardships on the organization.