What Does a Volunteer Coordinator Do?
Find out what a volunteer coordinator does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a volunteer coordinator.
Volunteer coordinators are responsible for overseeing the efforts of volunteers at their organization. They may work with a variety of different types of volunteers, including individuals who donate their time and skills on an ongoing basis or one-time volunteers who come together to complete a specific project.
Volunteer coordinators must ensure that all volunteers are properly trained and prepared for their duties. They may also be responsible for ensuring that each volunteer is placed in the right position based on their interests and skill set.
Volunteer Coordinator Job Duties
A volunteer coordinator typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Coordinating the recruitment, screening, training, and scheduling of volunteers
- Recruiting volunteers from various communities to participate in events or programs
- Assisting with orientation, training, and supervising new volunteers
- Ensuring that all volunteers are properly trained and understood regarding their responsibilities
- Overseeing the day-to-day operations of volunteer programs such as scheduling shifts, managing records, and making sure that volunteers feel welcomed and appreciated
- Coordinating special events to promote volunteerism in the community
- Managing a database of potential volunteers and keeping track of their volunteer history
- Maintaining relationships with local schools, civic groups, businesses, and community organizations to recruit volunteers for various programs
- Coordinating volunteer projects, activities, and events including working with staff and community partners to plan and implement programs
Volunteer Coordinator Salary & Outlook
Volunteer coordinators’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the organization. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses or commissions.
- Median Annual Salary: $44,500 ($21.39/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $112,000 ($53.85/hour)
The employment of volunteer coordinators is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
As the population ages, more volunteer opportunities will be available for older adults. Volunteer programs also are expected to increase as more people recognize the benefits of volunteering, such as reduced stress and increased social interaction.
Volunteer Coordinator Job Requirements
A volunteer coordinator typically needs the following qualifications:
Education: Most volunteer coordinator positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some volunteer coordinator positions may require a master’s degree.
Volunteer coordinators can earn degrees in a variety of disciplines, including community development, nonprofit management, public administration and social work. Classes in these programs often include coursework in nonprofit management, human resources, fundraising and grant writing.
Training & Experience: Volunteer coordinators typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include shadowing a current volunteer coordinator or volunteering themselves to gain experience. Volunteer coordinators can also take short courses to learn more about the role. For example, the National Association of Volunteer Administrators offers a course that teaches volunteers how to manage volunteers and how to recruit volunteers.
Certifications & Licenses: Some employers may require volunteers coordinators to obtain certification to show their knowledge in the field.
Volunteer Coordinator Skills
Volunteer coordinators need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Volunteer coordinators communicate with volunteers, staff members and other stakeholders on a daily basis. They use verbal and written communication skills to convey messages, answer questions and provide feedback. Volunteer coordinators also use communication skills to create and maintain records of volunteer activities and other organizational information.
Organization: Volunteer coordinators often have strong organizational skills, as they often have to keep track of multiple volunteer schedules, volunteer applications and other volunteer-related documents. Being able to keep track of volunteer information can help you ensure volunteers receive the information they need and that volunteers are matched with the right volunteer opportunities.
Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and manage your time effectively. Volunteer coordinators often have many tasks to complete in a day, so it’s important for them to manage their time well. This can help them complete their volunteer duties and other responsibilities on time.
Problem-solving: Volunteer coordinators often work with volunteers to solve issues or problems that arise during their service. For example, if a volunteer is unable to complete a task, the volunteer coordinator may work with them to find a solution or alternative. This can help the volunteer feel supported and ensure the organization continues to run smoothly.
Teamwork: Volunteer coordinators often work with a team of other individuals, including other volunteers, staff members and other volunteer coordinators. Teamwork is a valuable skill for a volunteer coordinator to have, as it can help them work with others to achieve common goals.
Volunteer Coordinator Work Environment
Volunteer coordinators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, religious organizations, and nonprofit organizations. They typically work full time, although some volunteer coordinators may work part time. Many volunteer coordinators work evenings and weekends to accommodate the schedules of volunteers. Volunteer coordinators may also travel to meet with volunteers or to attend conferences. The work can be stressful at times, as coordinators must often juggle the needs of multiple volunteers and the demands of the organization.
Volunteer Coordinator Trends
Here are three trends influencing how volunteer coordinators work. Volunteer coordinators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
Volunteer Engagement Will Become More Important
As volunteer engagement becomes more important, volunteer coordinators will need to develop new skills in order to be successful.
Volunteers are an essential part of many organizations, and they play a key role in helping these organizations achieve their goals. As such, volunteer coordinators will need to be able to effectively manage volunteers and ensure that they are engaged and happy. They will also need to be able to communicate the importance of volunteering to potential volunteers.
More Organizations Will Use Technology to Help Volunteers
As technology advances, more and more organizations are using it to help volunteers do their work. This includes using software to track hours worked, manage tasks, and communicate with other volunteers.
Volunteer coordinators can take advantage of this trend by becoming familiar with the latest technology and how to use it to their advantage. This will allow them to better manage their volunteers and make sure that they are getting the most out of their time spent volunteering.
Greater Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion
The diversity and inclusion movement is gaining momentum in the business world as companies realize the value of having a workforce that reflects the communities they serve.
This trend is having a significant impact on the volunteer sector, where organizations are looking for ways to connect with a wider range of people. Volunteer coordinators can capitalize on this trend by developing programs that promote diversity and inclusion, such as cultural events or mentorship programs.
How to Become a Volunteer Coordinator
A volunteer coordinator career can be a great way to get started in the nonprofit sector. As a volunteer coordinator, you’ll be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the volunteer program. This includes recruiting volunteers, training volunteers, matching volunteers with appropriate opportunities, and ensuring that volunteers are happy and fulfilled throughout their time volunteering.
To become a successful volunteer coordinator, it’s important to have strong communication skills, be able to work well under pressure, and be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. It’s also important to have a deep understanding of the mission and goals of the organization, as well as its culture and values.
Related: How to Write a Volunteer Coordinator Resume
Advancement Prospects
Volunteer coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience working with volunteers. Some volunteer coordinators start out as volunteers themselves and then move into paid positions.
As they gain experience, volunteer coordinators may move into supervisory or managerial positions. Some coordinators may also move into other positions in the same or related fields, such as human resources, event planning, or marketing.
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