Job Title: Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Department: Tennessee Chapter
Location: Remote, preferred in east Tennessee. This position requires an ability to travel.
Reports To: Chapter Director
Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.
Scope: As Tennessee Chapter Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, you will contribute to the strength and success of the Chapter by developing and maintaining a strong volunteer program to support various campaigns, committees, and groups. This position provides the administrative support and systematic follow-through for volunteer-led work. The coordinator handles event logistics, database management, and systematic follow-up, providing the administrative infrastructure that supports volunteer-led conservation work. They work independently to maintain organizational infrastructure while supporting volunteer leadership across multiple conservation committees.
The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator reports to the Chapter Director and works closely with the Volunteer Chapter Chair and Executive Committee. The Tennessee Chapter works across six conservation committees: water, solid waste and mining, forests and public lands, energy, land management, and transportation. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work for volunteer meetings and public events with approximately 30% travel required; requires an ability to travel within the state with a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record; and may require occasional out-of-state travel to regional or national meetings. There will be a quantitative and qualitative annual analysis of job performance pertaining to these duties.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention. Create a pipeline of engagement and retention that moves new volunteers to volunteer leadership. Collaborate and empower Chapter groups to successfully recruit, engage, and onboard volunteers. Provides administrative support for the outings program and public-facing events to support volunteer recruitment and retention. Maintain good data practices to track volunteer engagement and other core metrics.
Leadership Development. Provide coaching, training, and support to help volunteers deepen their skills and advance Sierra Club priorities. Collaborate with Sierra Club staff and volunteer leaders to develop training materials, execute trainings as necessary, and center equity in volunteer recruitment and engagement.
Collaboration. Works with staff and volunteer leaders to mobilize volunteers to support organizational campaigns, programs, and priorities. Collaborates with Chapter leadership to ensure long-term power building and engages key stakeholders as needed. Fosters healthy, mutually accountable relationships that promote trust, communication, and respect while driving positive outcomes. Facilitates new volunteer networks across the state.
Fundraising. Support volunteer-led fundraisers as assigned in partnership with the Chapter Director and other relevant stakeholders. Assist with donor engagement and cultivation through volunteer networks.
Administrative Systems. Works within volunteer databases (VAN, Salesforce), project management systems (Asana, Airtable, Slack or similar), and tracking tools. Provides systematic follow-up and relationship-building that converts event attendees into engaged volunteers. Maintains organizational infrastructure that supports volunteer leaders across multiple committees.
Communications. Contributes regularly to Chapter social media and communications (1-2 posts weekly), highlighting volunteer activities and engagement opportunities. Develops recruitment, onboarding, and informational materials as assigned. Coordinates with volunteer leaders and staff on integrated communications approach. Serves as point of contact for new and existing volunteers. Creates event marketing materials and storytelling content.
Outreach. Represents the Sierra Club at community and statewide events. Co-hosts and coordinates meetings for members in collaboration with volunteer leadership and staff. Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club's diversity initiatives through intentional outreach strategies.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:
Excellent interpersonal relationship skills and communication skills. You communicate effectively with volunteers, staff, and the general public. You have the ability to work across lines of difference to contribute to a pleasant, professional, and inclusive team culture.
Demonstrated experience and knowledge with volunteer-led organizations, excellent volunteer management skills, and grassroots organizing experience. Sierra Club is the largest grassroots environmental organization in the country and volunteers are meaningfully integrated into all aspects of the organization's structure. You are eager to work alongside volunteer leaders and can skillfully balance volunteer enthusiasm with organizational priorities.
Demonstrated skill in techniques for outreach and engagement, including use of social media. You understand how to leverage outreach strategies to drive volunteer engagement outcomes. You have experience engaging with large crowds, tabling, and utilizing social media to support a thriving volunteer base.
Responsive and reliable. You are a responsive, reliable communicator. You can work with independence and in group settings, finishing tasks and projects on time consistently. You can show up reliably during working hours, and communicate effectively about ongoing tasks and projects with staff and volunteers.
Grassroots organizing orientation. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within volunteer-led organizational structures. You create sustainable structures and processes and follow-through while respecting volunteer leadership and the organic nature of grassroots movements.
Self-directed with strong organizational skills. Able to manage multiple projects independently, maintain detailed tracking systems, and follow through without close supervision.
Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:
Experience managing a successful volunteer program in a grassroots organization.
Demonstrated leadership experience working within a team structure. Able to create rapport, inspire trust, and create mutual responsibility with team members. Open to feedback and the ability to learn new skills.
A strong commitment to Sierra Club's mission and values.
Experience with volunteer databases (VAN, Salesforce) and project management platforms (Asana, Airtable, Slack, or similar systems).
Comfort working across diverse Tennessee communities, including rural areas.
To Apply
The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.
