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Volunteer coordinator: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries: £19,000- £27,000 (salary data collected May 09).
• Range of typical salaries with experience: £21,000 - £45,000 (salary data collected May 09).
• Those at the higher end of the salary scale will have managerial, budget and strategic experience. There are rare opportunities for higher salaries, which tend to be linked to high profile campaigns or event.
• Those working in larger charities, universities and the private sector can expect to earn more than those in small charities, colleges and students’ unions and the creative industries. However, salary does not tend to be the main motivation for people interested in this line of work.
• Working hours can vary, depending on whether the role is predominantly office-based or involves a more hands-on approach with projects (possibly taking part in residentials or being on-call). Evening and weekend work may be involved.
• Volunteer coordinators are generally office-based with some opportunities for home-based working (depending on the organisation), but the work can involve visits to volunteer-involving organisations, outreach work and site visits.
• Depending on the organisation and sector, part-time and full-time positions are available. Short-term and fixed-term contracts are customary in the voluntary sector and creative industries, as roles often depend on securing funding.
• Self-employment/freelance work is possible, but requires experience and contacts.
• Career breaks are popular as many volunteer coordinators develop their career by undertaking or coordinating voluntary work in the UK and abroad.
• The role attracts males and females, but tends to be more popular with females.
• Jobs are available in most areas, with opportunities available more frequently in towns and cities, but also rural areas. The headquarters of many of the larger charities are based in London. However, volunteer coordinators often work at local level with local communities, or within volunteer centres and higher education institutions and are, therefore, based across the UK.
• Work can be stressful when assuring reliability on the part of the volunteer. Projects and jobs are often dependent on short-term external funding, frequently unconfirmed until contracts are due to expire. This can result in a great deal of anxiety and job insecurity, particularly within the voluntary sector.
• Travel within a working day can be frequent, either on a local or national level. There are international opportunities for volunteer coordinators to manage teams of volunteers overseas. Such positions are generally with international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

AGCAS

Written by Andrea Rannard, AGCAS

Last updated:

June 2009

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