FULL-TIME | HYBRID | $70,000

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Application Deadline

November 18, 2026

Each year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (Foundation) honors the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and provides compassionate support to their families. Through its national reach, the Foundation honors nearly 200 fallen firefighters annually while supporting the fire service community.

The Foundation is seeking a dependable, organized, and personable Family Programs Specialist to support Family Programs and volunteer initiatives. This individual will play an important role in coordinating and managing volunteers, supporting family programs and events, and providing administrative and operational assistance. As a key member of the Family Programs team, the Family Programs Specialist will help foster meaningful relationships with volunteers and families while ensuring effective program coordination and supporting the Foundation’s mission.

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Family Programs Specialist is responsible for managing the volunteer program for the Family Programs Division, including recruitment, training, scheduling assignment, engagement, and retention. This position coordinates volunteer assignments and logistics for Family Programs activities and events, as well as the Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

Working closely with the Director of Family Programs and Outreach Coordinator, the Family Programs Specialist develops and maintains volunteer policies and procedures, oversees volunteer operations, manages program records and communications, and evaluates volunteer engagement and program effectiveness. The position also provides program coordination and administrative oversight to advance Family Programs initiatives and objectives.

This position plays an important role in advancing the Foundation’s mission of honoring our nation’s fallen firefighters and caring for their families through effective volunteer management and thoughtful program coordination.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Family Programs Volunteer Program:

Develop manage and evaluate a comprehensive volunteer program supporting in-person and virtual Family Programs activities, initiatives, and Foundation events.
Lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, engagement, scheduling, and retention.
Develop recruitment materials, communications, training resources, policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer inquiries and coordinate volunteer needs, assignments, and support with the Family Programs team.
Foster positive relationships with volunteers, families, and colleagues
Maintain volunteer databases, records, rosters, and participation data.

Family Programs Event Support:

Recruit, schedule, and coordinate volunteers for Family Programs activities and events, including fire hero family initiatives.
Manage volunteer assignments, travel arrangements, transportation coordination, and event-related support.
Coordinate volunteer support for brick installation activities in partnership with the Brick Program Manager.
Track volunteer participation and maintain event-related records.

Administrative and Program Support:

Support volunteer program budgeting, operational planning, and resource allocation.
Collaborate with the Family Programs Director and team to advance program goals and initiatives.
Provide database management, data entry, and volunteer communications support.
Assist with scholarship program operations, family outreach, annual reporting, and program evaluation.

Annual Memorial Weekend Event

Serve as the Family Programs Volunteer Coordinator for the Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, MD.
Lead all aspects of volunteer operations, including recruitment, registration, training, scheduling, transportation, assignments, and on-site coordination.
Develop and maintain volunteer policies, procedures, and operational plans to support successful event execution.
Oversee volunteer coordination before, during, and after the event.
Evaluate volunteer engagement and program effectiveness to identify opportunities for improvement.
Partner with the Family Programs Director and Outreach Coordinator to ensure effective volunteer operations and comprehensive event support.

Additional Responsibilities:

Recommend and implement improvements to administrative procedures and daily office operations to support efficiency and effectiveness.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Success in this role will be measured by the individual’s ability to develop and manage an effective volunteer program, recruit, train, engage, and retain volunteers, and coordinate volunteer support for Family Programs activities and events, and the Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Additional measures include effective event coordination, accurate volunteer records and data management, responsiveness to volunteer and family needs, strong collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, event management, or a related field, or 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
Strong background in volunteer management, event coordination, and database administration.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate logistics, and work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and families.
Ability to travel and work occasionally evenings and weekends.
Ability to work during Annual Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, MD.

Preferred:

Previous working in a nonprofit organization.
Experience managing large-scale events or volunteer programs.
Experience working with first responders, fire service, or survivor families.
Knowledge of volunteer engagement, program evaluation, and budget administration.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: $70,000
Position Schedule: Hybrid / Emmitsburg, MD
401(k) with employer match
Generous paid time off
Educational Assistance

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications are accepted through 11:59 PM ET on November 18, 2026. Reviews begin immediately upon receipt.

Please submit the following materials via our online application portal:

Resume highlighting relevant work experience.
Cover Letter describing your interest in this role and your relevant experience.
References: one personal and two to three professional

Apply at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9cb9d439-3278-44d9-aad9-182e55ae4d54&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter

The decision process will be comparative and include the following steps:

Review of submitted documents
Phone screening interview.
Virtual interview(s)
Reference checks
Successful background check

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The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.

Learn more about how we impact firefighters and fire hero families at www.firehero.org.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site