Charity administration

What it involves

Administrators can often be key employees within charitable and non-profit making organisations – linking the organisation, the public and the media. Specific responsibilities and the amount of contact with volunteers and the general public vary according to the size of employer: in larger organisations administrators may be mostly office-based, whereas those working for smaller employers often have frequent contact with voluntary staff and the public. Common duties include:

• recruiting, training and managing employees and volunteers;
• financial/accounts administration;
• handling correspondence;
• producing agendas and minutes;
• organising meetings;
• answering telephone calls;
• filing;
• liaising with relevant organisations;
• undertaking mail-shots and similar publicity tasks;
• implementing new IT/administrative systems.

What's required

A degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although a business studies, management or social administration qualification may be helpful. However, strong competition for a relatively small number of permanent opportunities often makes voluntary and administrative work experience more important than academic qualifications. Flexibility is of particular importance – in smaller offices employees must be willing to undertake some fairly menial and routine duties. The job also requires good interpersonal, IT, secretarial and administrative skills.

Where to find out more

Vacancies are advertised by careers services, in newspapers, Community Care, The Voice and specialist charity sector publications such as Third Sector. Opportunities are also advertised by a number of specialist recruitment agencies and some roles are only advertised internally, so speculative applications are advisable.

Local charities and volunteer bureaux can often provide work experience placements – Volunteering England and other organisations can help you to find local opportunities.