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Volunteer and Program Coordinator

Ottawa Innercity Ministries (OIM) – Ottawa, ON
Full-time | Salary commensurate with experience

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Ottawa Innercity Ministries is a Christian, interdenominational ministry serving people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and marginalization in downtown Ottawa. We do this through a variety of outreach programs, and supportive relationships that reflect the love of Christ. We are seeking a Volunteer and Program Coordinator to help ensure our volunteers and programs are well supported so that our street friends experience consistent, compassionate care.

Position Summary

The Volunteer and Program Coordinator is responsible for recruiting, training, scheduling, and supporting volunteers across OIM’s programs, and for providing key coordination support to OIM programs. This full‑time role is highly relational and administrative, combining people care and program logistics to strengthen our ministry on the streets and in our drop‑in spaces. The position reports to the Executive Director.

Key responsibilities

Volunteer recruitment and onboarding

  • Promote volunteer opportunities through churches, community partners, schools, and online channels.

  • Respond to volunteer inquiries and guide prospective volunteers through OIM’s application and onboarding processes.

  • Coordinate screening steps including applications, interviews, reference checks, and police/vulnerable sector checks.

  • Match volunteers to roles that fit their skills, availability, and calling within OIM’s programs.

Volunteer training, care, and communication

  • Coordinate initial and ongoing volunteer training, including orientation to OIM’s mission, safety practices, and trauma‑aware, Christ‑centred ministry.

  • Provide regular communication to volunteers (updates, prayer requests, schedule changes, program needs).

  • Help cultivate a culture of appreciation and encouragement through check‑ins, debriefs, and recognition activities.

  • Support volunteers pastorally in collaboration with program staff, especially after difficult situations on the street or in programs.

Program coordination

  • Work with program leaders to build and maintain volunteer schedules for outreach and other ministries.

  • Ensure adequate volunteer coverage for each program and adjust as needed when changes arise.

  • Assist with program logistics such as sign‑in sheets, attendance tracking, basic supplies, and follow‑up actions from program nights.

  • Help maintain clear role descriptions and expectations for volunteers serving in each program area.

Administration and records

  • Maintain accurate volunteer records, including contact information, roles, training dates, availability, and screening documentation.

  • Use appropriate tools (spreadsheets, databases, scheduling systems) to track volunteer engagement and program needs.

  • Contribute to simple reports and updates for the Executive Director and board as requested (e.g., volunteer numbers, gaps, and highlights).

Teamwork and organizational life

  • Participate in staff meetings, prayer times, and team-building activities as part of the OIM staff community.

  • Collaborate with staff to identify new or emerging volunteer roles that support program growth and effectiveness.

  • Represent OIM and its values positively in all interactions with churches, community partners, and the public.

Qualifications

Education and experience

  • Community College Diploma in a relevant discipline.

  • Respond to volunteer inquiries and guide prospective volunteers through OIM’s application and onboarding processes.

  • 3–7 years of progressively responsible experience in human resource management, preferably in a nonprofit or ministry setting.

  • Competency with Microsoft Office suite

Skills and competencies

  • Personal, growing Christian faith and lifestyle consistent with OIM’s Christ‑centred mission and statement of faith.

  • Agreement with serving people living in poverty and homelessness with dignity, respect, and unconditional love.

  • Experience in volunteer coordination, program coordination, community ministry, social services, or a related field (paid or significant volunteer experience).

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to build trust with volunteers, staff, and program participants.

  • Ability to work independently, as a team leader, and as part of a senior team;

  • Problem solving, negotiating, and decision-making skills required to strategically plan and expedite outcomes, and to manage conflict;

  • Strong planning, organizational, analytical, leadership and coaching skills required to implement program/project management;

  • Ability to set priorities and deal effectively with conflicting demands;

  • ​Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;

  • Bilingualism an asset. 

  • Ability to work some evenings (and occasional weekends) to be present at key programs and connect with volunteers on site.

  • Police check with vulnerable sector screening (or willingness to obtain) and a positive pastoral/church reference.

Position details

  • Employment type: Flexible, either full-time or part-time depending on availability of candidate.

  • Salary: Commensurate with experience.

  • Reports to: Executive Director.

  • Location: Hybrid – on‑site in downtown Ottawa and remote with program‑based work in the community as required.

How to apply

  • Please submit the following:

    • Your resume​

    • A cover letter explaining your interest in OIM and how your experience aligns with this role

    • A brief statement describing your Christian faith and current church involvement

  • Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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