Skills-Based Volunteer Engagement Intern

The Skills-Based Volunteer Engagement Intern will work closely with the Manager of Advancement and Director of Community Investments to support recruiting, connecting, and placing skilled volunteers with local nonprofit agencies. The intern will research best practices in skilled volunteerism, develop tools and processes to build a sustainable volunteer pipeline, and support events and outreach efforts that connect professionals with nonprofits seeking to benefit from their expertise. Through this experience, the intern will gain hands-on knowledge of volunteer engagement strategies, nonprofit partnership development, and community impact. The Skilled Volunteer Engagement Intern will adhere to the mission, values, and philosophy of United Way of Greater Knoxville.

Learning Goals

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of skilled volunteerism models and best practices, and apply that knowledge to build tools and processes that strengthen UWGK’s volunteer engagement pipeline.
2. Gain practical experience in community outreach, volunteer recruitment, and nonprofit partnership development by supporting events and placements that connect skilled professionals with local organizations.
3. Build professional skills in research, relationship management, and program development within a nonprofit setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following responsibilities reflect the core functions of the role and are considered essential to the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list but rather a representation of the key duties required to advance UWGK’s mission. Duties may evolve based on organizational needs and community priorities.

• Research and document national and local best practices in skilled volunteerism, including models used by peer organizations, to inform UWGK’s volunteer engagement strategy.
• Develop tools, resources, and process documentation to support a skilled volunteerism pipeline, including intake forms, volunteer profiles, matching criteria, and placement tracking systems. 
• Support the planning and execution of volunteer recruitment events and outreach efforts targeting individuals and professional groups interested in contributing their skills to local nonprofits.
• Identify and engage local nonprofit partners to assess capacity needs and connect them with appropriately skilled volunteers.
• Create and distribute marketing and outreach materials to promote skilled volunteerism opportunities through professional networks, employer partnerships, and community channels.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer inquiries, engagements, and placements to support program evaluation, continuous improvement, and reporting.

Required Skills/ Abilities  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, with the ability to create tracking tools, presentations, and written materials.
• Comfort with outreach, marketing, and relationship-building to recruit volunteers, engage nonprofit partners, and connect with community stakeholders.
• Strong research skills with the ability to gather, synthesize, and present information from multiple sources.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems, software, and technology quickly and independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage professionally with diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Education and Experience 

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree program in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, business, social work, community development, or a related field.

Desirable, But Not Required

• Passion for and/or personal experience with volunteerism, community service, or civic engagement.
• Coursework, experience, or demonstrated interest in technology, information systems, data, computer science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with volunteer management platforms, CRM tools, or project management software.
• Experience with event coordination, marketing, community outreach, or relationship-based program development.
• Knowledge of the Greater Knoxville nonprofit community or interest in connecting people and organizations for community impact.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Demands

• This position operates in a professional office setting with flexibility for hybrid and remote work based on organizational policies and individual needs.
• The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and photocopiers.
• The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and keyboard.
• Visual and auditory acuity is required to perform essential communication tasks via phone, video conferencing, email, and in-person meetings.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of items up to 20 pounds may be required (e.g., supplies for meetings or outreach events).

• This role requires occasional local travel to partner sites, community events, and meetings. Access to reliable transportation for meetings and events within the Greater Knoxville area and state and regional locations.   

Environmental Conditions

• Work is typically performed indoors in a climate-controlled office or remote setting.
• Occasional work in off-site locations such as community centers, nonprofit partner facilities, or event venues may occur, which may vary in accessibility and noise levels.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions may occur when attending community events or site visits.
• The role may involve occasional high-energy or emotionally sensitive environments when working directly with community members or facilitating group discussions.