The job of a Volunteer Event Coordinator is a dream job for anyone looking for a rewarding career while helping others through teamwork. Being passionate about the cause often makes the most difference to those you help and to your employers.
Your main duties are planning and organizing important events, recruiting and managing volunteers, and coordinating a list of all job assignments. All work must be carried out in an efficient and timely manner. A successful volunteer event coordinator would be a master at delegation and possess a remarkable ability to learn. They are seen as the 'go-to person' who ensures that a particular event runs smoothly, meets demands, and makes the event's objective a success. A coordinator should be prepared with an emergency back-up plan. They need to be willing to pitch in when necessary.
How to Become a Volunteer Event Coordinator
Check online websites for organizations which are seeking an event coordinator. Experience in event planning/fundraising is always a plus. Previous supervisory or managerial experience would be beneficial. For employment in this field, it may be necessary to possess an outgoing personality with a public speaking background. Prior employment or certification of skills in time management, communication, and leadership qualities may be required. Excellent references, computer, and bilingual abilities are often preferred. Beginning on a volunteer entry-level basis often helps being hired later on as a full-time paid employee. Volunteering gives employees a chance to develop their marketable and technical skills.
What Types of Organizations Volunteer Event Coordinators Work For
The United Way Organization keeps a centralized database of organizations and volunteer opportunities. The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other youth groups use volunteer event coordinators.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers who provide relief to victims of disasters by prevention, preparation, and response to emergencies. Chapters of the American Red Cross train volunteers and paid staff to provide service to people throughout the world. They routinely hold blood drives and blood pressure screenings. They also keep military families connected in times of emergency.
The American Cancer Society hosts such events as walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons, and other community events to raise money and awareness.
Strengthening your Job Skills as a Volunteer Event Coordinator
In terms of planning events, know your neighborhood. See what other events have been tried in your area. Using existing venues, as well as trying a new concept or location, may be what your organization needs to gain more exposure.
Build a star committee. Well-connected individuals use their influence to cut the workload in half. Form your committee to include a broad base of volunteers. A diverse group of members ensures 'something for everyone' when it comes to assigning tasks.
Focusing ones energy early saves both time and supplies.
Make a budget strategy. Network with other organizers, event planners, and volunteers. Chart expenses and anticipated revenue. Canvas for donations of goods and services, and consider creative ways to increase revenue to raise funds in addition to the planned event.
Marketing is key. Look for free avenues to advertise your event. Send announcements to radio stations, television stations, and newspapers. Interesting story angles surrounding the event will generate public interest. Drum up business support through corporate sponsorship of the event.
Tips for Recruiting People
A volunteer who contributes five hours of time a week saves an organization around $15,000 a year in personnel expense. The first step in recruiting volunteers is to have a clear idea of what it is that you need. Write a job description for each volunteer position, to guide your recruitment and be specific with potential volunteers as to the nature of the work, so that they will understand exactly what is expected. Volunteering with nonprofits is essential for a community's welfare and also greatly benefits the volunteer. Recruits want to know they will have the chance to make a valuable difference, and this fact should be communicated early and repeated during the hiring process.
Respond quickly to each volunteer as he or she expresses an interest in joining the organization. Discuss specific ongoing or proposed projects, the nature of the commitment generally, and suggest a meeting. Delayed or slow response loses volunteers and creates a bad image for the organization. Send the right message that you need and appreciate their help. Even after volunteer slots are filled, make the return courtesy calls thanking those candidates not chosen, to let them know that their interest is appreciated and that they may be considered for other positions later.
Make certain volunteer candidates have room in their life for the additional commitment. You should seek out volunteers who are trustworthy and reliable. Assignments will vary in location and the amount of time devoted to its completion. Many opportunities require taking classes before volunteering can begin; this training may require out of town travel. Volunteers must be comfortable with the knowledge they will be working with many people of different cultural, racial, religious and educational backgrounds.
Companies that help their employees volunteer their professional skills to nonprofit organizations score highly when it comes to recruiting Generation Y talent, a 2007 survey of 18–26 year-olds shows. Nearly 62% of the respondents in a Volunteer IMPACT study said they would prefer to work for companies that give them opportunities to contribute their talents to nonprofit organizations.
80% of those responding identified themselves as volunteers, and 97% believed companies should offer their employees opportunities to volunteer their work-related skills to nonprofits.
