The volunteer coordinator is responsible for managing volunteering elements on behalf of some organization or within their own organization. The role of these coordinators involves assessment of the organization's needs and working towards these needs by placement, retention and recruitment of the volunteers. The volunteer coordinators also manage volunteers along with their relationships with service users, employees of the organization. They are required to monitor, access, and accredit the volunteers. They work across different sectors including private and public sectors, although the predominant focus is on the voluntary sector.
They research and write volunteer procedures and policies. The responsibility of liaising with different departments to understand the nature of work, development of partnerships and evaluation of volunteering requirements is also on them. They influence the decisions of volunteering by creating good relations across various sectors. Generation of appropriate volunteering opportunities and the role descriptions depends on organization needs. They raise staff awareness about the function and role of volunteers. They make sure that the volunteers have enough training and support to start their work.
A volunteer coordinator is required to promote volunteering through publicity campaigns, strategies and recruitment. They have the power to nominate volunteers to get awards. They write fund bids, generate income and also raise funds to keep the projects sustainable. Information and advice is offered by volunteer coordinators in order to enhance their efficiency. The person in question maintains databases and undertakes administrative duties for the same.
Aspiring candidates for volunteer coordinators should be highly organized. They need to have the ability to multitask without overlooking the details. Along with great management skills, communication skills should also be up to the mark. If communication is weak, coordination between various departments and volunteers would be weak too. They should adhere to the deadlines, and be able to get along with different people. Ideal applicants for volunteer coordination should work with team spirit and leadership qualities. They should have the aptitude to manage the work with minimum direction. Time commitment is also very important for volunteer coordinators.
The responsibilities of a volunteer coordinator are varied and many. They are required to supervise and manage the junior volunteers regularly. To polish the skills, the candidates can take up accredited training programs. This will help the candidates to enhance their management skills. Candidates with relevant work experience are preferred by organizations. They should be outgoing, comfortable and passionate about their work.
The candidates should have a bachelor's degree in public health, social work or other relevant field. Volunteer management certifications are required for getting through certain organizations. More than related academic qualification, these volunteer coordinators should have zeal to work. They should have excellent writing and communication skills along with the ability to manage so many people. Knowledge of resources and the local community is an added advantage for aspiring volunteer coordinators. Team spirit is important for coordinating the team.
For meeting the screening requirements for volunteer coordinator jobs, the candidate should have a combination of relevant experience as well as education. Many employers look for three years of experience in program development, and supervision.
The median salary of a volunteer coordinator is around $39,377. Volunteer coordinators have gained recognition as professionals and are being supported by various sectors that are gradually identifying the relevance and value of such work for their business. A lot of organizations are putting emphasis on paying a tribute to local community that usually is in employee volunteering form. This has led to many employment opportunities for volunteer coordinators.
Growth has further resulted in volunteer coordinators to work with specialists in different fields and thereby enhance their skills. Volunteering coordinators work towards meeting the requirements of the sectors with a different outlook and approach towards volunteering jobs. The employment opportunities for the volunteer coordinators are on a hike till 2012.
Voluntary sectors provide great opportunities for the personal development along with generous prospects for getting a promotion. With some years of relevant experience, volunteer coordinators can take on strategic responsibilities and be promoted to volunteer managerial posts. Directorship is also possible if the coordinator works with dedication for several years. Aspiring candidates should work towards polishing their managerial abilities without worrying about employment. If you have relevant experience and a responsible attitude, you can get work easily. After all this, you will not have to find work, rather work will find you.
