The Seward Park Audubon Center opened in 2008 as an environmental learning center in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation. It occupies what was ‘Ye Seward Park Inn’ built in 1927, and renovated using funds raised by Audubon.
The Center serves one of the nation’s most ethnically diverse communities in the country. The park sits adjacent to the Columbia City, Hillman City, and Rainier Beach neighborhoods in Seattle’s Rainier Valley.
The Center offers a robust slate of programs that connect people of all ages with experiences that connect them with the natural world, and inspires them to take conservation actions to protect places that birds and people live. As part of the Audubon Network, the Seward Park Audubon Center is a conservation organization that uses the studies, stories and imagery of birds to highlight the issues around climate and habitat protection.
Seward Park is located on a 277 acre peninsula that juts into Lake Washington. The park feature 2.5 miles of shoreline and has some of the city’s oldest trees. Its variety of ecosystems provides habitat for over 120 species of birds that us Seward Park during migration or as their home. Many local residents utilize the park’s picnic areas, swimming beach and playground for recreation, while nature lovers see Seward Park as a refuge within the city to enjoy wildlife and commune with the nature.
The staff of Audubon Washington makes their home within the Center building. They work to bring to together and support the 25 Audubon chapters across the state, and galvanize them in their shared conservation mission. The state program is a trusted voice for conservation in Washington’s legislature and throughout the region.
The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for the recruitment and coordination of volunteers for the Seward Park Audubon Center. The ideal candidate will be a natural networker who is able to build and maintain relationships with volunteers and the community.
In addition to these responsibilities, the Volunteer Coordinator will provide overall support to the Center Director and other staff. Duties include managing the Center’s facility rental program.
- Collaborate with Center staff to determine volunteer positions needed for day-to-day operations, special events, and other scheduling needs.
- Organize volunteer trainings to continually fill these positions.
- Partner with the Center Director to ensure a quality facility experience for volunteers
- Promote Seward Park Audubon programs and volunteer opportunities through presentations, marketing at community events, and producing/distributing marketing materials.
- Conduct new volunteer orientation.
- Manage a volunteer database to organize contact information, schedules, service hours, demographics and training history.
- Coordinate volunteer continuing education. Create merit/incentive programs and conduct workshops, guided hikes, field trips and other professional development activities throughout the year.
- Design and distribute regular communications and updates for volunteers.
- Provide general office support as needed.
- Promote facility rentals and serve as contact person for rentals.
- Ensure facility renters have submitted the proper and completed documents, and comply with rules and regulations per Audubon and City of Seattle requirements.
- Invoice and collect funds related to rentals.
- Order and maintain appropriate quantities of goods and equipment for facility rentals and Center programs and events.
- Ensure facility rentals have the necessary preparations and appropriately staffed.
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with volunteers, supervisory experience a plus.
- Experience in supporting smooth operation of facility.
- Experience and familiarity with the natural history, outdoor education, conservation communities a plus.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office software
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate staff and volunteers essential.
- Excellent organizational skill and the ability to multi-task essential.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Experience working with nonprofit, volunteer-based organizations preferred.
- Direct experience in the Seattle market is highly desirable, particularly with southeast
- Willing and able to work outside of the normal Monday through Friday schedule.
- A strong commitment to the mission, values, and programs of Audubon Washington and the National Audubon Society.