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Volunteer job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$39,804per year, about $19 an hour
Range$19,008 to $61,000 a year
Hourly$9 to $29 an hour
EducationWhile there are no specific degree requirements for a volunteer, having a degree or coursework can be beneficial.
Also calledCoordinator, Scheduler, Event Coordinator
DepartmentCommunity Services and Development
The role

What is a Volunteer?

Volunteers handle Volunteer schedules and marketing activities for charitable organizations, healthcare institutions, and government agencies.

They collaborate closely with local schools and other organizations to connect with volunteers and ensure that their organization has a robust volunteer base.

Their work includes hiring and training Volunteers for a range of projects or events, as well as creating Volunteer schedules in order to keep the business running smoothly.

They may also be in charge of delivering verification documents to high school or college-aged volunteers so that they may obtain credit for their service hours.

What to screen for

The top Volunteer skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
CommitmentVolunteers must be able to devote themselves to their cause or charity as a volunteer. They must select to volunteer for a cause that is important to them. Many volunteer organizations impose a monthly commitment of a specified number of shifts or hours. They must be able to plan around this promise and keep it.
CommunicationBecause they will most likely interact directly with fellow volunteers and the people they assist, written and verbal communication is a crucial skill to have as a volunteer. If they volunteer as a tutor, for example, they must be able to give their pupils precise instructions. Similarly, if they’re in charge of a group of volunteers, they’ll need to be able to convey volunteer schedules, project plans, and other vital details.
LeadershipIf they want to supervise a group of volunteers or manage a project, they'll need to be a leader. They must be able to encourage people and ensure that they remain productive as a leader. It's their obligation to remind people about their organization's mission and the vital work they accomplish. They must also be able to delegate efficiently, fulfill deadlines, and ensure that their team has the necessary resources.
Strong Work EthicCertain volunteer projects need a strong work ethic. Having a happy attitude while maintaining a strong work ethic helps them to continue to serve others. If they're building buildings, for example, they’ll need to keep their stamina up during their volunteer shift. Similarly, if they're serving a large group of individuals, they'll need to maintain their enthusiasm throughout each engagement.
TeamworkVolunteering necessitates a great deal of collaboration with others. Many of their jobs will demand they collaborate with others; therefore, it's critical that they have the necessary collaboration abilities. Team-building exercises, for example, can assist each team member to improve their teamwork abilities. Make an effort to get to know their fellow volunteers and find out why they are all passionate about the same subject.
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VolunteerCommunity Services and Development · Free to use and edit

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team and contribute to meaningful projects that create a positive impact. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to support various initiatives, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and help bring our mission to life.

This is your chance to give back while gaining valuable experience and building connections. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills or simply want to contribute your time to a worthy cause, we welcome individuals from all backgrounds who share our commitment to making a difference. Let's accomplish this together. Submit your application now!

Duties and responsibilities

  • Understanding your job and obligations, as well as the organization's policies and safety standards.
  • Acquiring the necessary training and asking questions if you have any concerns.
  • Completing all the supervisor's tasks and reporting any problems as soon as possible.
  • Adhering to the organization's standards and safety requirements while doing duties.
  • Arriving for duty on time and maintaining a professional demeanor in all contact with stakeholders.
  • Making recommendations for improvement where possible and appropriate.
  • Delivering presentations or reports.
  • When you're late or unable to complete your tasks, communicate with your supervisor or other key stakeholders.

Requirements

  • It's possible that necessary training will be required.
  • A desire to learn and collaborate as part of a team.
  • Professionalism and the ability to follow directions are required.
  • Respect and hard work.
  • Good time management and dependable transportation are essential.
  • A friendly demeanor.
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

What education this role needs.

While there are no specific degree requirements for a volunteer, having a degree or coursework can be beneficial. Most employers prefer to hire someone with a bachelor's degree or related work experience in areas such as nonprofit administration/management, social work, or resource management.

However, certain roles may require specific skills or knowledge, which can be acquired through formal education or experience. For example, volunteering in a healthcare setting might require basic medical training or certifications, while a tutoring volunteer might need a strong educational background in the subject they are teaching.

Generally, organizations look for volunteers who are passionate, committed, and willing to learn.

After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Volunteer.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • What motivates you to volunteer?
  • How do you prioritize your volunteer commitments with other responsibilities?
  • Can you share an experience where you made a significant impact through volunteering?
Human Resources
  • How do you handle conflicts with other volunteers or staff members?
  • What steps do you take to ensure that you respect the organization's policies and guidelines?
  • How do you approach working with diverse groups of people in a volunteer setting?
Management
  • How do you manage your time when juggling multiple volunteer projects?
  • Have you ever taken a leadership role in a volunteer setting? How did you approach it?
  • How do you ensure that your volunteer efforts align with the organization’s goals?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • What specific skills or knowledge do you bring to this volunteer position?
  • How do you stay updated with the necessary skills or knowledge for your volunteer role?
  • Can you describe a time when you applied a particular skill to solve a problem in your volunteer work?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$19,008
25th percentile$30,000
Median$39,804
75th percentile$42,000
90th percentile$61,000

Hourly equivalents run from $9 at the 10th percentile to $29 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Coordinator

Coordinators are professionals whose job is to bring together various elements and team members to ensure the successful execution of projects.

$43,281 median

Scheduler

Event Coordinator

The Event Coordinator is a detail-oriented person responsible for every aspect of the event planning.

$50,890 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What are the benefits of having volunteers in an organization?

Volunteers bring a wealth of benefits to an organization, including fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets, and a strong commitment to the cause. They help reduce operational costs, allowing more resources to be allocated to the organization's primary mission. Volunteers also enhance community engagement and create a positive image for the organization by demonstrating active community involvement and support.

How should an organization manage and support its volunteers?

An organization should provide clear roles and responsibilities, offer proper training, and ensure that volunteers feel valued. Regular communication, feedback, and opportunities for skill development are crucial for retaining volunteers. Additionally, recognizing and celebrating their contributions through events, awards, or simple acknowledgments can significantly boost volunteer morale and commitment.

What are the legal considerations when working with volunteers?

Organizations must be aware of the legal distinctions between volunteers and employees to avoid issues such as wage claims or misclassification. It's important to have clear volunteer agreements that outline the expectations and limitations of their role. Organizations should also ensure that volunteers are covered by liability insurance and understand their rights and obligations, including confidentiality and safety protocols.

How can an organization effectively recruit volunteers?

Effective volunteer recruitment involves clearly defining the roles and benefits of volunteering, using targeted outreach strategies such as social media, community events, and partnerships with local organizations. It's important to create compelling messaging that resonates with potential volunteers’ values and motivations. Providing flexible opportunities and emphasizing the impact volunteers will have can also attract a wider pool of candidates.

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Volunteer Coordinator

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$49,562 median

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