Manager of Volunteer Resources

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Community and Social Service Workers (4212) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Community and Social Service Workers (E212) 
• 2011 NOC: Social and community service workers (4212) 

Managers of volunteers are responsible for volunteer engagement in their organization. Engagement includes:

• attracting and retaining volunteers whose interests and values match those of the organization
• increasing volunteers' understanding about the organization's mission and goals
• providing meaningful opportunities for volunteers to contribute, such that their needs and the needs of the organization are met.

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another, but in general, managers of volunteer resources:

• determine organizational needs that volunteers could fill
• create and implement marketing strategies for volunteer recruitment
• research, develop and lead volunteer programs and identify opportunities for volunteer engagement in not-for-profit, voluntary and public sector organizations
• recommend organizational policies related to volunteer engagement and work to incorporate volunteers as a vital component of the organization's integrated human resources
• develop role designs and write descriptions and project contracts for volunteers
• design orientation and training programs for volunteers
• recruit, interview, select and evaluate volunteers
• maintain files on each volunteer, ensuring documentation of screening practices
• create policies and implement risk management strategies
• develop targeted volunteer recognition programs and activities
• make staff members and the public aware of the volunteer program
• educate and train staff members about working with volunteers
• supervise volunteers or provide support for other staff who supervise volunteers
• evaluate volunteer programs and volunteers
• collect statistics (qualitative and quantitative data) and write reports
• source and write funding proposals
• manage volunteer program budgets
• be aware of trends and current initiatives to ensure effective and relevant volunteer engagement
• establish relationships with organizations and colleagues to share and implement best practices.

Much of the work involves supporting volunteers in their duties and helping staff members and volunteers work together co-operatively. Managers of volunteer resources also may work with the Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or a Board of Directors.

Most managers of volunteer resources work in office environments. Travel may be required to attend meetings during the day and sometimes to attend activities or events during evening or weekend hours. Managers of volunteer resources may work part time on contract, or have additional responsibilities within the same organization.

Managers of volunteer resources need the following characteristics:

• a demonstrated commitment to volunteerism
• strong interpersonal skills
• organizational and leadership skills
• initiative
• an outgoing, energetic and optimistic manner
• excellent communication skills, including writing, negotiation and public speaking skills
• the ability to balance the needs of the organization with the needs and interests of the volunteers
• problem solving and decision making skills
• patience and tact in dealing with others
• a tolerance for ambiguity
• the ability to multitask
• the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

They should enjoy helping others, compiling information and maintaining contact with other agencies, and developing innovative approaches to problems.

Managers of volunteer resources work in not-for-profit, voluntary and public sector organizations such as:

• human and social service agencies
• cultural organizations
• leisure and sports organizations
• schools and religious institutions
• health-care institutions
• law, advocacy and political organizations
• environmental and international development organizations.

Many managers of volunteer resources work on a part time or contract basis, and must work within small budgets. Advancement opportunities depend on the nature of the organization and the manager's experience and qualifications.

Managers of volunteer resources are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4212: Social and community service workers. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 12,200 Albertans are employed in the Community and social service workers occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.9% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 354 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As managers of volunteer resources form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for managers of volunteer resources.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) website: www.cvacert.org

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

Propellus website: propellus.org

Volunteer Alberta website: www.volunteeralberta.ab.ca

Volunteer Edmonton website: www.volunteeredmonton.com

Volunteer Management Group Edmonton website: www.vmgedmonton.ca

Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC) website: www.vmpc.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.