Volunteer Engagement Coordinator - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 4/16/26 and ends on 4/24/26

This is an in-person, 8:00 - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday position with periodic weekend and evening work.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program

The MN Landscape Arboretum and the Horticultural Research Center are a part of the University of Minnesota. Volunteers make up a significant amount of the workforce and staff is tasked with working with volunteers directly, providing on-site training and management.

The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will serve as a conduit among staff, volunteers, and corporate volunteer groups. This role will work on-site to identify gaps in volunteer-assisted projects, greet and work alongside corporate groups, and work with staff to recruit and train volunteers. Requires a willingness to become familiar with the Arboretum grounds, including the Horticultural Research Center, volunteer work schedules, and general horticultural practices of the Arboretum. Periodic evening and weekend shifts required for events with substantial volunteer needs.
The Arboretum's mission is "Rooted in plant science and community, we grow knowledge and inspire action to support thriving ecosystems and our vital relationship with nature." The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will work with multiple stakeholders to help create an inclusive and welcoming Arboretum for all to enjoy.

This position reports directly to the Volunteer Program Manager at the Arboretum.

Major Areas of Accountability

Arboretum Volunteer and Staff Engagement - 50%

• Work in partnership with staff and volunteers to help oversee projects and deepen relationships between parties.
• Foster communicative, open partnerships among corporate teams by crafting regular communications and meeting volunteer groups when they arrive.
• Provide support to staff and Volunteer Program Manager as needed for areas such as schedule reports, corporate scheduling, and annual federal reporting.
• Represent The MN Landscape Arboretum at meetings and while working on the grounds.
• Serve as a[1.1] primary point person for volunteer groups and staff needing assistance with job posting and identification.
• Experience working alongside staff and volunteers will position the Coordinator to identify gaps in opportunities for volunteers.

Corporate Engagement - 25%

• Coordinate projects appropriate for volunteers and volunteer groups that align with the Arboretum's mission and the organization's goals.
• Meet groups on-site to introduce them to the Arboretum and the scheduled activity.
• Foster connections between and among staff, volunteers, and the Volunteer Center by being the friendly face of the Volunteer Program.
• Work in partnership with Volunteer Program Coordinator to advance and communicate priority focus areas and initiatives/projects that support Arboretum goals.
• Participate in program evaluation efforts, including working with the staff and partner reporting system (currently MyImpact).
• Partner with Development to maintain contact throughout the year with group leaders.

Celebrating Volunteers - 10%

• There will be a minimum of two volunteer celebration events per year open to all volunteers.
• The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will organize activities, catering, and music, as needed.
• Provide ongoing encouragement and displays of gratitude for volunteer efforts - can be verbal, written, or equitably distributed tokens of gratitude provided by the Arboretum.

Collaborating with Volunteer Program Manager - 15%

• Regular meetings
• Shared reporting
• Assist in developing outreach initiatives
• Support equity and inclusion initiatives
• Annually update manuals and documents
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED and five years related experience to include project management. Coursework in a related field may substitute for some years of experience. Additional skills and knowledge may be required of individual positions.
• Basic knowledge of workplace software suites such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and ability to learn volunteer management software.
• Documented experience managing multiple priorities in a sometimes fast-paced environment.
• Experience setting work goals and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Experience in a customer/client focused work environment.
• Proven communication skills.
• Experience working effectively collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to work some weekends and nights for signature events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in or experience with gardening/horticultural practices.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment and/or training.
• Ability to navigate conflict and seek out solutions.
• Familiarity with CRM, project management software, and graphic design tools.
• Demonstrated ability to unite individuals around a common goal.
• Commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive volunteer program.

Pay Range: $24.91 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type:Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

A resume, cover letter, and writing sample are required application materials.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).