Volunteer & Literacy Program Coordinator
Part-Time | Tacoma, WA | $21/hour | Up to 20 Hours Per Week
About Write253
Write253 is a Tacoma-based youth literacy and literary arts organization dedicated to creating spaces where young people can develop their voices through writing, storytelling, publishing, and creative expression.
We are seeking a Volunteer & Literacy Program Coordinator to help support our volunteer community and coordinate literacy and literary arts programming in Tacoma-area schools and community spaces.
Position Overview
The Volunteer & Literacy Program Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to recruit and support volunteers, coordinate Write253's school and community-based literacy programs, and help ensure programs are staffed, organized, and running successfully.
This role is primarily focused on volunteer coordination, program support, and classroom coverage when needed.
The Executive Director will remain responsible for overall program strategy, major school and community partnerships, organizational growth, and long-term program development.
Write253 programs may include:
- Creative writing workshops and classes
- College essay and personal statement workshops
- Literacy and literary arts programming
- Youth writing and storytelling programs
- Other school- and community-based programs developed by Write253
This is a flexible, part-time position with room to grow as Write253 expands its programming and volunteer network.
Core Responsibilities
Volunteer Coordination
- Help recruit new volunteers from the Tacoma community.
- Onboard, schedule, and communicate with Write253 volunteers.
- Help volunteers understand program expectations, schedules, curriculum, and classroom needs.
- Maintain regular communication with volunteers and provide ongoing support.
- Track volunteer participation and availability.
- Help build a welcoming and dependable volunteer community.
Program Coordination
- Coordinate volunteer placements for Write253 programs in schools and community spaces.
- Maintain program schedules and communicate changes with volunteers and Write253 staff.
- Help prepare materials and resources needed for classes and workshops.
- Support existing Write253 curriculum and provide feedback on ways programs can improve.
- Assist the Executive Director with maintaining relationships with existing school and community partners.
- Track basic program participation and volunteer activity.
Youth Programming
- Occasionally step in to teach or facilitate a scheduled class when a volunteer is unavailable.
- Help create positive, inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environments for young people.
- Support youth as they develop confidence in writing, literacy, storytelling, and creative expression.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience working with volunteers, coordinating volunteers, organizing community programs, or building community.
- Enjoys working with young people and has experience working with youth or a strong interest in youth development.
- Is comfortable facilitating creative writing or literacy activities when needed.
- Has strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
- Is dependable, flexible, and comfortable working in a growing nonprofit environment.
- Believes in the importance of literacy, writing, storytelling, and the literary arts.
- Has a genuine desire to help young people build confidence in their reading, writing, and creative voices.
- Has strong familiarity with Tacoma's communities, culture, schools, and neighborhoods.
- Demonstrates an understanding of barriers and challenges that may impact young people in Tacoma and approaches this work with empathy, respect, cultural awareness, and curiosity.
- Is able to work in person throughout Tacoma.
- Is able to reliably travel between Write253, Tacoma-area schools, and community program locations.
Compensation & Schedule
Pay: $21 per hour
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Employment Status: Part-time, hourly employee
Schedule: Flexible and dependent on school programs, volunteer schedules, and organizational needs.
Location: Tacoma, Washington. This position requires regular in-person work at Write253, schools, and community program locations throughout Tacoma.
Transportation: The employee must be able to reliably travel between Write253, Tacoma-area schools, and community program locations. A valid driver's license is required only if driving is an essential function or legitimate business requirement of the position.
Paid Sick Leave: This position earns paid sick leave in accordance with Washington State and applicable City of Tacoma requirements.
Reports to: Executive Director of Write253.
Because this role supports a volunteer-based teaching program, some schedule flexibility is important. The coordinator may occasionally need to step in and facilitate a scheduled class or program when a volunteer becomes unavailable.
Youth Safety & Background Screening
Because this position involves working directly with young people and may involve access to minors, employment will be contingent upon successfully completing any background checks, screenings, or other requirements required by Write253, participating schools, partner organizations, or applicable law.
Who We're Looking For
The right person for this position enjoys bringing people together, staying organized, and helping others succeed.
They should be excited about supporting volunteers, working with young people, and helping Write253 deliver meaningful literacy and literary arts programming throughout Tacoma.
This role is a good fit for someone who wants to grow their experience in nonprofit programming, volunteer coordination, youth development, education, or community engagement.
Equal Opportunity
Write253 is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, organizational needs, and the requirements of the position without discrimination on the basis of any status protected by applicable federal, Washington State, or City of Tacoma law.
