Event Crew Captain MLK Volunteer Festival 2026

About L.A. Works: L.A. Works unites Angelenos and inspires action for an equitable LA. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer action center, we create and manage hands-on community service programming to mobilize volunteers throughout the greater Los Angeles area. We seek enthusiastic, experienced individuals who share our passion for service and civic pride.

Additionally:

• Our work matters and has a direct positive impact on our neighbors.
• We enjoy a casual but focused office atmosphere (we roll up our sleeves and get to work).
• We work on a hybrid model, primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings or events.
• As an organization serving the Los Angeles community, we prefer to hire local candidates.

Location

Event: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Dates

1. January 14th, 11 AM–12 PM or 4 PM–5 PM (1-hour virtual training)
2. Thursday, January 15, 2026 (1.5 hours in-person training) or Friday, January 16, 2026

1. Monday, January 19, 2026 (5.5-hour event) Shift A: 7:30am – 1 pm, Shift B: 11:30 am – 5 pm

Number of paid hours and compensation:

$25/hr.

Day of Reports To

• AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager, Alison Petsod Hixson & RSVP Project Leader and Outreach Coordinator, Isaiah Suarez

About the Role

L.A. Works is recruiting Event Crew Captains to help lead the Volunteer Support Crew powering the MLK 2026 Volunteer Festival—the largest MLK Day of Service event in Los Angeles. As an Event Crew Captain, you’ll help with loading and unloading supplies, as well as supervise a small team of volunteers, provide on-site guidance, and serve as the vital bridge between volunteers and L.A. Works staff.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Support

• Supervise and support a small group of Volunteer Support Crew members throughout the event.
• Orient and motivate volunteers on their assigned roles and L.A. Works expectations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for your assigned Volunteer Support Crew team.
• Ensure Volunteer Support Crew and event participants understand their tasks and feel confident, prepared, and valued.

Event Operations

• Perform physical tasks, including lifting event materials, loading and unloading supplies, and supporting set-up/breakdown.
• Support set-up and breakdown efforts (tables, tents, signage, equipment) as needed.
• Monitor event flow to ensure activities run smoothly.
• Provide real-time updates to L.A. Works staff and report any challenges or accomplishments.

Participant & Guest Experience

• Help maintain a welcoming, positive atmosphere for Volunteer Support Crew and event participants.
• Ensure safety, efficiency, and strong service experience.
• Step in flexibly to support other roles as needed.

Skills & Qualifications

• Previous volunteer or event experience (preferred).
• Strong leadership, communication, and people-management skills.
• Ability to lift up to 45 lbs. and stay on your feet/standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to delegate tasks, problem-solve, and resolve small conflicts.
• Dependable, calm under pressure, and adaptable.
• Comfortable supporting physical event tasks as needed.
• Must be 18+ and available for the full event shift (9AM–5PM).

Training Requirements

All Event Crew Captains must attend one mandatory in-person Event Operations and Logistics Training (with hands-on activities) and one Volunteer Event Crew virtual training so that you have a good understanding of the event and know how to manage your team. You will be paid for your time attending both trainings.

Support Crew Areas You May Lead

• Set-Up, Staging & Breakdown
• Impact Zone Project Leadership

Additional Details

• Free parking and lunch provided for all Captains.
• Captains may be reassigned on the event day based on real-time needs.

Classification and salary: The Event Crew Captain is a Temporary employee position of L.A. Works, employed at-will, and reports directly to the Director of AmeriCorps - State and National, VISTA, Alisha CathirellTanzer. As such, the Event Crew Captain is subject to the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook. The targeted hiring salary is $ 25/hour.

This job description doesn't constitute a contract of employment, and L.A. Works may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time. L.A. Works is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

COVID-19 safety: L.A. Works requires its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to certain exceptions as required by law. All employees must also submit additional masking and social distancing requirements.

To apply: please email a cover letter describing why you are a good fit for this role, along with your resume and a list of references, as a single PDF document to jobs@laworks.com

Background check: As a finalist for a job, you will be subject to a routine background check. The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job. A conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with L.A. Works. Qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with the California Consumer Reporting Agencies Act requirements and Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

L.A. Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage all applicants to apply and seek to hire qualified staff who reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We define diversity in broad terms to include race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, geography, socio-economic status, and other unique attributes that make us who we are.

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may come from a less traditional background to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet all of the qualifiers.