Overview
Official Conference Volunteer Coordinator
Each year, the ACS Annual Conference relies on the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers. Among these key volunteers is the Volunteer Coordinator (VC). The VC is a crucial part of conference along with the Conference Back of House Team.
The Volunteer Coordinator is a newer role to the ACS Conference Team. This essential role will be responsible for overseeing over 300 volunteer positions needed to make the entire conference a success. From the Front of the House to Back of the House, managing volunteer positions ranging from Pre-Conference set up, Registration, Badge Checkers, Education Session Volunteers, Back of House, and Meet The Cheesemaker.
If you have a passion for making sure things are running smoothly, this is the job for you. Must be able to make a strong plan in advance but remain highly flexible in real time is the key success in this role. This role will be working closely with the team in advance of the conference itself to map out volunteer needs from day to day and task to task. Responsible for organizing, allocating, and overseeing volunteers at the conference.
Working alongside the OCC team, the VC assesses the needs of volunteer support for each educational session, tasting session and various meals and events throughout the conference. Your duties would include giving volunteers instruction and direction, troubleshooting and making adjustments onsite. This role will also be integral in Volunteer recruitment prior to the conference.
Why apply to be the Volunteer Coordinator?
The VC role is high-impact and high-importance, leading the heart of conference operations with the Conference Team.
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See the inner workings of Conference while working with industry superstars!
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The VC oversees over 300 volunteer shifts. It’s an opportunity to flex your problem-solving and creative skills!
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The VC is promoted in conference communications and materials.
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Will lead a team of volunteers of various skill levels, cheese and non-cheese related, overseeing their handling and transportation of conference materials and products.
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The VC will work closely with the other Conference Team members, learning from and developing professional relationships with them that will last beyond the Conference.
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Leave the Conference with valuable experience in staff and volunteer oversight, cross-departmental collaboration, people management, event logistics and project management.
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Being a VC helps refine personal skills as well, helping you grow professionally and creatively so you can better perform and advance in your regular job.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The Volunteer Coordinator must possess:
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Experience managing staff or volunteers
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Ability to be team player
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Strong collaborative skills
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Project management skills
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Creative drive and strong work-ethic
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Flexible and calm under pressure
Hours
Pre-Conference:
March to July (before the Conference): 3-5 hours per month. The pre-Conference work will include but is not limited to:
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Attending conference calls with ACS staff and the Conference Planning Team
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Reviewing and updating volunteer schedules
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Working with Conference Planning Committee to recruit additional volunteers
On Site:
The VC commits to spending approximately 5-6 days behind the scenes at the ACS Conference. The VC should anticipate working extended hours and will be too busy to attend Conference sessions or events in the year they are serving in this role. Typical schedules average 12 hours per day.
Benefits
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Travel to/from host city
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Lodging for the duration of the Conference
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Complimentary ACS Conference registration to attend in the following year
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…And more!
Apply
Applications for the 2025 Volunteer Coordinator is now open. Click here to apply. Deadline to apply is January 16, 2025.
Before submitting an application, please have the below items ready to attach:
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Letter of recommendation
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Letter outlining your interest in this role
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Resume
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Signed employer acceptance letter acknowledging volunteer requirements
After the application period closes, the ACS Management Team evaluates all applications and conducts interviews with top applicants. The final candidate will be chosen and notified by the end of March of the conference year.
