Employment Opportunities

Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator

Job Summary

The Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator is a full-time position responsible for leading two statewide volunteer engagement programs that strengthen support for family caregivers across Tennessee.

AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program

Provides leadership for the federally funded Senior Companion Program by recruiting, training, placing, supporting, and recognizing volunteers who provide companionship and respite to older adults and family caregivers while ensuring full compliance with AmeriCorps Seniors grant requirements.

Caregiver Ambassador Program

Builds and leads a statewide network of caregiver ambassadors who educate communities, connect caregivers to resources, increase public awareness of caregiving, and elevate caregiver voices in shaping systems, policies, and programs that affect family caregivers.

The Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator will recruit, train, mentor, and support volunteers while building strong partnerships with community organizations across Tennessee. This position plays an important role in expanding TCC’s community presence, developing future volunteer leaders, and helping caregivers become active voices for change.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional relationship builder who enjoys connecting with people, developing leaders, organizing volunteers, and creating meaningful opportunities for community engagement. They are highly organized, self-motivated, adaptable, and passionate about improving the lives of family caregivers.

Vision for the Role

The Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator will play a central role in expanding Tennessee Caregiver Coalition’s statewide volunteer network and strengthening caregiver engagement across Tennessee.

Beyond managing existing programs, this position is responsible for helping shape the future of volunteer engagement at TCC by developing volunteer leaders, expanding community partnerships, and creating meaningful opportunities for family caregivers to connect, serve, and influence systems that affect their lives.

Success in this role will be measured not only by grant compliance and program operations, but also by the growth of a vibrant statewide network of volunteers and caregiver ambassadors who educate communities, support fellow caregivers, and help elevate the voices of family caregivers throughout Tennessee.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time position based in the Nashville office during the employee’s first three months. This onboarding period is designed to provide comprehensive training, relationship building, and integration into the organization.

Following successful completion of the introductory period, the employee may become eligible for a hybrid work schedule based on performance, program needs, and supervisor approval.

Reliable transportation is required for travel throughout Tennessee to volunteer sites, community events, partner organizations, trainings, and conferences.

The Tennessee Caregiver Coalition is committed to actively cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, inclusion and connectedness. We strive to create a space that enables everyone to bring their full self to the work and that embraces the full spectrum of humanity.  These values permeate all aspects of our work.

We are committed to equitable hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies. We value the unique contributions people bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, marital status, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.

Key Responsibilities and Measurable Performance Standards

Agency Culture & Leadership

  • Maintain a positive, solutions-focused attitude, ensuring:
    • 100% of interactions with staff, volunteers, and partners are respectful, professional, and encouraging
    • Concerns and challenges are addressed constructively, with a focus on problem-solving rather than negativity
    • Personal stress and frustrations are managed in a way that does not negatively impact the workplace environment
  • Demonstrate commitment to TCC values in action, ensuring:
    • Decisions, interactions, and leadership actions align with TCC’s mission and values
    • Proactively models agency values in everyday work, including integrity, accountability, and compassion
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring:
    • Actively participates in agency-wide equity and inclusion efforts
    • Addresses bias and inequities within programs and operations in a thoughtful and proactive manner
    • Ensures staff, volunteers, and program participants feel valued, respected, and included
  • Support a collaborative and morale-boosting work environment, ensuring:
    • Encourages teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect among staff
    • Addresses agency morale concerns within two weeks when issues arise
    • Recognizes and celebrates staff successes and program achievements regularly
    • Attends and contributes positively to all staff meetings and agency discussions

Community Partnerships

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare organizations, nonprofits, universities, faith communities, businesses, and civic organizations.
  • Identify opportunities to expand volunteer recruitment and caregiver engagement.
  • Represent TCC at community events and statewide meetings.
  • Deliver presentations promoting caregiver resources and volunteer opportunities.

Program Evaluation & Data

  • Maintain accurate volunteer and program records.
  • Collect required grant and program outcome data.
  • Prepare monthly reports and board updates.
  • Monitor program performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Evaluate volunteer satisfaction and caregiver impact.
  • Recommend new initiatives that strengthen volunteer engagement and community impact.

AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program

Volunteer Recruitment & Retention

  • Recruit qualified volunteers to ensure all grant performance measures are met or exceeded.
  • Develop and implement ongoing volunteer recruitment strategies.
  • Build relationships with community partners to expand volunteer recruitment.
  • Create a welcoming volunteer experience that promotes long-term engagement and retention.

Volunteer Training & Supervision

  • Ensure all volunteers complete onboarding, orientation, and required annual trainings.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, support, and recognition.
  • Conduct regular check-ins with volunteers and volunteer stations.
  • Address volunteer concerns promptly and professionally.

Program Administration & Compliance

  • Maintain compliance with all AmeriCorps Seniors regulations and grant requirements.
  • Maintain accurate volunteer records and documentation.
  • Monitor volunteer hours and submit reports on time.
  • Assist with grant reporting, continuation applications, and site monitoring.
  • Develop relationships with volunteer stations and identify opportunities for expansion.

Caregiver Ambassador Program

Program Growth & Development

  • Develop and implement a strategic plan to grow the Caregiver Ambassador Program across Tennessee.
  • Recruit caregivers representing diverse communities, cultures, backgrounds, and caregiving experiences.
  • Build a sustainable statewide network of volunteer caregiver leaders.
  • Create meaningful volunteer opportunities that match ambassadors’ interests and strengths.

Ambassador Training & Leadership Development

  • Develop and deliver comprehensive onboarding for all ambassadors.
  • Provide ongoing leadership development, educational opportunities, and mentorship.
  • Equip ambassadors with the knowledge and confidence to speak about caregiving, available resources, and public policy issues.
  • Foster a connected community of ambassadors who support one another.

Community Engagement

  • Coordinate ambassador participation in community presentations, health fairs, conferences, caregiver events, and outreach activities.
  • Develop relationships with community organizations seeking caregiver speakers or volunteers.
  • Ensure ambassadors have current educational materials and resources.
  • Track outreach activities and community impact.

Legislative & Systems Engagement

  • Develop opportunities for caregivers to share their lived experiences with elected officials, community leaders, healthcare organizations, and policymakers.
  • Coordinate caregiver participation in legislative education events, including Tennessee Disability Coalition’s annual Day on the Hill.
  • Equip ambassadors to confidently tell their caregiving stories in ways that educate decision-makers and inspire positive change.
  • Identify opportunities for ambassadors to participate in advisory councils, community planning efforts, public meetings, and policy discussions.
  • Collaborate with TCC leadership to ensure caregiver voices help shape organizational priorities and systems change efforts.
  • Encourage civic engagement and leadership development among family caregivers throughout Tennessee.

Other duties as assigned

Probationary Period & Performance Reviews

This position includes a six-month probationary period, with: 

  • 90-day performance review to assess progress and identify areas for support.
  • Six-month final review to evaluate long-term fit and success in the role.
  • Continuation beyond the probationary period is contingent on meeting the above performance expectations.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
  • Minimum two years of experience managing volunteers, community engagement, nonprofit programs, or related work.
  • Experience working with caregivers, aging services, disability services, or community-based organizations preferred.
  • Experience with AmeriCorps Seniors or other federally funded programs preferred.
  • Strong relationship-building and public speaking skills.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
  • Ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
  • Experience using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, or similar CRM/database systems.
  • Reliable transportation with the ability to travel throughout Tennessee.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $50,000
  • Health & dental insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off & flexible work environment
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Supportive, wellness-focused workplace culture

How to Apply

Send cover letter and resume to megan.schwalm@tncaregiver.org

Volunteer

Join a Committee

Help shepherd the TCC into the future and positively change the lives of family caregivers across the state. The Tennessee Caregiver Coalition (TCC) is looking for volunteers for its committees and board of directors to support our mission. This is a great time to lend your energy and expertise to the TCC as it is growing and positively changing the lives of family caregivers. We need your skills to steer the organization into its next phase.

Contact Dr. Megan Schwalm

President & CEO

megan.schwalm@tncaregiver.org

Become a Senior Companion

  • Are you over 55 years of age?
  • Can you volunteer 5-40 hours per week?
  • Do you have a limited income?
  • Do you live in Davidson County?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may be able to become a Senior Companion Volunteer. You would be volunteering in someone’s home to be a companion to a senior while providing respite to a family caregiver.

Contact Breion Dixon

Volunteer Coordinator

volunteer@tncaregiver.org

Become a Group Respite Volunteer

The Tennessee Caregiver Coalition offers monthly Group Respite programs that give family caregivers a much-needed break while their loved ones enjoy a safe, welcoming environment.

We host one program each month for children with disabilities and one program each month for older adults. During these evenings, volunteers spend time with participants through games, crafts, music, conversation, and other simple activities while our staff provide supervision and support.

Group respite is a meaningful way to support caregivers in our community. By volunteering just a few hours, you can help create a joyful experience for participants while giving caregivers time to rest and recharge. No special experience is required, just a caring heart and a willingness to help.

Contact Imani Wright

Group Respite Volunteer Coordinator

grouprespite@tncaregiver.org