new volunteer coordinator 2023

July 20, 2023

Episode #67: How to Set Up a New Volunteer Coordinator for Success

In this episode,  Tobi dives into the topic of setting up a new volunteer coordinator for success. With the challenges of engaging busy individuals who have stopped volunteering due to the pandemic, it is crucial for volunteer coordinators to focus on building relationships, recruiting new volunteers, and engaging with the community.

We understand the importance of ensuring volunteer coordinators have the support they need to thrive in their role and effectively engage with volunteers and the wider community. In recent times, we have seen a decline in volunteer participation due to increased busyness brought on by the pandemic. Volunteers who previously dedicated their time have had to juggle returning to work and taking on additional responsibilities. Consequently, capturing their attention and re-engaging them has become a greater challenge.

New Volunteer Coordinator – Their Role

The role of a volunteer coordinator has evolved into a complex and multifaceted position, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities, from recruitment and training to paperwork processing and risk management. To enable volunteer coordinators to work more effectively and strategically, it is crucial to reduce their workload and allow them to focus on building relationships, recruiting new volunteers, and engaging with the community. We strongly believe that volunteer coordinators should not be burdened solely with tasks centered around paperwork and administrative duties. This limits their overall effectiveness and hinders their ability to make a lasting impact.

New Volunteer Coordinator – Metrics 

Metrics play a vital role in measuring success. While there are usually no required metrics for tracking volunteer coordinators’ performance, establishing a small set of metrics can be beneficial and help provide valuable guidance for their work. To ensure consistent communications, it is essential to provide new volunteer coordinators with a brand style guide, talking points, and templates. Arranging in-service training with the communications department will also ensure they have a grasp of how to represent the organization effectively.

New Volunteer Coordinator – Show Highlights

00:22 Intro the topic on setting up a new volunteer coordinator for success

02:30 The challenges of engaging busy individuals who used to volunteer

07:45 The complexities of the volunteer coordinator role

12:15 The importance of reducing the workload of volunteer coordinators

15:50 Collaborating with funders to develop employment and training programs

20:30 Top tips for setting up a new volunteer coordinator for success

25:10 The significance of formative and summative outcomes metrics for volunteer programs

New Volunteer Coordinator – Quotes from the Episode

“The role of the volunteer coordinator has become increasingly complex, with a wide range of responsibilities including recruitment, training, paperwork processing, and risk management.”

“Spreading out tasks allows volunteer coordinators to work more effectively and strategically, rather than being bogged down by clerical work all day.”

“It’s important to help volunteer coordinators get the word out about volunteer opportunities. It’s not realistic to expect one person to handle all the marketing and promotion.”

“Collaborating with a funder to develop employment and training programs allowed me to have a say in determining the outcome metrics, which is uncommon in government contracts.”

“Supporting volunteer coordinators and letting them know that you are listening is crucial. Include them in strategic planning and leadership level meetings related to HR, program development, and fundraising initiatives.”

“Hiring a volunteer coordinator requires someone with technical skills and past experience, as the role is complex and multifaceted.”

Helpful Links

Want More? Check out Our Time + Talent Podcast!

Whether you’re looking for solutions, inspiration, or just want to hear what others are doing to successfully engage volunteers, Time + Talent is the podcast for leaders of volunteers.

Co-hosts Tobi Johnson, MA, CVA and Jennifer Bennett, CVA bring you uplifting and insightful conversations with thought leaders and volunteer management practitioners who are redefining their roles, and the roles of volunteers.

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About the Show

Nonprofit leadership author, trainer, consultant, and volunteer management expert Tobi Johnson shares weekly tips to help charities build, grow, and scale exceptional volunteer teams. Discover how your nonprofit can effectively coordinate volunteers who are reliable, equipped, and ready to help you bring about BIG change for the better.

If you’re ready to ditch the stress and harness the power of people to fuel your good work, you’re in exactly the right place!

Contact Us

Have questions or suggestions for the show? Email us at wecare@volpro.net.

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