Top 12 Volunteer Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, standing out as a volunteer manager requires showcasing a unique set of skills on your resume that highlight your ability to lead, organize, and inspire. This article explores the top 12 skills that will make your application shine, demonstrating your proficiency in managing volunteers and leading successful projects.

Volunteer Manager Skills

1. Leadership
2. Recruitment
3. Training
4. Fundraising
5. Budgeting
6. Salesforce
7. VolunteerHub
8. Communication
9. Project Management
10. Conflict Resolution
11. Event Planning
12. Microsoft Office

1. Leadership

Leadership, in the context of a Volunteer Manager, involves guiding, inspiring, and coordinating a team of volunteers towards achieving common goals effectively and efficiently, while fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Why It's Important

Leadership is crucial for a Volunteer Manager because it inspires and guides volunteers towards achieving common goals, ensures effective coordination and utilization of their skills, and fosters a positive, motivating environment that encourages continued volunteer engagement and contribution.

How to Improve Leadership Skills

Improving leadership, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves enhancing communication, fostering a supportive culture, and leading by example. Here are concise strategies:

1. Develop Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions and those of others. This improves communication and conflict resolution. MindTools provides insights on how to develop this skill.

2. Effective Communication: Clearly convey expectations and feedback. Use tools and strategies from Toastmasters International to improve public speaking and communication skills.

3. Empower Volunteers: Delegate responsibilities to build trust and develop their skills. Harvard Business Review’s guide on delegating can be helpful.

4. Foster a Positive Culture: Create an inclusive and motivating environment. The Center for Creative Leadership offers strategies to foster a positive culture.

5. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the behavior you wish to see in your team. Learn more about leading by example on Inc..

6. Continual Learning: Stay informed about best practices in volunteer management through resources like EnergizeInc, a hub for volunteer management resources.

By focusing on these areas, Volunteer Managers can significantly improve their leadership capabilities, fostering a more productive and positive volunteer environment.

How to Display Leadership Skills on Your Resume

2. Recruitment

Recruitment, in the context of a Volunteer Manager, involves the process of identifying, attracting, and engaging individuals to fill volunteer positions within an organization, ensuring a match between the volunteer's interests, skills, and the organization's needs.

Why It's Important

Recruitment is vital for a Volunteer Manager as it ensures the organization has a consistent influx of skilled and motivated volunteers, essential for fulfilling its mission and sustaining its operations effectively.

How to Improve Recruitment Skills

Improving recruitment, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves strategic planning and effective communication. Here are concise steps to enhance your recruitment process:

1. Define Clear Roles: Clearly articulate the responsibilities, skills required, and the impact of each volunteer role. VolunteerMatch is an excellent platform to post detailed volunteer opportunities.

2. Utilize Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to reach potential volunteers by showcasing your organization's culture and impact.

3. Engage Your Network: Encourage current volunteers and staff to share opportunities within their networks. Word of mouth can be powerful.

4. Partner with Educational Institutions: Connect with local colleges and universities for access to students seeking volunteer opportunities. Websites like Idealist can help reach this demographic.

5. Offer Flexibility and Support: Be clear about the flexibility of roles and the support available to volunteers. This makes the opportunity more appealing.

6. Leverage Volunteer Recruitment Websites: Platforms such as VolunteerMatch and All for Good can significantly widen your reach.

7. Feedback and Improvement: Regularly seek feedback from current volunteers on the recruitment process and implement changes where necessary. This ensures continuous improvement.

By implementing these strategies, Volunteer Managers can enhance their recruitment process, attracting and retaining dedicated volunteers.

How to Display Recruitment Skills on Your Resume

3. Training

Training, in the context of a Volunteer Manager, refers to the process of equipping volunteers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform their roles effectively and align with the organization's goals.

Why It's Important

Training is crucial for a Volunteer Manager as it equips them with the skills and knowledge to effectively recruit, motivate, and manage volunteers, ensuring the organization's objectives are met efficiently and sustainably.

How to Improve Training Skills

Improving training, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves a strategic approach that enhances the effectiveness and engagement of volunteers. Here are concise steps to do so:

1. Assess Needs: Identify the specific skills and knowledge the volunteers need to perform their roles effectively. Surveys or direct feedback can be valuable tools for this. VolunteerHub offers resources for assessing volunteer training needs.

2. Set Clear Objectives: Establish clear, measurable learning objectives for the training program. This ensures the training content is focused and relevant. Chronus provides insight into setting effective objectives.

3. Choose the Right Format: Decide on the most effective training format, whether it be in-person workshops, online modules, or a blend of both, considering the volunteers' availability and learning preferences. TechSoup discusses various training formats suitable for volunteers.

4. Engage with Interactive Content: Use interactive training methods such as role-playing, simulations, and group discussions to keep volunteers engaged and facilitate practical learning. eLearning Industry offers tips on creating interactive online courses.

5. Provide Ongoing Support: Ensure there is a structure for ongoing support and mentorship post-training, allowing volunteers to ask questions and receive feedback as they apply their new skills. Mentorloop has resources on setting up mentorship programs for volunteers.

6. Evaluate and Iterate: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the training program through feedback and performance metrics, and make adjustments as necessary. Better Impact offers volunteer management software with feedback and evaluation tools.

By following these steps and leveraging the resources provided, Volunteer Managers can significantly improve the training experience for their volunteers, leading to more effective and satisfying volunteer engagement.

How to Display Training Skills on Your Resume

4. Fundraising

Fundraising is the process of gathering financial contributions from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies to support an organization's activities, projects, or goals, often overseen and managed by a volunteer manager to ensure alignment with volunteer efforts and organizational needs.

Why It's Important

Fundraising is essential for a Volunteer Manager as it secures necessary resources, enabling the organization to fulfill its mission, support volunteer programs, and expand its impact within the community.

How to Improve Fundraising Skills

Improving fundraising as a Volunteer Manager involves strategic planning, leveraging technology, and engaging your community effectively. Here are concise strategies:

1. Set Clear Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) fundraising goals Goal-Setting Tips.

2. Leverage Technology: Utilize fundraising platforms and social media to reach a wider audience and make giving easier Top Fundraising Platforms.

3. Engage Volunteers: Train and motivate volunteers to be ambassadors of your cause, leveraging their networks for wider reach Volunteer Engagement Strategies.

4. Host Creative Events: Organize unique and engaging events that appeal to your target donors, providing them with value while promoting your cause Creative Fundraising Events Ideas.

5. Personalize Communication: Tailor your outreach and communication to match the interests of potential donors, using stories and impact reports to illustrate your cause's effect Effective Communication Tips.

6. Utilize Matching Gifts: Encourage donors to maximize their contributions through employer matching gift programs, effectively doubling their donations Matching Gifts Guide.

7. Continuous Improvement: Collect data on your fundraising efforts to analyze what works and what doesn't, adapting your strategy accordingly Data-Driven Fundraising.

By implementing these strategies, Volunteer Managers can significantly improve their fundraising efforts, ensuring the sustainability and growth of their organizations.

How to Display Fundraising Skills on Your Resume

5. Budgeting

Budgeting, in the context of a Volunteer Manager, involves planning and allocating financial resources to effectively support and manage volunteer activities, ensuring that all necessary expenses are covered while optimizing the use of available funds.

Why It's Important

Budgeting is crucial for a Volunteer Manager because it ensures efficient allocation of limited resources, enables planning for program needs, supports the achievement of organizational goals, and facilitates financial accountability, ensuring the sustainability of volunteer initiatives.

How to Improve Budgeting Skills

Improving budgeting, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves concise planning and efficient resource allocation. Here are key steps:

1. Assess Needs: Evaluate the specific needs of your volunteer program. This includes volunteer training, materials, and any recognition events. VolunteerPro offers guidance on creating a volunteer program budget.

2. Track Expenses: Use budget tracking tools to monitor expenses in real-time. Tools like Mint can help manage and track your budget efficiently.

3. Revenue Streams: Explore diverse funding sources, including grants, donations, and sponsorships. GrantSpace provides resources for funding volunteer efforts.

4. Cost Reduction: Identify ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality of your volunteer program. Engaging volunteers in fundraising activities can also help. Nonprofit Hub offers tips on cost-saving for nonprofits.

5. Review and Adjust: Regularly review the budget against actual expenses and adjust as necessary. This ensures that the budget remains a useful tool rather than a static document.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, Volunteer Managers can create a more effective and sustainable budgeting process.

How to Display Budgeting Skills on Your Resume

6. Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform that enables volunteer managers to efficiently organize, track, and manage their volunteers, activities, and communications in one centralized system.

Why It's Important

Salesforce is important for a Volunteer Manager because it streamlines volunteer coordination, tracking, and communication, enabling efficient management of volunteer data, schedules, and engagement in one centralized platform.

How to Improve Salesforce Skills

To enhance Salesforce for Volunteer Management:

1. Utilize Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP): Tailor Salesforce with NPSP for volunteer management needs, streamlining operations. Salesforce NPSP

2. Customize for Efficiency: Personalize dashboards and reports for a comprehensive view of volunteer activities. Salesforce Customization

3. Integrate Volunteer Management Apps: Use Salesforce AppExchange to find apps specifically designed for volunteer coordination. AppExchange Volunteer Management

4. Leverage Salesforce Chatter: Improve communication and collaboration among your team and volunteers. Salesforce Chatter

5. Automate Processes: Utilize Salesforce's automation tools for scheduling, reminders, and tracking volunteer hours. Salesforce Automation

6. Train Your Team: Ensure your team is proficient with Salesforce through Trailhead, Salesforce's free online learning platform. Salesforce Trailhead

7. Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Regularly collect feedback from users and volunteers to make necessary adjustments.

By strategically leveraging these Salesforce features and resources, you can significantly improve volunteer management in your organization.

How to Display Salesforce Skills on Your Resume

7. VolunteerHub

VolunteerHub is a cloud-based software platform designed to help volunteer managers streamline the organization, management, and engagement of volunteers, offering features like scheduling, registration, communication, and reporting tools.

Why It's Important

VolunteerHub is important for a Volunteer Manager because it streamlines the organization, tracking, and engagement of volunteers, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in managing volunteer resources.

How to Improve VolunteerHub Skills

Improving VolunteerHub for a Volunteer Manager involves streamlining volunteer coordination, enhancing engagement, and optimizing the use of technology. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Automate Scheduling & Registration: Implement automated scheduling and self-service registration to reduce administrative tasks. This allows volunteers to sign up for shifts and manage their schedules easily, improving overall experience and reducing no-shows.

2. Integrate Training Modules: Incorporate training modules within VolunteerHub for seamless onboarding. This ensures volunteers are well-prepared, enhancing the quality of their contribution. Consider utilizing platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy for external training resources.

3. Utilize Data Analytics: Leverage VolunteerHub’s data analytics to track volunteer engagement and impact. This helps in understanding volunteer preferences, improving retention, and demonstrating the value of the volunteer program. Tools like Google Analytics can complement these efforts by providing deeper insights.

4. Enhance Communication: Foster a community by enhancing communication through VolunteerHub’s messaging features. Regular updates, acknowledgments, and feedback solicitations can boost volunteer morale. Integrating platforms like Slack for informal communications can also be beneficial.

5. Feedback Mechanism: Implement a straightforward feedback mechanism within VolunteerHub. Continuous feedback from volunteers can provide valuable insights for improving the program and addressing any concerns promptly.

6. Mobile Optimization: Ensure that the VolunteerHub experience is optimized for mobile users. With the increasing reliance on smartphones, a seamless mobile experience can significantly improve accessibility and engagement.

7. Promote Social Sharing: Encourage volunteers to share their experiences on social media directly through VolunteerHub. This not only boosts volunteer morale but also serves as a powerful tool for recruitment and raising awareness.

8. Regular Training for Managers: Keep Volunteer Managers up-to-date with regular training on the latest features and best practices for using VolunteerHub. Online resources and webinars offered by platforms like LinkedIn Learning can be valuable for ongoing education.

By focusing on these key areas, Volunteer Managers can significantly enhance the functionality and effectiveness of VolunteerHub, leading to a more engaged volunteer base and a more impactful volunteer program.

How to Display VolunteerHub Skills on Your Resume

8. Communication

Communication, in the context of a Volunteer Manager, is the strategic exchange of information, ideas, and instructions between the manager and volunteers to coordinate activities, achieve goals, and enhance teamwork and engagement.

Why It's Important

Communication is crucial for a Volunteer Manager as it ensures clear instructions and expectations are conveyed, fosters a positive and inclusive environment, builds trust and rapport among volunteers, and facilitates effective coordination and teamwork, leading to the successful achievement of the organization's goals.

How to Improve Communication Skills

Improving communication, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves a few key strategies:

1. Active Listening: Develop active listening skills to fully understand volunteer needs and feedback. MindTools offers guidance on enhancing this skill.

2. Clarity and Conciseness: Communicate clearly and directly. Harvard Business Review provides tips for effective communication.

3. Regular Updates: Keep volunteers informed with regular updates. Utilize tools like Mailchimp for newsletters.

4. Feedback Mechanism: Implement a two-way feedback mechanism. SurveyMonkey can facilitate collecting and analyzing feedback.

5. Training and Meetings: Organize regular training sessions and meetings. Zoom or Microsoft Teams can facilitate these sessions virtually.

6. Personalized Communication: Tailor your communication based on volunteer roles and preferences. HubSpot offers tools for personalized communication.

By focusing on these areas, Volunteer Managers can significantly enhance their communication with volunteers, fostering a more engaged and productive volunteer team.

How to Display Communication Skills on Your Resume

9. Project Management

Project management involves planning, executing, and overseeing tasks and resources to achieve specific goals within a defined timeframe, ensuring that the project is completed efficiently and effectively. For a Volunteer Manager, it encompasses organizing volunteer activities, aligning these efforts with organizational objectives, and ensuring volunteers are effectively utilized and supported throughout the project lifecycle.

Why It's Important

Project management is crucial for a Volunteer Manager as it ensures efficient coordination, optimal resource utilization, and effective goal achievement, fostering a structured and productive volunteer environment.

How to Improve Project Management Skills

Improving project management, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves focusing on clear communication, effective use of resources, and continuous learning. Here are concise tips with resources for further exploration:

1. Define Clear Goals: Establish clear, achievable objectives for your volunteers. SMART goals framework can be instrumental.

2. Effective Communication: Ensure open lines of communication using tools like Slack for instant messaging and Trello for task management.

3. Utilize Project Management Tools: Adopt project management software like Asana or Monday.com to organize tasks, timelines, and deliverables.

4. Train and Develop: Offer training resources to volunteers for skill development. Platforms like Coursera or Khan Academy can be valuable.

5. Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for feedback from volunteers to understand their challenges and expectations. Tools like SurveyMonkey can facilitate this.

6. Recognition and Motivation: Recognize and reward volunteer contributions. Simple gestures or utilizing platforms like Bonusly can boost morale.

7. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review project performance and seek ways to improve. The PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is a simple yet effective approach for this.

8. Risk Management: Anticipate and prepare for potential risks. The Mind Tools guide on risk management offers practical advice.

By integrating these practices and leveraging the recommended resources, Volunteer Managers can enhance project management efficiency and create more impactful volunteer engagements.

How to Display Project Management Skills on Your Resume

10. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution in the context of a Volunteer Manager involves the process of identifying, addressing, and resolving disagreements or disputes among volunteers or between volunteers and the organization, aiming to achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome while maintaining positive relationships and a cohesive team environment.

Why It's Important

Conflict resolution is crucial for a Volunteer Manager as it ensures a harmonious work environment, maintains volunteer morale and engagement, and prevents disruptions that can hinder the organization's goals and service delivery.

How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills

Improving conflict resolution, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves a clear, empathetic approach focused on understanding, communication, and collaboration. Here are concise steps:

1. Active Listening: Ensure all parties feel heard by summarizing their points and asking clarifying questions. This builds trust and understanding. MindTools offers strategies for enhancing listening skills.

2. Identify Underlying Needs: Look beyond surface complaints to understand the deeper needs and concerns of involved parties. The Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation provides insights into identifying underlying needs.

3. Open Communication: Encourage open, honest communication, allowing volunteers to express feelings without fear of reprisal. HelpGuide offers tips on effective communication that can be applied.

4. Collaborative Problem Solving: Involve all parties in finding a mutually acceptable solution, fostering a sense of ownership and cooperation. The Community Tool Box has resources on collaborative problem-solving.

5. Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and acceptable behaviors to prevent future conflicts. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has guidelines for managing volunteers effectively.

Each step involves skills that can be developed with practice and dedication, leading to more effective conflict resolution in volunteer management contexts.

How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume

11. Event Planning

Event planning, in the context of a Volunteer Manager, involves the organized coordination of an event’s details such as scheduling, selecting venues, arranging transportation, and managing volunteer tasks and assignments to ensure the event runs smoothly and meets its objectives.

Why It's Important

Event planning is crucial for a Volunteer Manager as it ensures the efficient organization and execution of events, maximizing volunteer engagement and satisfaction. It facilitates clear communication, roles distribution, and resource allocation, leading to successful and impactful volunteer-driven activities.

How to Improve Event Planning Skills

Improving event planning, especially for a Volunteer Manager, involves strategic organization, clear communication, and effective use of resources. Here are concise tips:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Start by setting specific, measurable goals for the event to guide all planning activities. Eventbrite offers insights on aligning your event with organizational objectives.

2. Utilize Project Management Tools: Tools like Trello or Asana help organize tasks, deadlines, and team responsibilities, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

3. Recruit and Train Volunteers Effectively: Focus on matching volunteer skills with the right tasks. Resources like VolunteerMatch can help find volunteers, while tailored training ensures they're prepared.

4. Communicate Regularly: Keep open lines of communication with your team and volunteers. Platforms like Slack facilitate real-time updates and discussions.

5. Leverage Technology for Engagement: Use event technology to enhance participant engagement. Tools like Whova offer features for networking, agendas, and feedback.

6. Post-Event Evaluation: Collect feedback from participants and volunteers to assess the event’s success and areas for improvement. Surveys via SurveyMonkey can provide valuable insights.

By focusing on these areas, Volunteer Managers can streamline the event planning process, enhance participant experience, and achieve event objectives more effectively.

How to Display Event Planning Skills on Your Resume

12. Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity applications, including Word for document creation, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email and calendar management, designed to facilitate various tasks in an office environment. For a Volunteer Manager, it offers essential tools for organizing schedules, managing volunteer databases, creating promotional materials, and communicating effectively with team members.

Why It's Important

Microsoft Office is important for a Volunteer Manager because it provides essential tools like Word for document creation, Excel for data management and analysis, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email and calendar management, facilitating efficient organization, communication, and planning of volunteer activities.

How to Improve Microsoft Office Skills

Improving Microsoft Office for a Volunteer Manager involves streamlining processes, enhancing communication, and ensuring effective data management. Below are concise strategies with relevant resources:

1. Utilize Templates: Use or customize Office templates for volunteer management tasks (scheduling, emails, etc.) to save time. Office Templates

2. Leverage Excel for Data Management: Master Excel for tracking volunteer information, hours, and skills. Utilize formulas and pivot tables for analysis. Excel Tips

3. Improve Communication with Outlook: Use Outlook features like group emails, calendar sharing, and meeting scheduling to streamline communication. Outlook Help

4. Use SharePoint for Document Management: Share and collaborate on documents with volunteers easily, ensuring version control and accessibility. SharePoint Video Training

5. Automate Processes with Power Automate: Automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, email notifications, and task assignments. Power Automate Learning

6. Engage Volunteers with Teams: Create a dedicated space for volunteer collaboration, meetings, and file sharing. Teams Video Training

7. Feedback and Surveys with Forms: Collect feedback from volunteers efficiently to improve your program. Microsoft Forms

By integrating these strategies, a Volunteer Manager can significantly enhance productivity, collaboration, and volunteer engagement through Microsoft Office.

How to Display Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume