Description

Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Partnerships

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid; 4 days in office or at a Ladder Up location)

Reports to: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

I. Organizational Overview

 Ladder Up is an entrepreneurial, Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free financial services to hardworking, low-income people. Through tax return preparation, college financial aid application assistance, financial education, and legal representation, Ladder Up helps clients access the resources they need to move up the economic ladder. Since 1994, Ladder Up has returned over $1.5 billion in life-changing dollars to hardworking families. With ambitious plans to scale our reach across Illinois and into new states, Ladder Up is investing in the infrastructure needed to grow a robust and sustainable volunteer pipeline.

II. Position Summary

 The Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Partnerships will be the architect and leader of Ladder Up’s volunteer growth strategy. This role is responsible for building and sustaining high-impact partnerships with corporations, universities, and community-based organizations to ensure Ladder Up recruits, trains, and retains thousands of skilled volunteers annually. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven leader to grow something already strong into something extraordinary — fueling Ladder Up’s ability to expand its services and return even more life-changing dollars to hardworking families.

In addition, this role will serve as a strategic partner to the Development team, helping cultivate and secure corporate sponsorships, grants, and in-kind resources that align volunteer engagement with financial support.

III. Key Responsibilities

 Partnership Development & Strategy

Design and implement a long-term volunteer recruitment strategy aligned with Ladder Up’s 5-year growth plan, ensuring a strong and diverse pipeline of volunteers across Illinois and multiple other states.

Build and steward partnerships with corporations, universities, professional associations, and community organizations as primary volunteer sources.

Position Ladder Up as a premier partner for corporate social responsibility initiatives, university service programs, and community engagement efforts.

Negotiate and formalize partnership agreements that deliver consistent volunteer commitments.

Partner closely with the Development team to cultivate and solicit grants and sponsorships, particularly through corporate partnerships.

Volunteer Recruitment & Growth

Lead annual recruitment campaigns to expand and diversify the volunteer base, leveraging corporate, university, and community partnerships.

Track and forecast volunteer needs by role and geography, ensuring Ladder Up is prepared to scale operations.

Oversee marketing and outreach strategies in partnership with program leads.

Volunteer Engagement & Retention

Design and implement stewardship strategies to ensure strong volunteer retention, recognition, and satisfaction.

Oversee volunteer appreciation and recognition events.

Partner with program leads to continuously improve the volunteer experience.

Design and produce content (e.g., graphics, social media posts, newsletters) to increase engagement across platforms and channels.

Conduct regular tax site visits during tax season to support volunteers, gather feedback, and assist as needed.

Training & Program Support

Oversee volunteer onboarding and training logistics, working closely with program leads.

Support volunteers requiring assistance with registration for tax sessions, navigating the online training modules, and logging their hours.

Monitor volunteer performance and feedback, ensuring volunteers are set up for success.

Impact Measurement & Reporting

Establish KPIs and benchmarks for volunteer recruitment, retention, and partnership impact.

Lead reporting and data analysis to evaluate volunteer engagement and inform decision-making.

Manage volunteer tracking systems

IV. Qualifications

 5+ years of progressive experience in volunteer management, partnerships, community engagement, or corporate social responsibility.

Proven success in developing and managing strategic partnerships with corporations, universities, or community organizations.

Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to inspire and mobilize diverse stakeholders.

Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience scaling a program or function.

Highly organized and results-oriented; skilled at managing multiple priorities.

Knowledge of volunteer management systems a plus.

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

 Salary Range: $80,000 – $95,000 (commensurate with experience) + performance bonus

Health Benefits: Medical (BCBS), Dental, Vision

Retirement: 401(k) with 3% match after 9 months

Paid Time Off: 15 days annually + paid holidays

Additional benefits and professional development opportunities

How to Apply: Submit resume and cover letter to info@goladderup.org with “Director of Volunteer Recruitment & Partnerships” in the subject line.

Requirements

Qualifications

 5+ years of progressive experience in volunteer management, partnerships, community engagement, or corporate social responsibility.

Proven success in developing and managing strategic partnerships with corporations, universities, or community organizations.

Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to inspire and mobilize diverse stakeholders.

Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience scaling a program or function.

Highly organized and results-oriented; skilled at managing multiple priorities.

Knowledge of volunteer management systems a plus.

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.