Volunteer Engagement Manager

Position Summary

The Volunteer Engagement Manager leads the heart of Kanbe's daily food rescue operations: welcoming, training, and energizing 30–70 volunteers per session, twice a day, to sort and redirect donated produce to communities in need. This role combines high-energy people engagement with operational discipline, overseeing a team of four staff and ensuring Kanbe's quality standards are met from the moment produce arrives to the moment it leaves. The Volunteer Engagement Manager will work with the External Affairs Team to plan special volunteer events and will be the gatekeeper for special requests related to food rescue volunteer opportunities. The Manager will report directly to the Senior Director of Operations. 

Required Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

• Expert in organizing and engaging groups 

• Strong workflow and organizational skills

• Keen attention to detail

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and sustained time on one’s feet

• Management experience with teams

• Proficiency with basic software platforms (or ability to learn new systems quickly)

• Ability to work 8am - 4pm weekdays and occasional evenings and Saturdays

Preferred Skills

• Capability to operate manual and electric pallet jacks (training provided)

• Capability to operate a forklift (training provided)

• Food Handlers License

• Previous Warehouse Experience

• Familiarity with Health Dept regulations on food storage and transportation

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Volunteer Coordination

• Kanbe’s hosts 30-70 volunteers twice a day and requires full service training and engagement while on site

• Welcome volunteers and ensure a positive first impression at Kanbe’s.

• Deliver an engaging, age-appropriate orientation using Kanbe’s standardized script.

• Train volunteers in Kanbe’s sorting method, quality control standards, safe food handling practices, and warehouse organization.

• Guide volunteer activities to ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly for produce sorting and quality control.

• Maintain accurate volunteer attendance records using sign-in procedures.

Food Rescue Efforts

• Maintain Kanbe’s quality control standards for all processed/redirected produce

• Learn and teach the quality control guide to volunteers

• Keep accurate records of all sorted food and its end destination

Staff Management

• Supervise assigned Redirection Coordinators and Associates, contracted Associates, special volunteers and any other temporary staff that are assigned to work with the Redirection sorting program. 

• Keep up with job descriptions for all staff, lead weekly/bi-weekly staff meetings, evaluate and document staff performance and provide corrective action as needed. 

General Warehouse Operations

• Ensure the organization, cleanliness, and efficient workflow of warehouse spaces.

• Keep all food sorting supplies (cans, boxes, etc.) clean and ready for use.

• Monitor and manage compost.

• Maintain a cleanliness schedule for the Volunteer Center, Sorting room and large fridge.

• Support Procurement and Distribution efforts as needed. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Rate: $60,000 Annual

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance benefits (health, dental, vision, and life) available from the hiring date.

• 403(b) retirement plan

• Paid Time Off (PTO) eligibility begins after 90 days of continuous employment.

Impact Goals

Within 1 Month:

• Complete orientation to Kanbe’s mission, workflow, staff, current projects, and systems.

• Participate in ride-alongs with delivery drivers to observe community operations, cooler functionality, and the daily workflow.

• Observe and participate in a volunteer group event, including:

  • Attending a tour and sorting orientation

  • Sorting produce alongside volunteers

  • Participating in a debrief session

• Meet donation partners and observe the donation receiving and preparation process.

• Learn and understand Kanbe’s quality control procedures.

Within 3 Months:

• Accurately track all volunteer hours.

• Lead volunteer orientations, training sessions, and debriefs.

• Co-manage daily warehouse operations.

• Accurately track and record produce records.

Within 6 Months:

• Perform audit of all workflow procedures.

• Lead strategic planning process for more robust volunteer training, engagement and utilization

• Report on department progress

Application Directions