As part of the Chicago Zoological Society's mission, we work each day to ensure that the conservation movement reaches out to and hears from every person and community at every income level and ability. Our beautiful park like setting has an amazing 216 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, the Discovery Center and Pavilions provide indoor and outdoor event facilities, three major restaurants provide delicious food options, and there are over 20 different animal exhibits. All our volunteers are passionate about Brookfield Zoo, our animals and join us for one main reason: to create extraordinary experiences for our guests! Our volunteers enjoy talking with people about animals, nature, and conservation, and enjoy being outdoors.

The Administrative Assistant, Volunteer Engagement (Temporary) provides effective administrative and clerical support to the Director of Volunteer Engagement, contributing to efficient and optimal operations in coordinating volunteer assignments and projects.

The Administrative Assistant, Volunteer Engagement (Temporary) will assist in the coordination of the Volunteer Office operations, including, but no limited to: preparing volunteer schedules, issuing name badges, preparing for volunteer orientation and onboarding, processing payments for volunteer activities, communication of changes in daily operations, animal exhibit information, and docent interpretive assignments, answering Volunteer emails, picking up messages from Volunteer Hotline, responding to requests for volunteer program information, mailings, preparing meeting and program-related materials, filing and file maintenance, coordinating room reservations, and related duties. Working with staff from a variety of departments, you will assist in filling Volunteer Requests for special events and special projects. Making use of your prior administrative experience, you will assist with planning, coordination, and associated administrative tasks for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. You will also provide assistance in processing annual Volunteer Earned Memberships; prepare and mail renewal forms, record detailed volunteer membership renewal information in spreadsheets, handle and process payments for membership renewals, track renewal upgrades, and associated administrative tasks. As Administrative Assistant, Volunteer Engagement you will assist in maintaining the Volgistics volunteer database; ensure all volunteer demographic information is current and accurate; and utilize the Volgistics system to generate lists, reports, and spreadsheets, and volunteer hours of service calculations. Utilizing your strong customer service skills, you will maintain communication with volunteers and answer their operations-related questions; listen to their concerns regarding volunteer engagement and the Society; and ensure that serious concerns/situations are referred to the Director, Volunteer Engagement.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for the position include the following:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum two years relevant administrative experience in an office setting, with experience in a customer service and/or scheduling function.
• Computer proficiency; Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to work with and coordinate highly detailed information, with an eye for detail and accuracy required.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong collaborative, customer service, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid
  out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

The desirable qualifications include the following:

• Associates Degree in Communications, Psychology, Human Resources, Liberal Arts, or related field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience desirable.
• Experience working in a non-profit organization.
• Previous experience working with volunteers.
• Experience working with Volgistics system or similar databases.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

The Volunteer Engagement Program operates 365 days a year, with assignments and special events taking place both during the day and evenings; this position may require incumbent to work occasional weekend days and evenings, especially during the summer months.

Additional Information
This requisition is to actively recruit for a temporary part-time opening for 15-20 hours per week starting in March 2015.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans /Disabled.