Job Description

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is the leading association for public sector waste and resource management professionals across North America. With 47 Chapters spanning the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin, SWANA connects a diverse network of industry professionals committed to advancing from waste management to resource management. We support our members through technical education, training, credentialing, and research, while also advocating for the essential role our industry plays in protecting public health, supporting the economy, and building sustainable communities.

Role Overview

The Manager of Volunteer Engagement is responsible for the strategy, execution, and operational management of SWANA’s volunteer programs. This role fosters meaningful volunteer experiences that strengthen member value, advance organizational initiatives, and expand community partnerships. The Manager will lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of volunteer engagement activities across committees, councils, and special projects, ensuring alignment with SWANA’s mission and strategic goals.

What You'll Do:

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the strategy, development, and oversight of SWANA’s volunteer engagement programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and mission.
• Partner with board and staff liaisons to establish and maintain charters, annual work plans, and key deliverables.
• Prepare regular reports and updates for the board and senior leadership on volunteer activities, outcomes, and impact.

Volunteer Management

• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention efforts to cultivate a positive and rewarding volunteer experience.
• Manage and support all SWANA volunteer groups (technical divisions, committees, councils, task forces, work groups), providing guidance and structure for effective operations.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison for a portfolio of committees, collaborating with volunteer leaders to plan meetings, prepare agendas, and manage action items.
• Develop and implement volunteer recognition initiatives to highlight and celebrate contributions.

Data & Operations

• Maintain and enhance volunteer module within the database, ensuring accurate records, metrics tracking, and reporting to leadership.
• Monitor project timelines and milestones to ensure timely progress of action items and deliverables.
• Coordinate and support volunteer participation in special events, programs, and organizational initiatives.

Communications & Partnerships

• Collaborate with communications staff to draft newsletters, emails to volunteers, website updates, and social media content related to volunteer programs.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community groups, corporate partners, and stakeholders to broaden volunteer engagement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in volunteer management, member engagement, or related nonprofit/association roles.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of volunteers.
• Proven experience with data/association management systems and volunteer tracking tools.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate engagement programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an association or membership-based organization.
• Familiarity with credentialing, awards, or membership recognition programs.
• Knowledge of or interest in sustainability, solid waste, or environmental services industries.
• Experience with Impexium/re:Members or other membership platforms.

Why SWANA?

• Be part of an evolution: Help shape the next chapter of SWANA’s transformation from waste to resource management.
• Meaningful mission: Contribute to sustainability, safety, and innovation across communities and industry.
• Purpose-driven team: Work with professionals aligned around SWANA’s strategic pillars: safety, sustainability, professional development, and member value.
• Work with flexibility: Hybrid-remote options plus a benefits package that includes generous leave, medical choices (including employer-funded HSA), and employer-paid life, disability, and long‑term care insurance.

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