Open Volunteer Positions

Chair

Responsible for planning the convention. Presides over meetings, elections, partnerships, and site selection.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact chair@norwescon.org or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!

Social Media Assistant

Work with the Social Media Lead to deliver updates as requested to the convention’s social communities including (but not limited to) Facebook, Threads, Mastodon, Bluesky, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and other social media outlets. Monitor social media sites and the wider web for direct or indirect mentions of Norwescon and replies or alerts necessary parties as required.

Secretary

Schedules, announces, and organizes executive and convention committee meetings, records official minutes. Onboards staff.

This department does not currently have any specific listings, but if you would like to inquire about potential positions, contact secretary@norwescon.org or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!

Business

Handles purchasing, reimbursements, and financial accounting before, during, and after the convention.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact business@norwescon.org 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

Did you ever want to see behind the scenes or explore your inner Wizard of Oz? Why not join our Convention Services Department? We are the teams that make the convention happen.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact conventionservices@norwescon.org, or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!

Dispatch

The information and communication team for the entire convention. A dispatch volunteer can type, sit for about four hours, and follow basic radio etiquette. Dispatch is the connection between our office, our roaming safety ambassadors, and the rest of the convention, keeping our managers on duty informed. The primary responsibility is to log all information that comes across the desk and pass it along to the appropriate parties.

Office Staff

If there is ever one room that is the hub of everything going on at the convention, the office is it. If you like customer service, interacting with people in a wide range of situations, and being the go-to problem solver for the Executive Team, join our office team.

Office volunteers can type, sit for about four hours, and are 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. Don’t worry; you’re not necessarily tied to a desk for this, but you must log information on the computer.

Safety Ambassador

A Safety Ambassador is our front-line customer service representative who is seen roaming around the convention. Ambassadors can walk/roll for about four hours (not without a break) and are happy interacting with convention members, staff, and volunteers.

Safety ambassadors serve as a primary resource for ensuring that the policies of Norwescon and the hotel are adhered to, primarily by observing and reporting and not getting physically involved. 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-escalating situations, and supporting members/staff/volunteers during times of need.

Safety Leadership Team

Our safety leadership team works in a wide range of roles and responsibilities. They oversee sub-departments such as our Dispatch and Office Team, while others are shift supervision for our Safety Ambassadors. Senior members of the leadership team are in the rotation for being our Manager-on-Duty for our Convention Service Director. Must be able to perform the duties of their assigned role, be customer service oriented, and have strong communication and de-escalation skills.

Streaming Assistant

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

Provides services such as accessibility, cloakroom, and registration. Organizes member facing areas such as the art show and dealers’ room.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact memberservices@norwescon.org or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!

Accessibility Team Member

The Accessibility Team is looking for folks to assist with making the convention more accessible to our members with disabilities. Duties include setting up accessible seating areas before the convention and taking them down afterward, helping with line management during busy registration hours, coordinating with sign language interpreters, escorting members to accessible seating during large events, and restocking supplies as needed.

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?

Info Table Team Member

Come be a part of our Information Table and experience the convention from the center of it all! Info Table team members provide answers to member questions, guide members to staff for additional or specialized assistance and hand out various printed materials such as schedules and program books. Please plan on joining the table for a minimum of two hours at a time with shifts available from morning until early evening. Meet people, learn about the convention, and help our members have a great con!

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

Recruits staff and volunteers, coordinates year round gatherings, the convention lounge, and trainings.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact personnel@norwescon.org or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!

Convention Lounge Host

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

Minions

Are you younger and excited to “look behind the curtain” at how Norwescon operates? We are seeking responsible adolescents and emerging adults (ages 14-24) to take-on a variety of at-con tasks. Ideally, you will get a sample of different departments, gaining valuable skills along the way. Hopefully you’ll find one that you’d like to be more involved with 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

Arranges for the majority of the paneling content by organizing tracks, recruiting panelists, and inviting guests of honor.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact programming@norwescon.org 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.

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 may require periods of sitting. 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

Maintains a cohesive brand via the website, social media, blog, Guidebook, souvenir program book, photographers, and other print and digital media.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact publications@norwescon.org or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!

Editor

The editing team reviews print- and web-based content and promotional materials for spelling, punctuation, and grammar. These include our monthly newsletter, website content, our souvenir program book, pocket program, member’s guide and social media and a whole lot more! The Publications department runs all year, though most of our planning happens September through April. The editorial busy season runs February through April. We use the AP Stylebook. Knowledge of English grammar and usage required. Familiarity with Google Suite a plus. If you are a team player who is meticulous when it comes to the written word, please consider joining the team!

Graphic Designer

This position works with Publications and other departments to provide a consistent look and feel to Norwescon printed and web materials. This usually has been ads and promotional materials and ad hoc projects. Basic design experience with Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer preferred as well as access to and familiarity with Google Suite. The Publications department runs all year though most of our planning happens September through April. Please reach out to us (with samples of your work!) if you are interested.

Guidebook App Editor

Norwescon uses the Guidebook app for our online program guide! We need an experienced user to help us create our yearly guide. While Publications runs all year long, the time commitment for this position is January through April. You would be responsible, in tandem with several departments, for collecting, inputting, publishing, and keeping the Guidebook mobile app information up to date leading up to and throughout the convention. If interested, please reach out to us.

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.

Special Events

Runs non-panel events during the convention such as opening and closing ceremonies, dances, gaming, and the masquerade.

To apply for any of the following positions, contact specialevents@norwescon.org or stop by one of our monthly planning meetings to volunteer in person!

Children’s Masquerade Director

Lights, Camera, Masquerade! As the Director for the Norwescon Children’s Masquerade, you’ll be the star of the show, guiding our tiniest cosplayers through their big stage debut. With a load of enthusiasm and a sprinkle of magic, you’ll make sure that every child (age 0-12) in a handcrafted costume gets their moment in the spotlight, minus any workmanship or presentation judging – just pure, unadulterated fun!

Your Role:

• Stage Guide: Ensure each child enters and exits the stage smoothly, returning to their responsible adult after their walk.
• Seating Coordinator: Save seats near the stage for the child contestants and their responsible adult.
• Audience Manager: Keep the excitement high and inform the responsible adults that they can choose to stay and watch the rest of the show or head out after their child’s big moment.

If you’re a master of organization with a passion for costumes and a love for the whimsical world of Norwescon, this is your time to shine!

Dance Director

Oversees the three dances, makes sure that everything is set up and the DJs have what they need, and organizes decoration setup and teardown.

Fandom Charades

We will be running eight fandom sessions of Charades (Star Trek, Star Wars, Firefly, D&D, anime, SF/F/H literature, SF/F/H movies, and video games), split between Friday and Saturday afternoon, with each event lasting an hour. We need volunteers to help moderate the games, and we need volunteers to create the clues.

Games Volunteer

Be a scheduled games volunteer by signing up in two-hour shifts. You will watch over the games areas in Rotunda 1 & 2 answering questions and helping people find their scheduled game table, or help people check out games for open games in the Cascades.

Masquerade Front-of-House

Are you interested in helping the Masquerade audience and participants? Consider signing up for one of these roles to make sure the show is seamless!

• Den Parents: Help the masquerade contestants during the contest to make sure they’re prepared and calm.
• Ushers: Assist with audience seating, including ADA and other reserved sections.
• Door Guards: Verify audience members have their badges and keep pathways clear in case of emergency.

These positions are primarily for Saturday of the con, with some pre-event prep on part of Friday afternoon. If you love to check out costumes up close and personal, these jobs might be for you.

Masquerade Stage Hand/Runner

Step into the shadows and become the unsung hero of the Masquerade! As a Masquerade Stage Hand/Runner, you’ll be backstage ensuring everything runs seamlessly for our dazzling contestants.

Needed Roles:

• Safety Scout: Check the stage for any soft spots and tape edges to prevent mishaps. Dress in black and prowl around the outer edges to avoid any fall-offs or other surprises.
• Contestant Care: Assist contestants with their props, placing and removing them as needed, and ensuring discarded items are sent to the lobby for the photo shoot.

If you love the thrill of being behind the scenes and have a knack for organization, this is your chance to make the magic happen!

Note, you must be at least 16 for these roles and the work is primarily on Saturday of the con, with some pre-event prep on part of Friday afternoon.