Volunteer coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Req #45059

Buffalo Grove, IL, USA•

Chicago, IL, USA

Job Description

Posted Sunday, October 19, 2025, 11:00 PM

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Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a scalable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. We endeavor to deliver essential content, marketing solutions, and experiences for curated audiences, advertisers, consumers, and stakeholders by leveraging our diverse teams and suite of products to enrich the local communities and businesses we serve. Our current portfolio of trusted media brands includes the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, uses innovation and software to enable small and medium-sized businesses to grow, and USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, our events division, creates impactful consumer engagements, promotions, and races. Gannett open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at Gannett, you should be completing an application on Gannett Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. To connect with us, visit

The Volunteer Services Coordinator helps drive forward VE's mission to produce world class events that inspire, empower, and celebrate every participant. VE produces world class events with a hometown feel and this role ensures that each event provides an unparalleled participant and volunteer experience.

The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting, managing, and developing relationships with volunteers for the Ventures Endurance portfolio, which includes 38+ events comprised of marathons, cycling events, themed runs and more. This will involve working closely with all key departments within the organization, including event operations and marketing. Competitive applicants will have extensive experience working live athletic events and managing large groups of personnel.

This role reports directly to the Associate Manager, Volunteer & Charity. Travel will be required, upwards of 16 weekends (events) annually, and preference is given to those who can adapt and work well with others in a fast-paced environment.

Ventures Endurance Mission

Produce world-class, community-centric events that inspire, empower, and celebrate every participant.

Ventures Endurance Core Values

1. Communicate Collaboratively

2. Act with Authenticity

3. Embrace Inclusivity

4. Celebrate Achievements

5. Exceed Expectations

6. Nurture Passion

7. Live with a Growth Mindset

Responsibilities:

• Manage all volunteer recruitment for assigned events, from the time the event is established through event close out, acting as the point of contact for volunteer communications. Handles up to 20 events annually
• Act as liaison between departments to identify volunteer needs for events, including expos, packet pick-ups, and race day activities. Collaborate with the operations team to ensure the efficient use of volunteers at events.
• Create, maintain, develop and adapt outreach databases and strategies to solicit volunteers from the community. Manage and maintain all volunteer records.
• Provide operations teams with regular updates on volunteer recruitment progress, and proactively solve any volunteer recruitment challenges.
• Handle volunteer inquiries, confirmations and reminders via telephone and email. Answer questions and communicate volunteer registration deadlines, assignment details, and logistical information.
• Manage the volunteer check-in/out process, onsite training, and deployment of volunteers and supplies at assigned events. Work efficiently and nimbly to ensure all areas of event are fully supported.
• Provide world-class customer service and ensure an enjoyable onsite experience for all volunteers and partners.
• Coordinate and manage all volunteer donations during post event close out
• Develop, nurture and grow relationships with volunteer individuals and groups.
• Work closely with event leaders to cultivate relationships with official charity partners and help support their mission and fundraising efforts, through both pre-event communications and on-site support.
• Lift up to 35 lbs. while onsite at events
• Travel obligations ~30% throughout the year

Required Skills:

• Must exemplify all 7 core values outlined above
• 1-2 years race or event experience preferred
• Proven attention to detail with ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Ability to hold oneself accountable and an aptitude for prioritizing multiple projects
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical mindset and approach to managing projects and problem solving
• Ability to forge interdepartmental relationships and build a strong team atmosphere
• Proven leadership and management abilities

Qualities required of all Ventures Endurance team members

Ventures Endurance is a growth-oriented organization with successful team members possessing a strong work ethic and the ability to work individually and as a team. Solutions-oriented individuals with a hands-on approach to identifying inefficiencies and cost saving opportunities, while maintaining a quality workplace environment and product. The flexible and cooperative environment lends itself to a tight-knit community of employees working together to achieve success.

#LI-REMOTE
#LOCALiQ
#LI-LL


The annualized base salary for this role will range between $43,000and $55,000. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [email protected].

Job Details

Job Family

Events

Job Function

Event Operations

Pay Type

Salary