Position: Volunteer Coordinator

Classification: Non-exempt, part-time 

Work Location: Approximately 80% remote with 20% spent working in-person at events and community meetings

Compensation: $22/hour

Hours: 4-10 hours per week not to exceed 10 hours per week except for during event weeks. 

Organization Summary: 

Handmade Arcade is the spark that ignited Pittsburgh’s robust maker community. Predating all other local craft-focused markets, including national markets like Etsy, Handmade Arcade has been a leader in Pittsburgh’s maker movement since 2004 and became a nonprofit in 2017. Handmade Arcade now hosts multiple markets each year and provides year-round workshops and educational opportunities for makers hoping to grow their businesses. Handmade Arcade is dedicated to Pittsburgh’s craft, maker, and arts community and is committed to improving quality of life and economic success for our region’s makers.

Mission 

Handmade Arcade empowers makers of all ages by providing them with professional development and connections to customers.

Vision

Handmade Arcade envisions an inclusive artistic community where all makers are empowered to share their craft and to achieve their creative potential and financial goals.

Values 

• Anti-racism

• Collaboration

• Equity

• Financial Sustainability

• Transparency

Handmade Arcade champions collaboration, creativity, inclusivity, and innovation in our vibrant creative community. We empower artists and makers at all stages of their journey, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging fresh ideas and approaches.

Position Summary: 

The Volunteer Coordinator is a new position responsible for managing volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination for Handmade Arcade’s three annual large-scale shopping markets.

Reporting Relationships: 

The Volunteer Coordinator reports to Handmade Arcade’s Executive Director. 

Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Recruitment & Management

• Develop and executive recruitment strategies to build a diverse volunteer base for three major annual events 

• Maintain volunteer database and track volunteer attendance, interests, and availability 

• Create compelling volunteer opportunity descriptions and recruitment materials 

• Respond promptly to volunteer inquiries and applications 

Training & Communication

• Develop training materials and conduct pre-event volunteer orientation 

• Communicate event details, logistics, and role expectations clearly to volunteers

• Serve as primary point of contact for volunteers leading up to and during events

• Send regular updates and reminders to ensure volunteers are prepared 

Event-Day Coordination

• Oversee volunteer check-in, assignment placement, and on-site support during events 

• Troubleshoot staffing gaps and respond to volunteer needs throughout event days

• Ensure volunteers have necessary supplies, information, and breaks 

• Foster a positive, welcoming environment that encourages volunteer retention

Relationship Building

• Cultivate relationships with returning volunteers and recognize their contributions 

• Gather feedback from volunteers to improve future experiences

• Track volunteer satisfaction and retention rates

• Celebrate volunteer contributions through thank-you communications and recognition efforts 

Minimum Qualifications & Skills: 

• Demonstrated commitment to Handmade Arcade’s values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, financial sustainability, and collaboration 

• At least three years of experience in volunteer management, human resources, or team management 

• Exceptional interpersonal communications and relationship-building skills with diverse groups of people 

• Commitment to high standards of customer service 

• Ability to self-direct work and resourcefully work through challenges in fast-paced event environments 

• Strong understanding of volunteer management best practices 

• Experience with volunteer management software or databases preferred

• Weekday daytime availability required for non-event periods, weekend and evening availability required during event periods 

• High degree of technological competency and interest in new technology  (Handmade Arcade uses Squarespace, Google Drive, Neon CRM, Jotform, and other technology on a daily basis)

Essential Functions:

• Move inside event venues of various sizes to communicate with event attendees, donors, and sponsors

• Present in front of groups of people both in-person and virtually 

• Move items weighing 25-35 pounds for workshops and events

• Operate a computer and other necessary event/office machinery, including copy machine, printer, and electronic payment device (i.e. point-of-sale system)

Handmade Arcade is committed to building a team that is reflective of our region’s diverse make-up of makers, customers, and collaborators. Candidates with disabilities, candidates who are BIPOC, and/or candidates who are members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community are encouraged to apply. 

Why It’s Great to Work for Handmade Arcade: 

• Competitive hourly pay rate

• Work remotely

• Paid vacation and sick time 

• 11 holidays 

• Flexible schedule (sometimes includes evenings and weekends as needed for meetings and events) 

• Independence and innovative thinking encouraged

• Modest monthly reimbursement available for remote work expenses 

• Collaboration with the region’s talented and robust maker, arts, and craft community and like-minded nonprofit organizations 

• Supportive and engaged board of directors and volunteers 

• Values-driven nonprofit committed to transparency and equity

How to Apply: 

Applications are due by February 9, 2026. Interested applicants should complete this application form. Upon completion of the application, applicants will also be asked to complete a separate, anonymous demographics survey. 

Handmade Arcade is an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends heavily on the effective employment of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran’s status, or any characteristic protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.