Volunteer Manager Job Description
Volunteer managers recruit, train, support and recognize volunteers at nonprofit organizations or other places that utilize volunteers. Responsibilities include creating volunteer opportunities to further the organization's work, interviewing potential volunteers and providing training to encourage the volunteer's success. A volunteer manager also tracks a volunteer's involvement, such as number of hours served; provides assistance when requested by a volunteer or staff member, without micromanaging; and thanks volunteers for their efforts.
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Qualifications and Skills
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According to Idealist.org, the desired qualifications of a volunteer manager depend on the employer. Organizations may want a manager with an undergraduate or graduate degree in nonprofit management or a similar field, or someone with experience in marketing and excellent communication skills. Volunteer managers should be highly organized, patient and have exceptional people skills.
Hours and Work Environment
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A volunteer manager's work hours depend on the organization, its programs and the responsibilities of the volunteers. Often a volunteer manager's day revolves around the schedules of the volunteers, who may come from diverse backgrounds and phases of life. Volunteer managers may travel to train and observe volunteers on-site, or recruit new volunteers from the community. Their work environment may be hectic, as they handle the intake of new volunteers while working to sustain, recognize and expand on the work of seasoned volunteers.
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Employers
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Sites where volunteer managers run programs include libraries, parks, and places of worship. Regardless of the employer, volunteer management involves a cycle of recruitment and support based on the mission of the organization. Volunteer managers who recruit people to work with children, for example, seek individuals with an entirely different set of skills than managers who recruit volunteers for park beautification. Volunteer managers must understand the goals of the organization, Idealist points out, and what role volunteers should play.
Salary Expectations
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A volunteer manager's salary depends on the employer, the applicant's experience and the location of the job. Many volunteer managers work part-time, according to a 2004 Urban Institute study, reports at EnergizeInc.com, earning between $20,000 and $40,000 per year. SimplyHired.com reports an average salary for a volunteer manager of $55,000 as of June 2010.
Considerations
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A well-run volunteer program can boost an organization's productivity, but requires time and energy from a considerate, professional worker who's a good judge of character. Volunteers can provide much-needed help or cause or encounter serious problems during their work. Managers of volunteers must know the potential risks that volunteer involvement may pose to the organization. If an organization isn't prepared or truly interested in utilizing volunteers, the manager will have trouble keeping volunteers around.
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References
- Photo Credit organizer image by Anton Gvozdikov from Fotolia.com
