Position Title: Program Lead, Volunteer & Community Engagement, Maritimes
Location: Any community in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or PEI
Reports To: Executive Director, CNIB Maritimes
I. Scope & Summary
The Program Lead, Volunteer & Community Engagement, Maritimes is responsible for recruiting, supporting and engaging volunteers across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The role oversees CNIB's Vision Mate program, supports staff who work with volunteers, coordinates regional volunteer initiatives and helps strengthen CNIB's presence in communities throughout the Maritimes.
This position combines volunteer leadership, program management, relationship building, community outreach and communications. The successful candidate will help ensure volunteers have meaningful and rewarding experiences while expanding CNIB's capacity to serve people who are blind or partially sighted.
This is the job for you if...
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You believe volunteers are one of an organization's greatest assets and are passionate about helping them succeed.
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You enjoy networking, building relationships and partnerships, and representing an organization in the community.
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You're a strong communicator who can engage confidently with volunteers, participants, community leaders, partners and colleagues.
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You are a natural coach who enjoys supporting people as they develop skills and confidence.
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You are creative, proactive, organized and self-directed, capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously while looking for new ways to improve outcomes.
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You are passionate about accessibility, inclusion and empowering people who are blind or partially sighted to live the lives they choose.
II. Essential Functions
Vision Mate Program
Vision Mate connects people who are blind or partially sighted with trained volunteers who provide companionship and support for activities such as reading, correspondence, recreation, errands and community participation.
Responsibilities include:
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Build strong relationships with participants and volunteers to ensure positive experiences and successful matches.
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Monitor program outcomes and service quality, ensuring adherence to CNIB policies, procedures and national service standards.
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Evaluate participant and volunteer experiences and identify opportunities to strengthen service delivery and outcomes.
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Promote Vision Mate services to potential participants and referral sources.
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Maintain accurate program records and data.
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Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices and innovations in volunteer-supported services and community engagement.
Volunteer Engagement
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Lead volunteer recruitment, screening, onboarding, placement and recognition activities across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
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Work closely with staff to identify volunteer needs and develop meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the organization.
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Provide coaching, guidance and support to staff who supervise volunteers.
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Respond to volunteer concerns and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.
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Coordinate volunteer recognition initiatives, including National Volunteer Week and other appreciation activities.
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Support and coordinate volunteers involved in programs and services such as tax clinics, weekly call programs, administrative support, transportation support and accessibility initiatives.
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Conduct regular volunteer and participant check-ins and oversee volunteer program evaluation activities.
Community Engagement & Outreach
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Develop and implement strategies that increase awareness of CNIB programs and services among individuals with sight loss who are not yet connected to CNIB.
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Build and maintain relationships with ophthalmologists, optometrists, vision rehabilitation professionals, community organizations and other referral partners.
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Represent CNIB at community events, presentations, networking opportunities and stakeholder meetings.
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Develop partnerships that support CNIB's mission and expand opportunities for participants and volunteers.
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Support internal and external communications that promote volunteer opportunities, participant stories, programs and organizational priorities.
III. Qualifications
Knowledge & Skills
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Strong volunteer leadership skills, including recruitment, training, coaching, recognition and performance management.
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Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills.
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Experience delivering presentations, workshops and training sessions to diverse audiences.
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Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
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Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, stakeholders and volunteers.
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Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
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Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
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Strong written communication skills and the ability to create engaging communications and promotional materials.
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Ability to analyze data and use evaluation results to improve programs and participant outcomes.
Experience & Education
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Post-secondary education in Volunteer Management, Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, Public Relations, Non-Profit Management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Two or more years of experience recruiting, managing and supporting volunteers.
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Experience working in the non-profit sector.
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Experience delivering community-based programs or services is considered an asset.
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Personal or professional experience related to blindness, sight loss or accessibility is considered an asset.
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Experience working with people with disabilities, older adults or vulnerable populations is considered an asset.
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Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.
IV. Work Environment
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Hybrid work environment consisting of home-based work and regular use of a local CNIB office.
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Flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, are required to support programs, volunteer activities and community events.
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Occasional travel throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island is required.
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A valid driver's license is considered an asset but is not required. CNIB is committed to providing accommodations that enable employees with disabilities to fully perform the responsibilities of the role.
CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.
