Events & Volunteer Specialist

Director of Programs
6.10.26

 

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis, but applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Position Opened: October 2, 2026

 

Join the TreesCharlotte team as our Events & Volunteer Specialist!

TreesCharlotte is looking for an energetic, organized, and people-oriented Events & Volunteer Specialist to help bring our mission to life across Mecklenburg County. This hands-on role supports tree plantings, TreeAdoptions, tree care events, volunteer engagement, and special events. You’ll coordinate event logistics, communicate with volunteers and community partners, and help ensure every event is safe, organized, and welcoming. This is a fast-paced position with plenty of variety, including regular Saturday work during planting season and occasional weeknight events.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with people, thrives in a busy environment, and can juggle details while staying flexible when plans change. Responsibilities include recruiting and coordinating volunteers, managing event registration and communications, preparing and maintaining event equipment and materials, supporting day-of event setup and breakdown, driving the TreesCharlotte truck and trailer, and completing post-event follow-up. You’ll work closely with residents, volunteers, businesses, and community partners to create positive experiences while helping grow and care for Mecklenburg County’s urban tree canopy.

What We’re Looking For:

  • 2+ years of experience in event operations, volunteer coordination, community engagement, nonprofit work, or a related field
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • A people-oriented, team-first attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever needed
  • Comfortable working outdoors, moving equipment, and lifting 50+ pounds
  • Flexibility to work Saturdays during planting season and occasional evenings
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a pickup truck and trailer
  • Experience with WordPress, GivePulse, CRMs, Microsoft Office, and Canva (or similar platforms) preferred
  • A genuine enthusiasm for trees, community engagement, and TreesCharlotte’s mission

If you’re ready to advance your career while making a lasting impact on Charlotte’s urban forest, we’d love to hear from you. We encourage you to review the full job description below. Interested candidates should send their cover letter and resume to Executive Director, Allison Rhodes, allison@treescharlotte.org.  Please include “TreesCharlotte Events and Volunteer Specialist” in the subject line. At this time, we are not accepting phone calls about this position.

 


Events & Volunteer Specialist Job Description

Position Overview:

Prepare to get your hands dirty! TreesCharlotte is searching for an energetic, organized, and people-oriented Events & Volunteer Specialist to help us bring our mission to life across Mecklenburg County. TreesCharlotte partners with the community to plant and care for trees, growing a healthier canopy for everyone.

This is a busy, hands-on position with lots of moving parts and that’s part of the fun. The ideal candidate is someone who loves working with people, enjoys being part of a community, and can keep track of the details while staying flexible when plans change. From coordinating volunteers and preparing for a tree planting to making sure everything runs smoothly on event day, you’ll play an important role in creating positive experiences for our volunteers, partners, and community members.

This position includes regular Saturday work during planting season, as well as occasional weeknight events.

 

Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Director of Programs, you will help plan, execute, and follow up on TreesCharlotte events, including tree plantings, tree adoptions, tree care events, and annual TreesCharlotte events. You will also lead volunteer engagement through the recruitment, communication, and coordination of corporate, community, and general volunteers.

No two days will look the same. Some days you may be in the office organizing logistics and communicating with volunteers; other days you may be outside helping lead a planting event, loading a truck, or working alongside community members. This role is a great fit for someone who likes variety, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants their work to have a visible impact on Charlotte’s urban forest.

You’ll be part of a growing organization working with residents, volunteers, businesses, and community partners across Mecklenburg County to expand and care for our urban tree canopy.

  • Coordinate pre-event preparations and logistics, including mapping event flow and layout; working with community leaders and site contacts; recruiting, leading, and directing volunteers; securing rentals when necessary; and assuming responsibility for all event materials and tools.
  • Create registration pages and audit registrations for tree adoptions and tree planting events. Create and update signup forms and calendar posts on our website and on our volunteer platform, GivePulse. Create signup forms for tree adoption events.
  • Execute timely, regular communication with volunteers, adopters, and other stakeholders as necessary to coordinate event logistics and needs.
  • Day-of event coordination and troubleshooting to ensure smooth execution, including event setup (such as unloading and organizing 7-gallon trees and mulch, moving tents/tables, water coolers, etc.) and event breakdown.
  • Coordinate all post-event logistics, assessment, and communications, including follow-up with volunteers, partners, tree adopters, and community leaders.
  • Pack, hitch and drive the TreesCharlotte truck and trailer to and from each event.
  • Organize, inventory, and maintain event materials in the TreesCharlotte office, truck, trailer, and storage units.
  • Lead all volunteer recruitment, communication, engagement and tracking for the organization, in advance of, during and after events.
  • Organize and co-conduct semi-annual TreeMAK trainings.
  • Track TreeMAK volunteer hours and help coordinate annual appreciation gifts.

 

What Success Looks Like:

  • Volunteers feel welcomed, informed, and appreciated.
  • Events are organized, safe, and run smoothly.
  • Event materials and equipment are ready when and where they are needed.
  • Volunteer participation and engagement continue to grow.
  • Community partners and tree adopters have a positive experience with TreesCharlotte.
  • Volunteer data, waivers, and event information are accurate and up to date.

 

Who Will Thrive in This Role:

  • A love of trees and a desire to grow Charlotte and Mecklenburg County’s tree canopy!
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced environment: You enjoy having a lot going on and can prioritize what needs to happen next.
  • 2+ years’ experience in event operations, volunteer coordination, community engagement, nonprofit work, or a related field.
  • A strong communicator: You are comfortable communicating with volunteers, community partners, sponsors, and coworkers both verbally and in writing.
  • Energetic and hands-on: You’re comfortable spending time outside, getting your hands dirty, moving equipment, and jumping in to help make an event successful.
  • A team player: You bring a “team-over-self” attitude, a professional and positive approach, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
  • A people person: You enjoy meeting new people, building relationships, working with and teaching volunteers, and being part of the community.
  • Flexible and adaptable: You can roll with the inevitable changes that come with events and planting days and figure out solutions when something doesn’t go according to plan.
  • Highly organized: You can juggle multiple projects, deadlines, and details without losing track of the big picture.
  • Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets insurance requirements, as well as the willingness and ability to drive TreesCharlotte’s pickup truck and trailer.
  • Physical ability to stand for long periods of time, move event materials, and lift 50+ pounds.
  • WordPress or other website editing software experience is strongly preferred.
  • Prior knowledge of or ability to quickly learn and use CRMs such as GivePulse, EveryAction, and Monday.com.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Canva.

Compensation:

  • Salary Range: $52,000 -$58,000
  • Full-time position, including Saturdays, especially during planting season (late September through March), and the occasional weeknight, with the ability to adjust work hours based on the needs of the operation.
  • 50% employer contribution toward medical insurance; 100% coverage for vision and dental
  • 2% Simple IRA company contribution
  • Competitive PTO schedule
  • 12 additional paid office holidays
  • Hybrid work environment: three days in the office and two days optional remote
  • Respect for work-life balance, including consideration of flexible schedules

Equal Opportunity Employer

TreesCharlotte does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Allison Rhodes at allison@treescharlotte.org with the subject line: TreesCharlotte Events and Volunteer Specialist

 

We recognize there is no “perfect candidate,” and that passion, potential, and alignment with our mission can be just as valuable as years of experience. We encourage candidates who meet many, but not all qualifications to apply.

DONATE