Volunteer work organiser: Job description

What does a volunteer work organiser do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

The role of a volunteer work organiser is varied but it's likely to include people management, recruiting, managing budgets and helping out with training.

Key responsibilities of the job include:

• advertising volunteer opportunities
• maintaining records of volunteers
• interviewing and selecting volunteers
• providing or arranging appropriate training
• coordinating and supporting the work of volunteers
• running projects and events to attract new volunteers
• managing budgets
• liaising with organisations needing volunteers
• helping with fundraising activities.

Opportunities in small organisations are likely to be advertised on organisations' social media and websites. Larger organisations may advertise more widely – for example, on specialist charity recruitment sites such as Charity Job.

Typical employers of volunteer work organisers

• Charities
• Local authorities
• Voluntary and non-profit making organisations
• Private trusts and foundations

Qualifications and training required

There are no set qualifications for entry into this line of work, so you can become a volunteer work organiser both with or without a degree.

For graduates, any degree subject is acceptable, although a business studies, management or social administration qualification may be helpful. Relevant work experience and voluntary sector knowledge are normally more valued than academic qualifications, so it’s important to undertake as much volunteer work as possible.

Volunteer your way to a graduate job

Key skills for volunteer work organisers

You'll need to be enthusiastic and a 'people person', since you'll be working with people from diverse backgrounds. Other essential skills and qualities include:

• time management skills
• communication skills
• the ability to manage budgets and projects
• sensitivity and discretion with personal information
• IT skills, including social media
• organisational skills.