SMART Reading

Do you want to work for an organization that makes a difference in the lives of children? 

Can you welcome and support volunteers to be part of a phenomenal statewide effort?

Then we invite you to come help make a difference at SMART Reading! 

 We are looking for a part-time Volunteer Intake Assistant to join us for approximately two months to help contact and onboard new volunteers.

About Us
SMART Reading is Oregon’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit literacy organization focused on the state’s youngest children. At SMART Reading, we believe that reading is the gateway to learning and an opportunity for Oregon’s kids. For over 32 years, we’ve been mobilizing our statewide community to make a direct impact by connecting kids, books, and volunteers who understand that education creates a brighter future for all. Our model provides two essential ingredients for early literacy and learning success: shared reading time and access to books. Without those supports, it’s almost impossible to become an excited, confident reader or to be prepared for learning and success. By helping thousands of children build confidence, literacy skills, and a love of reading—right in our own neighborhoods—we can reduce the negative ripple effects of illiteracy and help children realize their full potential.

Summary of Core Responsibilities and Duties:

• Serve as the first point of contact for new volunteers during their onboarding process.
• Identify and connect volunteers interested in Site Coordinator positions with the appropriate Program Managers for placement consideration.
• Communicate with applicants to clarify or address any incomplete information.
• Respond to volunteer questions regarding the application and onboarding process.
• Refer volunteers to the appropriate next step in the onboarding process.
• Maintain up-to-date volunteer records. 
• Assign sites and roles for all new volunteer applicants. 
• Acts as the “voice” of SMART Reading for new volunteers during the onboarding process 
• Available for occasional evening and/or weekend hours to reach volunteers when there is no email response. 

Required Knowledge and Skills 

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure precision in screening processes and record-keeping.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with volunteers and stakeholders, and phone-based interactions.
• Customer Service Orientation: Empathy and responsiveness to volunteer inquiries.
• Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve issues promptly during the application process.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage workflow and meet deadlines consistently.
• Strong computer skills: Windows-based computer software and Google Suite applications, with primary use in Google Docs, Sheets, and Gmail. Ability to learn and use Raiser’s Edge database.
• Commitment to racial equity and ongoing learning.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability and meeting deadlines.

Position Details

• This is a temporary, hourly position
• Pay: $20 an hour
• This position has no benefits except what is required under Oregon Law
• Expected hours are 20 to 30 hours per week
• Target Start date is September 15, 2025 or as soon as possible
• There is no set end date for the position, but the estimated end date is mid-November (the position can end sooner or later, depending on the need).
• This position requires the candidate to live in Oregon

Application Process: 

A. Please submit a resume and cover letter that tells us the following:

1. Specifically, state your ability to complete the duties of the job listed above. 
2. State your availability, the city or town you live in, and your access to the internet
3. Your work location availability: remote, hybrid, or in-office. 

B. This position will remain open until filled. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received by the end of the day on September 5, 2025.

3) Selected applicants will be invited to move forward to interviews. For our finalists, we will request three professional references, preferably from previous employers. We will want to verify employment history. 

4) Selected candidates will be required to complete a background check after notifying the applicant of our intent to make a job offer. 

NOTE: This is a temporary position from September through mid-November. Applicant should be able to travel to one of our SMART offices in Oregon 

SMART’s Commitment to Equity: As an early literacy program focused on helping children succeed with reading and learning, SMART can’t ignore that deep racial, cultural, social, and economic inequities in our country and state make it harder for some children to succeed compared to others. SMART’s vision is an Oregon in which every child can read and is empowered to succeed, and we are making equity a top priority. As part of this,  we particularly seek staff members, volunteers, and board members whose personal or professional background gives them a unique perspective to further SMART’s work in serving children of color and children from other marginalized groups.

Important Note: People of color, people living with disabilities, veterans, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome all applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Selection for roles will be based on the best qualifications for the position. 

To learn more about SMART Reading, please visit www.smartreading.org