Our History

In 1879, Father Bernard Donnelly established Mount St. Bernard’s Orphanage in Kansas City. With that one act of faith, hope and charity, many lives — and a community — were transformed.

And, from that humble beginning a strong tradition of compassionate care and social service took root, thrived, and grew to become Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Catholic Charities empowers at risk people to create a pathway out of poverty by alleviating their immediate crises to create stability; then providing robust support to lift them to dignity and self-reliance.

Today, millions of lives have been transformed, in the communities we serve. We have office locations in the Kansas City metro-area, St. Joseph, Missouri, a Food Pantry in Kansas City while serving a 27-county region. 

Position Title: Volunteer Engagement Manager

Effective Date: 6/25/2026

Employment Type: Full-time (38-hour work week) 

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt 

Program: Volunteer Services 

Reports to: HR & Volunteer Manager 

Work Modality: On-Site / Community-Based Outreach

 

Position Summary 

The Volunteer Engagement Manager provides oversight of Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph's volunteer program. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, retention, and recognition initiatives that support the agency's mission and operational goals. Serving as a key ambassador for Catholic Charities, the Volunteer Engagement Manager cultivates and maintains relationships with parishes, schools, corporations, community organizations, and individual volunteers to expand volunteer participation and strengthen community engagement. The position collaborates with agency leadership and program staff to identify volunteer opportunities, align volunteer resources with organizational needs, and ensure a meaningful and impactful volunteer experience. Through effective relationship-building, and program management, this role advances the agency's mission by mobilizing volunteers and fostering community support for Catholic Charities' programs and services. This position is primarily 100% in-office but requires flexibility to attend evening and weekend volunteer activities, community events, parish presentations, and agency functions as needed. 

Essential Duties

Volunteer Engagement & Program Management

• Collaborate with program directors and agency leadership to identify volunteer needs and develop meaningful volunteer opportunities that support agency programs.
• Develop and maintain volunteer position descriptions and coordinate volunteer recruitment, placement, onboarding, and retention efforts.
• Recruit volunteers through parish partnerships, schools, corporations, community organizations, online platforms, and other outreach initiatives.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit group volunteer participation from parishes, schools, corporate partners, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with leaders to design and implement group volunteer opportunities that align with agency priorities and meet programmatic needs.
• Recruit, train, support, and oversee Lead Volunteers who assist in coordinating volunteer activities.
• Develop and implement strategies to recruit volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Evaluate recruitment efforts and recommend improvements to increase volunteer participation and retention.
• Conduct volunteer background checks, orientations, and training to ensure compliance with agency policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to volunteers, fostering a positive, mission-driven volunteer experience.
• Hold individual meetings with volunteers to evaluate satisfaction and identify opportunities to improve the volunteer experience.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and track program metrics using volunteer management software (Volgistics), generating reports as requested.
• Partner with the Development team to assess volunteer staffing needs for fundraising and special events, recruit volunteers, and coordinate volunteer assignments during events.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

• Build and strengthen relationships with parishes, schools, corporations, and community organizations to expand volunteer engagement and increase awareness of Catholic Charities' mission and services.
• Deliver presentations and participate in outreach activities to recruit volunteers, promote agency programs, and encourage community support, including food and hygiene drives and other service initiatives.
• Identify, develop, and support Parish Advocates as volunteer leaders and ambassadors within their parish communities.
• Represent Catholic Charities at community, parish, school, corporate, and agency events as assigned.

Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Collaborate with program directors and managers to ensure volunteers are effectively integrated into agency programs and services.
• Advise staff on volunteer engagement practices and the effective utilization of volunteer resources.
• Address volunteer and staff concerns in a timely, professional, and solution-focused manner.
• Serve on agency committees and participate in cross-functional initiatives that support organizational goals.
• Lead or support volunteer engagement initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• Plan and coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation activities throughout the year.
• Participate in the agency's Second Collection initiatives to support volunteer recruitment, fundraising and parish engagement efforts.

Professional Responsibilities

• Engage with volunteers in a professional, inclusive, respectful, and supportive manner that fosters positive relationships and a welcoming environment.
• Participate in agency and community networking opportunities to strengthen partnerships and advance the mission of Catholic Charities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to fostering a professional, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment that values the diverse talents and contributions of volunteers, staff, and community partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager of Human Resources & Volunteers, Chief Administrative Officer, and/or Chief Executive Officer.

 Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in volunteer coordination, nonprofit program support, community engagement or related field. Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, Theology, Liberal Arts, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience working with volunteers or related field considered if no degree.

Knowledge and Skills 

• Experience recruiting, onboarding, training, and supporting volunteers or community participants preferred.
• Must be able to work independently, manage multiple tasks in high-energy, productive department.
• The ideal candidate will possess experience/knowledge of utilizing volunteer management software, internet resources, and social media to attract, recruit and manage volunteers. Prior experience working with Volgistics, a volunteer management database, is preferred.
• Ability to flex schedule in order to work evenings and/or some weekends for fundraising events, community, school, parish, corporate outreach, etc.
• Above average organizational, written, and verbal communication skills are required.
• Enthusiastic and people and mission centered. 

Our Culture/Mission Characteristics

I understand that as an employee of Catholic Charities I am expected to perform job duties in alignment with the following:

• Follow the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties and will not advocate for things that are in opposition with the Catholic faith, beliefs, and Catholic Social and Moral Teachings.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and resolve conflicts to achieve the greater good.
• Respect for the diversity of talents and gifts of others and believe in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate compassion and commitment for helping others improve their lives.
• Follow the Agency values: Faith/Hope, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration