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Manager of Volunteer Programs

Adler Planetarium
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
$51,000 - $60,000 USD yearly

Manager of Volunteer Programs

Full Time, Hybrid



About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether it is introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.


Today, the museum hosts more than half a million visitors each year and reaches millions more through youth STEM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach projects. With the Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.



The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Manager of Volunteer Programs to join our dynamic team located on Chicago's Museum Campus. The Manager of Volunteer Programs is responsible for the success of the Adler’s volunteer programs, and their strategic function in supporting the institution's mission.  In collaboration with managers, they identify business needs throughout the organization that can be accomplished through volunteer services. This individual will also be responsible for:


  • Developing, implementing, and administering volunteer policies and procedures. 

  • Researching, piloting, and implementing group and corporate volunteer programs.

  • Coordinating service delivery, and supporting the success of all volunteer engagements. 

  • Recruiting, onboarding, and engaging volunteers on the individual, group, and corporate volunteer levels. 

  • Building community partnerships, and establishing a database of contacts and affinity groups that prove to be pipelines for diverse talent. 

  • Managing relations with Adler volunteers working across teams.  

  • Communicating any pertinent information to volunteers. 

  • Regularly updating the volunteers to provide Adler news, current and future events, or information relevant to volunteers.


FT The Compensation & Benefits

Base Pay Range: $51,100 - $60,000/yr.

Work-Life Balance

  • 35 hour workweek

  • 3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)

  • 7 Adler paid holidays

  • 4 Personal Holidays (Prorated for new hires starting after January 1st)

  • Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty

  • Eligible to accrue up to 18 vacation days per year to start

  • Flexible work arrangements

Competitive Health Coverage

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance

  • Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter flexible spending accounts

  • Adler Paid Short-Term Disability insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

  • 403B plan with Adler match

  • Adler match is 100% vested immediately

  • Eligible to enroll as of date of hire  

 Network of Support through our EAP programs

  • Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues

  • Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services

  • Free subscription to the Calm Premium app

  Discounted Onsite Parking Passes

  Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions


The Person

We are seeking a strategic leader excited about the opportunity to make an impact in the volunteer services program. This person will have the passion and ability to be an excellent coach and motivator. They are an experienced professional with excellent interpersonal skills and with the ability to communicate effectively.


Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or five + years professional work experience.

  • Three + years’ experience with a volunteer services program.

  • Experience working with volunteer database systems.

  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-departmental projects and initiatives.

  • Demonstrated computer literacy in Mac or PC environments, including Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to use a copy machine, printer, fax and multi-line phone. 


Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience in volunteer services with a museum or cultural institution. 

  • Experience growing and/or developing a volunteer program.

  • Experience using Volgistics (Volunteer database), Online communication tools (ie, slack, trello, mailchimp, surveymonkey, G Suite, etc.)


The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to complying with its obligations as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department by email at recruiting@adlerplanetarium.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case by case basis.