Volunteer and Event Manager (Contract)

Organization: Wake UP Sonoma
Reports to: Executive Director
Contract Term: up to 12 months (renewable)
Compensation: $1,650/month ($20,000 annually)
Time Commitment: ~10–12 hours/week on average (flexible; some evenings/weekends required)

About Wake UP Sonoma

Wake UP Sonoma is a community-based nonprofit focused on civic engagement, education, and dialogue through public events, screenings, and forums. Our work depends on a strong, well-supported volunteer community.

Position Overview

Wake UP Sonoma is seeking to contract with an experienced independent contractor who has experience with managing volunteers and events. Event and Volunteer Management Contractor would take a lead in organizing, supporting, and deploying 300+ volunteers across 10–12 in-person events annually, including community meetings, tabling events, film screenings with panel discussions, and speaker forums. This role is ideal for someone with experience working with nonprofits or community organizations, who enjoys taking ownership of volunteer coordination and event operations. 

This is a hands-on contracted role compensated at an hourly rate with monthly caps on hours in place. The Volunteer Program Manager works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in order to ensure smooth, welcoming, and well-run events. Performance is evaluated based on deliverables and outcomes (event readiness, volunteer coverage, and operational effectiveness). 

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer and Event Management

• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, track and retain volunteers

• Maintain clear volunteer roles, expectations, and communication

• Serve as primary point of contact for volunteers

• Work with Executive Director in planning for events

• Engage in welcoming, dependable and warm interface with volunteers

Event Staffing & On-Site Operations

• Plan and staff volunteers for 10+ events annually

• Coordinate setup, check-in, wayfinding, accessibility support, and breakdown

• Lead or oversee volunteers on event days

• Resolve day-of issues calmly and effectively

Systems & Administration

• Implement and manage volunteer tracking using Salesforce (NPSP / Volunteers for Salesforce) or comparable tools

• Track volunteer participation and hours

• Provide basic reports to the Executive Director and board of directors.

Collaboration

• Coordinate with staff, board members, and event organizers

• Initiate, Coordinate, and implement building and strengthening the volunteer team on an ongoing basis.

• Support an inclusive, respectful, and mission-aligned volunteer culture

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience managing volunteers and/or community events

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Comfortable coordinating and building large volunteer pools

• Experience with Salesforce or willingness to learn

• Ability to work independently with light supervision

• Availability for evening and weekend events as needed

• Commitment to civic engagement, equity, and inclusion
  

Compensation & Structure

• Up to $1,650/month ($20,000 annually) based on monthly invoices submitted

• Expectation of an average workload of 10–12 hours per week, recognizing that hours will flex around events

• Role is outcome-focused, as well as hours worked

• Scope, priorities, and workload reviewed quarterly with the Executive Director

• Any work outside the defined scope requires prior approval

• This is a contract position; benefits (including health insurance) are not included

To Apply:

Please submit a brief resume and statement of interest outlining relevant experience to wakeupsonoma@gmail.com

Independent Contractor Relationship

The parties intend that Contractor shall perform services as an independent contractor and not as an employee of Wake UP Sonoma.

Contractor shall have full control over the manner and means by which the services are performed, subject only to the requirement that the services meet the specifications and deliverables agreed upon in this Agreement. Wake UP Sonoma shall not control the methods, schedule, or day-to-day activities of Contractor.

Contractor represents that Contractor is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business providing services of the same nature as those described herein, and that Contractor may provide services to other clients during the term of this Agreement.

Contractor shall be solely responsible for:

• Payment of all federal, state, and local taxes arising from compensation under this Agreement

• Maintaining any required business licenses

• Obtaining and maintaining insurance coverage, including general liability insurance

• Providing all equipment, tools, and materials necessary to perform the services

Contractor acknowledges that Contractor is not eligible for and shall not receive employee benefits of any kind from Wake UP Sonoma, including but not limited to health insurance, paid leave, retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, or workers’ compensation coverage.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create an employer-employee relationship, joint venture, or partnership