Job Descriptions

Volunteer Job Descriptions

Big Apple Greeter is a network of volunteer “friends” who help visitors feel more welcome and more comfortable in our city, and who introduce visitors to a New Yorker’s New York . The program has been growing by leaps and bounds since the beginning in May 1992, and we offer several exciting ways for New Yorkers to share their love of the Big Apple:

 Greeter

Greeters take visitors through their favorite neighborhoods, visiting ethnic and specialty stores, food shops, historic buildings, etc. Greeters also educate visitors on using public transportation. Meeting from one (1) – six (6) people at a time, Greeters make visitors fell welcome, comfortable and excited about our city.

Qualifications
To become a Greeter, you must enjoy meeting and talking with all kinds of people. You also need to be familiar with and upbeat about New York City. We especially need people with foreign language skills, American Sign Language, and those who know ethnic or off the beaten track neighborhoods in all five boroughs. You must also be willing to use and show visitors public transportation. Greeters are required to have voice mail and an email address.

Time and Place
Greeters must be available at least one day per month for at least four hours per visit. Visits must start between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. You may accompany visitors in any of the five boroughs, but meeting locations are usually in Manhattan and always in a public place. Visits are conducted 365 days a year: rain or shine, wind or snow!

Benefits of Becoming a Greeter
Greeters have the opportunity to show pride in New York City and impact its economy. If you speak a foreign language, you’ll have the opportunity to use it. Plus, making new friends from all over the world is exciting! While you’re teaching your new friends about New York, you’ll learn about their culture, and why they love their city or country.

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 Office Greeter

These office volunteers help promote a friendly and inviting image of what it’s like to visit New York City. They talk to visitors about New York with knowledge and enthusiasm, and they help develop interest in our program. Their activities bolster tourism and encourage visitors to go beyond the traditional sights and attractions when they visit New York City . Office Greeters respond to telephone, e-mail, fax and mail requests for information about both New York City and Big Apple Greeter’s “welcome visitor” program.

Qualifications
To become an Office Greeter volunteer, you must have good general knowledge of New York City . You must also have good telephone communication skills and be willing to assume responsibility. Basic computer skills are needed as well (ability to use email and search the web). Foreign language skills are plus.

Time and Place
Office Greeters work at Big Apple Greeter’s headquarters at 1 Centre Street in downtown Manhattan and need to be available a minimum of five hours per day during regular business hours, a minimum of one day per week, weekdays only.

Benefits of Becoming an Office Greeter
If you speak a foreign language, you will have the opportunity to use your skills. You will gain knowledge about tourism and New York City while working with fun, nice people in a small non-profit environment. You’ll also learn to use modern office equipment, and you’ll get involved,make a major contribution to our organization and to New York City ‘s worldwide image.

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 Coordinator

These volunteers spend their time on the telephone making a match with Greeters and visitors. You’ll get to know 300 plus New Yorkers and contact visitors after making an assignment. Time is also spent dealing with paper documentation and troubleshooting.

Qualifications
To become a Coordinator, you must be articulate, detail-oriented and comfortable supervising others. You must also be comfortable talking on the telephone and working on the computer at the same time. Basic computer skills are required (the ability to use email, a keyboard and mouse).

Time and Place
This position is available weekdays only. You must be available a minimum of two days per week for shifts of four or eight hours during regular business hours. You will work at Big Apple Greeter’s headquarters at 1 Centre Street in downtown Manhattan. A six-month commitment is required as this position requires extensive training.

Benefits of Becoming a Coordinator
You will speak to a variety of pleasant, helpful people on the telephone and you’ll get involved, making a major contribution to our organization. You will gain satisfaction in helping a non-profit group achieve its goals while working with fun (and funny), nice people in a small office environment.

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 Office Assistant

Big Apple Greeter Office Assistants help make the office run smoothly, enabling us to reach out to more people, and become more efficient and organized. They answer telephones, compile kits and lists, send mail and faxes, make photocopies, help with filling and any other tasks that may arise.

Qualifications
To become an Office Assistant, you must be organized and willing to learn. Prior office experience and basic computer skills are helpful, but not necessary.

Time and Place
Office Assistants work weekdays only, anywhere from a few hours once per week to five days per week during regular business hours. You’ll work at Big Apple Greeter’s headquarters at 1 Centre Street in downtown Manhattan.

Benefits of Becoming an Office Assistant
You will gain experience with modern office equipment and get involved, making a major contribution to our organization. You’ll gain satisfaction in helping a small non-profit group achieve its goals while working with fun, nice people in a small office environment.

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 Special Projects Assistant

These office volunteers deal with different assignments as the need arises. A few samples of past projects include creating a database in Microsoft Access, designing invitations and programs for events and our annual report, working with the Director of Volunteers on re-writing office policy, conducting research for the Marketing Director, working with the press, interviewing potential volunteers, fundraising and more.

Qualifications
To become a Special Projects Assistant, you must have excellent communications and organizational skills, a willingness to learn and take direction, commitment and follow-through. You must also have computer experience, particularly with Microsoft Office.

Time and Place
Special Project Assistants should be available a minimum of two days per week, weekdays only during regular business hours. Hours per week vary depending on assignment. You’ll work at Big Apple Greeter’s headquarters at 1 Centre Street in downtown Manhattan .

Benefits of Becoming a Special Project Assistant
You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, gain great office experience and have a major project to your credit for your resume. You’ll also get involved, making a major contribution to our organization. You’ll gain satisfaction in helping a non-profit group achieve its goals while working with fun, nice people in a small office environment.

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 Data Entry Assistant

Data Entry Assistants perform a critical function for our organization by compiling the information that enables us to talk about what do. These volunteers enter data into our database system with a user friendly interface to Microsoft Access.

Qualifications
To become a Data Entry Assistant, you must be accurate and conscientious, and have a strong desire to gain computer skills. Prior data entry experience and exposure to Microsoft Office and Access are preferred, but not necessary.

Time and Place
Ideally, we would like someone who can volunteer several days a week, every week for several months, but we will be happy to work with someone who can volunteer regularly and frequently over a period of several months. You’ll work at Big Apple Greeter’s headquarters at 1 Centre Street in downtown Manhattan . This position is available weekdays only during regular business hours.

Benefits of Becoming a Data Entry Assistant
You will get to read comments from visitors and volunteers, and gain an excellent education about the city’s attractions. You’ll also gain experience with modern office equipment and get involved, making a major contribution to our organization. You will gain satisfaction in helping a small non-profit group achieve its goals while working with fun, nice people in a small office environment.

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