Case studies…

Volunteer coordinator: Entry requirements

Although this area of work is generally open to all graduates and Diplomates, a degree or HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:

business studies;
community development/education;
human resource management;
social care;
youth/social work.

Entry without a degree is possible as emphasis is placed on experience rather than academic credentials.

A related postgraduate qualification is not usually needed, but is becoming increasingly useful as the job grows in popularity, especially for the more competitive industries, such as international development and creative industries (e.g. art gallery or museum). Pre-entry experience is essential, especially voluntary experience. If you are applying to work as a volunteer coordinator for an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), having voluntary experience overseas, an understanding of other cultures, international contacts and a second language will be very important.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

excellent communication skills;
strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of people;
experience of managing or coordinating projects and volunteers (paid and/or unpaid);
an empathy with volunteers and an understanding of their needs;
ability to inspire and motivate others;
a great deal of resilience;
ability to deal with information in a confidential manner and respond with sensitivity to the opinions of others;
excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a wide range of tasks;
competence with administration and IT, and an ability to maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports;
experience of working across different sectors and developing links with other agencies;
flexible and non-judgemental approach to people and work.

An understanding of the sector, a commitment to the organisation to which you apply, empathy with volunteers and, if relevant, service users are also important. Charities need people who have the ability to cope with limited resources, seize opportunities and think creatively. Other attributes may include: the ability to handle numerical data, if the role involves budget management or fundraising; and political awareness and the ability to remain impartial, as many roles involve working in politically sensitive areas.

A full clean driving licence and car ownership, for the purposes of visiting organisations and assisting volunteers with travel, may also be necessary.

The job is increasingly popular, with graduates and non-graduates alike, particularly positions with the better-known charities, art galleries and museums. Undertaking voluntary work is essential as you may be competing against people with a great deal of experience and contacts. A few national charities, for example Barnardo's , Cancer Research UK and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) offer graduate training schemes. Barnado's, Cancer Research UK, British Red Cross , People and Planet , Amnesty International , Oxfam , Charities Advisory Trust and the United Nations Internship Programme offer a range of internships. However, whilst the above schemes provide an overview of the work of the organisation, they do not specifically focus on the work of a volunteer coordinator.