Volunteer Manager and Executive Assistant

Job Description

The Father McKenna Center seeks a Volunteer Manager and Executive Assistant to lead the volunteer program that makes the Center's daily hospitality possible and to serve as a trusted partner to the Executive Director. Volunteers are essential to the Center's meal service, food pantry, clothing program, and special events. The Volunteer Manager ensures that every volunteer is well prepared, warmly welcomed, and placed where they are most needed, and that the Center's volunteer partnerships remain strong and growing.

As Executive Assistant, this position reports directly to the Executive Director and provides high-level administrative and operational support, including calendar and communications management, Board of Directors support, and coordination of special projects. This close working relationship offers a first-hand view of how the Center is led from finances and fundraising to governance, staffing, and community partnerships.

This position is intentionally designed as a leadership development opportunity. For the right candidate, it offers a pathway to take on increasing responsibility over time and to prepare for a future. Executive Director role at the Center. We are looking for someone who is highly organized, relational, mission-driven, and eager to grow as a nonprofit leader. The successful candidate will bring a spirit of hospitality and respect for the dignity of every person. Candidates need not necessarily come from a particular faith tradition but must be able to work respectfully and enthusiastically within a faith-based organization and support the Center's commitment to human dignity, solidarity, accompaniment, and service to others

Volunteer Management
• Recruit, screen, onboard, and train individual and group volunteers, including parish groups, schools and universities, service-learning programs, and corporate partners.
• Develop and maintain volunteer schedules for meal service, the food pantry, clothing distribution, and special events, ensuring daily operations are adequately staffed.
• Lead volunteer orientation on hospitality, appropriate boundaries, safety, Center policies, and the Center's Jesuit and Catholic mission.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers, providing on-site supervision, guidance, and support during service hours.
• Maintain the volunteer database, ensuring required forms and waivers are completed and tracking volunteer hours and participation for internal evaluation, grants, and reporting.
• Plan volunteer recognition and appreciation efforts that strengthen retention and long-term engagement.
• Work with the Programs Manager and other staff to identify program needs and match volunteers to them effectively.
• Cultivate and expand relationships with parishes, Jesuit institutions, schools, community organizations, and businesses that provide volunteers and in-kind support.

Executive Support
• Manage the Executive Director's calendar, meetings, and correspondence, helping to prioritize time and commitments.
• Prepare agendas, briefing materials, and minutes for staff, leadership, and Board of Directors meetings, and coordinate board meeting logistics and communications.
• Draft letters, reports, presentations, and other written materials on behalf of the Executive Director.
• Track follow-up items, deadlines, and organizational priorities to keep projects moving forward.
• Support development and donor relations as directed, including gift acknowledgments, donor communications, and event coordination.
• Maintain organized files and records, and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Assist with HR administration in Paylocity as needed, including employee records and onboarding.
• Coordinate special projects and serve as a liaison between the Executive Director and staff, board members, partners, and the public.

Leadership Development
• Participate in leadership discussions and gain exposure to budgeting, fundraising, board governance, human resources, and strategic planning.
• Take on progressively greater responsibility for organizational projects and initiatives as skills and experience grow.
• Represent the Center at community meetings, service-provider gatherings, parish events, and collaborative initiatives.
• Engage in mentorship with the Executive Director and in professional development opportunities that build nonprofit leadership capacity.
• Perform other responsibilities reasonably related to the position and the Center's mission

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, social work, business administration, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in volunteer coordination, executive or administrative support, nonprofit operations, or a related role.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and comfort learning databases and scheduling tools.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• A warm, welcoming presence and the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds, including people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
• Interest in nonprofit leadership and a desire to grow professionally within the organization.
• Willingness and ability to support the Father McKenna Center's Jesuit and Catholic mission and to work constructively in an environment where faith informs organizational values and service.

Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience managing volunteers in a social service, faith-based, or nonprofit setting.
• Experience supporting a senior executive and/or a Board of Directors.
• Familiarity with nonprofit budgeting, fundraising, donor databases, or board governance.
• Experience with volunteer management software or CRM systems.
• Familiarity with Paylocity is a big plus.
• Familiarity with Ignatian spirituality, Catholic social teaching, or Jesuit institutions.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include:
• Health insurance paid by employer up to $1,100 per month.
• Retirement plan with 3% employer contribution and opportunity for employee match.
• 10 days paid sick leave.
• 10 days paid vacation.
• Free breakfast and lunch.
• Free parking (convenient to Metro and bus lines).
• Employment may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to gfernandes@fathermckennacenter.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About the Employer

The Father McKenna Center is an independent 501(c)3 and an equal opportunity provider in the Ignatian Catholic tradition located in Washington, D.C. We serve men struggling with homelessness and families facing food insecurity, providing a structured program supporting our mission. Our ability to continue this critical work depends on your support.

The mission of The Father McKenna Center is to offer a haven of hope and dignity to men struggling with homelessness and families facing food insecurity.