How do you hire the best volunteer managers?

1 Define your needs

Before you start looking for volunteer managers, you need to have a clear idea of what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. What are the goals and objectives of your volunteer program? What are the skills and qualities that you are looking for in a volunteer manager? What are the roles and responsibilities that they will have? What are the benefits and rewards that you can offer them? By defining your needs, you can create a realistic and attractive job description that will appeal to potential applicants.

2 Use multiple channels

To reach a wider and more diverse pool of volunteer managers, you need to use multiple channels to advertise your position. You can use your own website, social media, email newsletters, and word-of-mouth to spread the word about your opportunity. You can also use online platforms and networks that specialize in connecting nonprofits with volunteer managers, such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or CharityVillage. You can also partner with local universities, colleges, or professional associations that offer courses or certifications in volunteer management.

3 Screen and interview

Once you have received some applications, you need to screen and interview them to find the best fit for your organization. You can use online tools or phone calls to pre-screen candidates based on their qualifications, availability, and interest. You can then invite the most promising ones to a face-to-face or video interview, where you can assess their personality, communication skills, leadership style, and problem-solving abilities. You can also ask them to prepare a presentation, a case study, or a mock training session to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in volunteer management.

4 Check references and background

Before you make a final decision, you need to check the references and background of your preferred candidates. You can contact their previous employers, colleagues, or volunteers to get feedback on their performance, strengths, weaknesses, and work ethic. You can also conduct a criminal record check, a credit check, or a social media check to verify their identity, integrity, and reputation. By doing these checks, you can avoid hiring someone who might harm your organization or your volunteers.

5 Offer feedback and support

After you have hired your volunteer manager, you need to offer them feedback and support to help them succeed in their role. You can provide them with a comprehensive orientation and training program that covers your organization's mission, vision, values, policies, procedures, and expectations. You can also assign them a mentor or a coach who can guide them, advise them, and answer their questions. You can also conduct regular performance reviews and recognition events to acknowledge their achievements and challenges.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?