We will post openings for positions we’re looking to fill here throughout the year, but there’s a good chance that there are a number of other positions that could use a willing volunteer, or any number of other ways you can help out! If you’d like to chip in with putting Norwescon together, see what’s listed below, or stop by one of our ConCom volunteer meetings. We’ll be thrilled to see you!
The double exclamation mark emoji (‼️) indicates open positions that are our highest priority. We’d be incredibly appreciative if you can help out with one of these.
This page is not necessarily a comprehensive list of open positions. Even if you don’t see something here that you think is right for you, we’d love to welcome you to the ConCom team! Please feel free to drop us a line, or join us at one of our monthly planning meetings to see how you can help.
If you do not get a response within 72 hours, please email our personnel department for assistance.
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Chair
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Chair, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Secretary
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Secretary, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Business
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Business Department, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Fundraising Coordinator
Do you have a great idea for a fundraiser? Come join the Business team and lead the way on fundraising for Norwescon.
Convention Services
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Convention Services Department, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Dispatch
A volunteer who is able to type, site for at least four hours, and follow basic radio etiquette. Dispatch is the connection between roaming safety ambassadors and the supervisors/managers on duty. The primary responsibility is to log all information that comes across the desk and pass it along to the appropriate parties.
Office Staff
A volunteer who is able to type, sit for at least four hours, and is happy interacting with convention members, staff, and volunteers. Office staff serve as the main point of contact between Norwescon and the hotel for convention space housekeeping needs. Typical duties include checking equipment in and out, recording lost property, answering the phone, taking messages, and providing information.
Safety Ambassador
A volunteer who is able to walk for at least four hours and is happy interacting with convention members, staff, and volunteers. Safety ambassadors serve as a primary resource for ensuring that the policies of Norwescon are adhered to, primarily by observing and reporting and not getting physically involved. For COVID-19 mask policies, safety ambassadors are asked to gently remind attendees of the expectation that they will wear a mask in convention space. Ambassadors are expected to answer general questions about the convention and perform other duties, such as assisting with line management and peace-bonding. Typical duties include traveling the hallways to assist with policy compliance, de-escalate situations, and provide support to members/staff/volunteers during times of need.
Safety Leadership Team
We are also seeking safety leadership team members. Contact Us for specifics.
Streaming Assistants
A volunteer who can commit to covering the streaming of at least four hours of programming per day of the convention. Covering the streaming means starting and stopping the stream for each panel, and relaying chat questions & comments to the panelists as needed. The streaming equipment cannot be left unattended. Schedule will be coordinated in advance when possible. Would prefer moderate or better computer skills with technical proficiency to handle basic operations.
Member Services
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Member Services Department, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Art in Action Manager
Art in Action is a unique place for artists and makers to connect with members and give demonstrations of the art they love. Our members watch the art in action and talk to the artists and makers about what they do. Whether it is an artist they know or someone they have just discovered, connections are made and members get the chance to be inspired. Would you like to facilitate this?
Art Show Team Member
Work with artists to check artwork into and out of the art show on the Thursday and Sunday of the convention. Team members also assist with questions during art show open hours, check and scan bids on artwork, and guide members through their purchase of artwork on Sunday. Art show panel setup on Wednesday evening and teardown on Sunday afternoon after artist checkout is optional, but welcome.
Print Shop Staff
Print shop staff will work with the print shop coordinator to set up and tear down the art show print shop area which includes placing and labeling by artist art prints, coloring books, bookmarks, and other items made by art show artists into various racks, bins, and displays. Staff will monitor and maintain print shop inventory and assist members with finding and packaging their purchase prior to checkout. Long periods of standing are not required—staff may utilize a chair designated for the print shop area. Some bending and stretching is needed to set up display pieces and restock from excess inventory.
Registration Team Member
Assist convention attendees and staff with registering and obtaining convention badges which involves requesting identification, handling payments, and determining whether advanced assistance is needed from our Solutions desk. Other duties may include line management during busy hours and assisting members with pre-registration on the Sunday of the convention. Shifts are available throughout the convention from morning until early evening.
Personnel
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Personnel Department, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Convention Lounge Hosts
There are many things happening at Norwescon and attendees need a place to relax, chat, and grab a small bite. The Convention Lounge is that space, but the Convention Lounge Lead Host needs volunteers to turn it into a place. People in this role:
- help create a welcoming, inclusive gathering area for convention members, pros, performers, and staff
- help prepare light meal options, snacks, and drinks which are made available to convention attendees
- help maintain a clean and tidy eating, lounging, and food prep areas
Sign-up with a friend to share shifts and company!
Meeting Host / Recruiter
The Norwescon ConCom meets monthly to plan our annual convention. The person in this role:
- greets new volunteers who attend meetings and other events
- assess interest, availability, and skill level of new volunteers
- collaborates with Volunteer Support Lead to understand department volunteer needs
- sends the Publications department updates about positions that are open or filled
- helps coordinate post-ConCom meeting socials
Teen Runners
Are you younger and excited to “look behind the curtain” at how Norwescon operates? We are looking for a number of responsible teens to take-on a variety of at-con tasks. Ideally you’ll get a sample of different departments and find one that you’d like to be more involved in for future years!
Training Coordinator
As Norwescon Staff, members and attendees look to us for guidance. The person in this role:
- works with Executive Team to identify trainings related to NWC Policies and Guidelines
- updates training material such as DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and LAW (Listen, Asure, Walk)
- leads presentation of training material at ConCom meetings prior to the convention
Volunteer Support Lead
Norwescon relies on volunteers before, during, and after the annual convention. The person in this role:
- gathers volunteer requests from each department throughout the year and at con
- helps volunteers find roles that match their skill level, interest, and availability
- ensures the volunteers table is staffed throughout the event
- maintains a record of who volunteered for what and when
- gathers rewards that volunteers receive for their effort
Volunteer Table Team
Despite having an excellent collection of ConCom organizers putting on Norwescon, there are many at-event tasks that may only take an hour or two. We advertise these positions at a table in the main atrium to engage members interested in volunteering for short sprints. Join our team to help staff the table, update the needed hands, and give out prizes for volunteering.
Year-round Engagement Coordinator
While Norwescon is only one weekend per year, the community and volunteers gather year-round. The person in this role recruits and supports leads for the monthly book club, monthly gaming meet-up, pride parade participation (marching/viewing), annual camping trip, geek garage sale, crafting meet-ups, and more.
If you are interested in helping to organize one of these meet-ups specifically, please reach out as well!
Programming
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Programming department, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Monster Mash Assistants
The Monster Mash is back! Assist our mad scientists as they mash their own monsters, bringing new life to discarded plushies. Only rudimentary sewing skills are required, along with a twisted sense of humor. Monster Mash for Families is Saturday 3–5 p.m. and Monster Mash For Mature Mad Scientists is Saturday from 6–8 p.m.
Pro Check-In Team Member
Join the team that creates a welcoming, inclusive space where attending professionals pick up their pro packets and find assistance while assuring the Pro Check-In and Green Room spaces remain secure and in order. Shifts can periods of sitting are required. Shifts vary between one and three hours as your schedule allows.
Programming Services Team Member
The Programming Services Team ensures the programming panel rooms are set up correctly and have all of the necessary equipment and supplies necessary to run each panel throughout the hotel. The duties of this at-con commitment include but are not limited to outfitting panel rooms with clocks, notepads, pens, pencils, and other needed items; infrequent and minor furniture adjustments; providing panelists with time cues at the end of panels. The ability to walk, wheel, or otherwise travel through the hotel is required for this position. Shifts vary between 1 and 3 hours as your schedule allows.
Virtual Programming Support Team Member
Norwescon will offer upstreamed content of select programming panels throughout the convention and we need staff who will monitor the chat to ensure that the space remains safe for all to participate. Work from home or at the convention during convention hours while monitoring our virtual chat rooms on Twitch. Working from home requires the use of your own computer. Those working at the convention will work in the Pro Check-In area. Requires the use of a free Twitch account. Shifts vary between one and three hours as your schedule allows.
Publications
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Publications department, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Photographers
Take photographs at the convention and provide them to the lead photographer in a timely manner following the convention. In addition, we usually have photographers take photos at our monthly committee meetings and other Norwescon events like our volunteer picnic. Experience with photography and familiarity with photo-sharing software a big plus.
Social Media Assistants
Works with the Social Media Lead to delivers update as requested to the convention’s social communities including (but not limited to) Facebook, Threads, Mastodon, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and other social media outlets. Monitors social media sites and the wider web for direct or indirect mentions of Norwescon and replies or alerts necessary parties as required.
Special Events
To apply for any of the following positions, contact our Special Events department, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!
Speculative Film Festival Judges
We are looking to add a couple of new judges this year. No experience besides loving films is required. Our goal is to have a diverse set of judges and viewpoints, so we are specifically looking for people who are BIPOC, LGBTQA+, and/or under the age of 25.
Responsibilities include watching and rating films that are submitted to the festival. Last year we had 140 films submitted, approximately 30 hours worth. We expect a similar amount, if not slightly more this year. Films will arrive between now and December, and you can start reviewing as soon as they come in. All films must be reviewed no later than mid-January.
We communicate via email and/or a private Facebook group. You are not required to attend any staff meetings, but are welcome to join us for the monthly Norwescon ConCom if you desire.