Volunteer Manager

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is currently seeking a Volunteer Manager (contract position) to lead this award-winning program.

Company Description

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. produces and promotes one of the world’s great celebrations of spring and is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, educational and entertainment initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.

The Volunteer Manager will manage the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival’s volunteer program.

Scope of Work

In coordination with the Festival’s Director of Business Operations, the Volunteer Manager for 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival will help create and implement the 2025 Festival Volunteer Plan and Timeline with the goal of creating an established Volunteer Community encouraging year-round commitments.

The Volunteer Manager will perform the following functions between the months of December 2024 and May 2025:

Recruitment

• Work with Programming Team to identify how many volunteers are needed for each Festival program and event
• Recruit individuals, community organizations and corporate groups to participate in volunteer opportunities
• Interview and select new members for the leadership volunteer committee
• Interview and select Lead Volunteers
• Select, train and supervise Volunteer Program Intern(s)

Management and Leadership

• Manage NCBF-provided Volunteer database (Better Impact) and provide accurate reporting
• Train and develop an informed and seasoned group of select volunteers on Festival events and protocols
• Manage and coordinate Volunteers onsite during all Festival programs and events, including but not limited to:

• Pink Tie Party: March 14, 2025
• Opening Ceremony: March 22, 2025
• Blossom Kite Festival / Sakura Taiko Fest: March 29, 2025
• Petalpalooza®: April 5, 2025
• Community Pinknic; April 6, 2025 (TBC)
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®: April 12, 2025
• Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA Stage: dates to be determined corresponding to peak bloom of trees
• Other events and programs as needed

• Ensure all Festival events and satellite programs (information kiosks, merchandise booths) are fully staffed with competent and trained Volunteers

Volunteer Communication:

• In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Department, develop, coordinate and execute an internal communication plan for Volunteers to sustain interest and commitment to the Festival. Tactics include monthly newsletters, Facebook group posts, among other communications. Actions include:

• Write content
• Select photos
• Deploy newsletters via MailChimp
• Post content via Facebook, and engage with comments

Volunteer Engagement Management

• Create and execute a Volunteer hospitality retention plan that includes social engagement opportunities for volunteers including planning and leading:

• Volunteer Kick Off Rally (February 2025)
• Volunteer Orientation (early March 2025)
• Leadership and Working Group meetings (ongoing)
• Post-Festival Volunteer appreciation event (May 2025), including assembling items for giveaways and raffle
• Coordinate and host a post-Festival Leadership appreciation dinner

• Successfully deliver the following at the close of Term:
• An up-to-date Volunteer database
• An updated handbook that can be easily revised in the future
• A recap of the Volunteer Program for the 2025 Festival season

Compensation

$24,000. This position is not eligible for benefits.

Time Commitment

6-month Contract Role – December 1, 2024 – May 30, 2025

Estimated schedule:

• Part time - December 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025
• Full time - February 1 – April 30, 2025
• Part time - May 1 – 30, 2025
• Attend weekly programming meetings
• Weekly Volunteer Program meetings with Director of Business Operations
• Attend planning meetings and event rundown meetings
• On-site events including weekend Festival events, nighttime events
• Ability to work at Festival office (Downtown DC) one to two days a week

Qualifications

• Experience in volunteer management, event management, marketing, business, public relations, or related field is preferred
• Positive, can-do attitude, welcoming and energetic spirit
• Superior communication and written skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and strong database management skills are necessary
• Demonstrated desire and capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues and consultants, as well as volunteers
• Requires outstanding organization skills, attention to detail, and high productivity.
• Grace and poise under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and troubleshoot difficult situations
• Assist with set-up and tear down of event site(s), lift up to 50 pounds when needed, and stand for long hours