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Grace, Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium: Advize Career Interview
A career path from English and screenwriting to finance compliance, and finally to managing 300 volunteers at the Adler Planetarium, reveals a dynamic journey driven by a desire for purpose and impact.
This individual's work involves recruiting, training, and engaging volunteers, demanding strong interpersonal skills and active listening.
A typical day is varied and fast-paced, encompassing direct volunteer support, scheduling, and creative collaboration with staff.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the passion of volunteers and the positive impact on visitors, though challenges include convincing staff to embrace change and the diverse ways passion manifests in volunteers.
Success in the nonprofit sector requires personal accountability and a belief in the importance of each task. Undergraduate preparation involved exploring diverse experiences to identify strengths and weaknesses.
The journey also highlights navigating different professional environments, adapting to male-dominated and female-dominated sectors, demonstrating adaptability and self-awareness.
Entry-level positions often integrate volunteer coordination with other roles, requiring careful job description review. A key takeaway is the importance of leaving daily setbacks behind, embracing new opportunities each day.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Grace Souza
Manager of Volunteer Programs
Adler Planetarium
Loyola Marymount University
N/A
English, Writing & Education
Nonprofit
Human Resources (HR)
Took Out Loans
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Career Path Of A Manager Of Volunteer Programs At Adler Planetarium
Grace's career path, beginning with an English major and screenwriting minor, unexpectedly led to finance due to a preference for "a dynamic, something that changed every day" work environment. A desire for more purpose led Grace from finance compliance roles to nonprofit volunteer management, culminating in their current position coordinating 300 volunteers at the Adler Planetarium, where they appreciate the "fast-paced, ever-changing" nature of the work and its impact on the organization.
Main Responsibilities of a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium
Grace's main responsibilities as Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium involve recruiting, training, and engaging volunteers, a role that requires a delicate balance of "personal relationship" and professional oversight. The work necessitates strong interpersonal skills to manage diverse personalities and ensure volunteers' contributions remain "fruitful to the museum," sometimes requiring difficult conversations to maintain organizational effectiveness.
A Day in the Life of a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium
A day for the Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium is highly varied, "chang[ing] so much from day to day," involving direct volunteer support, scheduling and long-term planning for adequate coverage, and creatively collaborating with staff to identify and implement new volunteer roles that free up staff time for strategic initiatives. This work frequently involves showing staff "how much they can do to support them and their team" through volunteer contributions.
Most Important Skills for a Volunteer Programs Manager at Adler Planetarium
Grace, Adler Planetarium's Manager of Volunteer Programs, emphasizes the critical importance of "actively listening" in her role, noting that this skill is essential for navigating interpersonal relationships, addressing conflicts, and incorporating both positive and negative feedback to improve the volunteer experience. The ability to empathetically understand "volunteer's experience" is key to preventing potential negative situations and fostering a successful volunteer program.
Favorite Parts of Being a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium
Grace, Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium, finds the greatest fulfillment in working with volunteers who are "passionate" and "excited" to share their free time, helping others discover the joy of learning and exploring the night sky. This "pay it forward" aspect is the most rewarding part of the role.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Manager of Volunteer Programs At Adler Planetarium
Grace's biggest challenge as Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium is convincing staff to embrace change and expand volunteer roles beyond established practices; this involves overcoming the inherent resistance to altering existing systems, despite the potential for increased efficiency and community engagement that a new volunteer program could offer.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Museum Industry As A Manager Of Volunteer Programs
Grace, a Manager of Volunteer Programs, finds the greatest reward in nonprofit work is "providing something to people just for the sake of providing that," citing the joy of witnessing the impact of helping animals find homes and seeing the delight on visitors' faces at the Adler Planetarium as they connect with science. The tangible positive impact on others' lives, regardless of the challenges involved, is what makes this career path deeply fulfilling.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Nonprofit Industry, According to a Volunteer Programs Manager at Adler Planetarium
Success in the nonprofit sector, according to a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium, hinges on "personal accountability" and a belief that "your work matters," even in seemingly small tasks; every employee's contribution is crucial due to the lean staffing typical of such organizations. The work demands a high degree of ownership and self-motivation to ensure smooth operations.
What a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Volunteer Programs Industry
Grace, a Manager of Volunteer Programs, learned that volunteer "passion can look very different," with some showing diligence and others offering emotional connection; success requires embracing this diversity and recognizing that different personality types create a strong team.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Volunteer Program Managers
Entry-level roles in volunteer management are often bundled into other positions at smaller nonprofits, such as "event planning" or "adoption operations manager," so reading job descriptions carefully is key; seeking out roles mentioning "volunteer coordination" or "volunteer management" will provide valuable experience.
Significant Career Lesson From a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium
Grace, Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium, learned that "tomorrow is a new day," emphasizing the importance of leaving daily setbacks at work. This approach allows for a clean slate and the opportunity to "do better and move forward" each day, rather than dwelling on past failures.
College Experiences That Helped a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium Succeed
To prepare for a career in managing volunteer programs, Grace explored diverse experiences during undergraduate studies, "expos[ing] myself to as many different things as possible," including various part-time jobs and service organizations. This broad approach helped Grace identify "my own strengths and weaknesses," ultimately informing their career path.
How Identity Has Influenced a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium's Career
Grace's career journey reveals a stark contrast between experiences in male-dominated finance, where "I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously," and a female-dominated non-profit sector, which challenged their assertive style and prompted reflection on the necessity of such an approach. This adaptation highlights the need for women to adjust their behavior to navigate different professional environments, a reality that shaped their career trajectory and personal growth.
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