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If you’ve Googled “volunteer coordinator job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles that all look the same:
Bullet points. Corporate jargon. Zero personality.
The problem? Those kinds of job posts don’t attract passionate, mission-driven people — the ones who will actually inspire and manage volunteers effectively. Instead, they pull in generic applicants who are just looking for any role, not this role.
The truth is, a Volunteer Coordinator isn’t just a scheduler or an admin. They’re the heart of your volunteer program — the person who motivates, organizes, and keeps your mission moving forward. If your job description doesn’t reflect that, you’ll miss out on the people who could make the biggest impact.
That’s why in this article, we’re not just giving you another copy-paste template. We’re going to show you how to create a Volunteer Coordinator job post that:
- Connects with the right people on a human level
- Clearly explains the role’s purpose and impact
- Attracts candidates who are organized, empathetic, and mission-focused
- Stands out in a sea of bland, corporate-sounding job ads
Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it’s packed with strategies for making any job description compelling and conversion-friendly.
Because here’s the thing: job descriptions aren’t just a hiring formality. They’re your first sales pitch to future team members. And if you want to bring in the best, you’ve got to write like you mean it.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What a Volunteer Coordinator Actually Does
A Volunteer Coordinator isn’t just someone who “handles the volunteers.” They’re the bridge between your organization’s mission and the people who give their time to support it.
In simple terms, a Volunteer Coordinator:
- Recruits, trains, and supports volunteers so they can do their best work
- Makes sure the right people are in the right roles at the right time
- Creates a positive, motivating environment so volunteers feel valued and want to keep coming back
- Tracks schedules, hours, and program needs so nothing falls through the cracks
In many ways, they’re a mix of a team leader, event planner, coach, and problem-solver.
And here’s why the role matters:
If volunteers are the hands and feet of your mission, the Volunteer Coordinator is the heart that keeps everything moving smoothly. A great one ensures that volunteers are not only well-organized but also feel connected to the cause — which is what makes them stay, grow, and contribute at a high level.
It’s not a role for just anyone. The best Volunteer Coordinators blend organizational skills with empathy, communication, and a deep belief in your mission.
Two Great Volunteer Coordinator Job Description Templates
✅ Version 1: Job Description For Experienced Volunteer Coordinators
📌 Job Title: Volunteer Coordinator — BrightPath Community Services (Denver, CO)
💼 Type: Full-Time | 🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM (occasional evenings/weekends for events)
💰 Salary: $48,000–$58,000/year (based on experience)
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
A 60-second hello from Maria, Programs Director (insert Loom/YouTube link)
🌟 About BrightPath Community Services
BrightPath is a Denver-based nonprofit helping families build stable, healthy lives. For 15+ years, we’ve delivered food security, after-school tutoring, and senior support across five neighborhoods—serving over 18,000 residents annually. Our 850 active volunteers contribute more than 45,000 hours each year to keep our programs running strong.
💙 Our Culture
We’re collaborative, mission-first, and people-centered. We prize clear communication, humility, and a bias for action. We celebrate small wins, learn fast from misses, and always put community impact at the center.
🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Own full-cycle volunteer operations: outreach, screening, onboarding, and retention
- Build and manage schedules across pantry shifts, tutoring, events, and admin support
- Design and deliver role-specific training; maintain up-to-date guides and SOPs
- Track hours, compliance, and program coverage using our VMS and CRM
- Launch recognition programs (shout-outs, appreciation events, milestone awards)
- Partner with Program Leads to match skills to needs and forecast coverage gaps
- Report monthly KPIs (fill rates, retention, NPS) and drive continuous improvement
📋 What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years in volunteer coordination, community engagement, or program ops
- Superb people skills: coaching, conflict resolution, and inclusive communication
- Strong logistics mindset: you love calendars, checklists, and clean data
- Fluency with spreadsheets and volunteer management software (e.g., Galaxy, Better Impact, or similar)
✨ Nice to Have
- Event operations experience (permits, vendors, run-of-show)
- Spanish proficiency and/or experience in food security or youth programs
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage + employer HSA contribution
- 401(k) with 3% employer match after 6 months
- 15 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + 2 volunteer days
- $800 annual professional development stipend
- RTD EcoPass (local transit) + cellphone stipend
🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll shape a high-impact volunteer program that directly improves lives
- Your work is visible: you’ll own KPIs, test ideas, and see results fast
- A supportive team that values initiative and promotes from within
🤝 Our Hiring Process
We review every application and respond within 2 weeks. Shortlisted candidates: 20-minute intro call → skills task via WorkScreen → panel interview (virtual or in-person) → references.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [insert WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a brief skills evaluation so we can understand your strengths beyond the résumé.
✅ Version 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Candidates
📌 Job Title: Volunteer Coordinator (Training Provided) — BrightPath Community Services (Denver, CO)
💼 Type: Full-Time | 🕒 Schedule: Tue–Sat, 10:00 AM–6:30 PM (occasional evenings for events)
💰 Salary: $42,000–$48,000/year
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
A quick intro from Jordan, Community Engagement Lead (insert Loom/YouTube link)
🌟 About BrightPath Community Services
BrightPath partners with Denver neighborhoods to expand access to food, education, and senior support. We run a weekly food pantry, after-school tutoring, and monthly community events—powered by hundreds of local volunteers who care deeply about their city.
💙 Our Culture
We’re kind, curious, and hands-on. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere and invest in your growth with coaching and clear feedback. You’ll be supported, trusted, and encouraged to try, learn, and improve.
🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Welcome new volunteers and guide them through onboarding
- Learn to build schedules and coordinate coverage for programs and events
- Assist with training sessions and keep resources updated
- Track volunteer hours and help with recognition activities
- Support logistics for pantry, tutoring, and community events
📋 What We’re Looking For
- Friendly, reliable, and organized; you enjoy helping people succeed
- Strong communication skills (email, phone, in-person)
- Comfortable with basic tech (Google Workspace, spreadsheets)
✨ Nice to Have (Not Required)
- Customer service, hospitality, or campus leadership experience
- Spanish proficiency and/or familiarity with Denver community resources
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 12 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + 2 volunteer days
- $500 annual learning stipend + monthly mentorship sessions
- RTD EcoPass (local transit)
🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Start a mission-driven career with real training and mentorship
- See the direct impact of your work in the community every week
- Grow into advanced coordination or program roles within 12–18 months
🤝 Our Hiring Process
Every application is reviewed; we reply within 2 weeks. Steps: intro call → short WorkScreen skills exercise (no prep needed) → team interview → references.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [insert WorkScreen link]. The short evaluation helps us understand your strengths and potential—no experience required.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown: Why These Volunteer Coordinator Job Posts Work
1️⃣ They Start with a Specific, Impact-Driven Title
Instead of “Volunteer Coordinator” on its own, the title pairs the role with the organization’s name and location (e.g., Volunteer Coordinator — BrightPath Community Services, Denver, CO). This signals to the right audience exactly what the role is, where it’s based, and who it’s for — which improves relevance and reduces unqualified clicks.
2️⃣ They Humanize the Hiring Process with a Video
Adding a short Loom or YouTube intro from the hiring manager instantly makes the post feel more personal. Candidates see the human side of your organization, hear the tone of voice, and feel welcomed before they even apply.
3️⃣ They Tell a Story in the “About Us” Section
Rather than listing corporate boilerplate, both posts explain what BrightPath does, who it serves, and its impact in real numbers. This makes the mission concrete and helps candidates imagine themselves contributing to something meaningful.
4️⃣ They Clearly Define Culture
The culture section doesn’t use vague clichés like “fast-paced environment.” Instead, it describes values (“clear communication,” “mission-first,” “kind and curious”) and working style (“celebrate small wins,” “invest in your growth”). This helps candidates self-select in or out.
5️⃣ They Describe Responsibilities in Context
Tasks are not just bullet points — they’re framed in a way that connects the responsibility to the larger mission (e.g., “Build and manage schedules” → “across pantry shifts, tutoring, events, and admin support”). This paints a fuller picture of the day-to-day.
6️⃣ They Separate “Perks & Benefits” from “Why This Role Is a Great Fit”
Benefits are concrete (healthcare, PTO, stipends, transit passes), while the “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” section pitches the unique selling points of the role (visible impact, autonomy, growth path). This dual approach appeals to both head and heart.
7️⃣ They’re Transparent About Pay
Listing salary ranges not only builds trust but also filters out candidates with mismatched expectations — saving time for everyone.
8️⃣ They Include a Respectful, Clear Hiring Process
The posts explain every step (application review, skills evaluation, interviews, references) and give an expected response timeline. This sets expectations, reduces applicant anxiety, and demonstrates respect for candidates’ time.
9️⃣ They End with a Purposeful Call to Action
Rather than a cold “Apply Here,” the CTA explains why the WorkScreen evaluation exists (“helps us understand your strengths beyond the résumé”) and reassures candidates there’s no wasted effort.
Example of a Bad Volunteer Coordinator Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Location: Denver, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
About the Organization
We are a nonprofit organization seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to oversee volunteers and assist with scheduling.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate volunteer activities
- Keep volunteer records
- Manage scheduling for events
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Strong organizational skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office
How to Apply
Send your résumé to hr@nonprofit.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why This Job Post Fails
1️⃣ The Job Title Is Vague and Generic
Just “Volunteer Coordinator” with no context about the organization, cause, or location appeal beyond the city. It could be any nonprofit, anywhere.
2️⃣ The Introduction Is Flat
No mission, no sense of purpose, no story. The “About” section is just filler text that doesn’t inspire or connect with people who care about volunteering.
3️⃣ Responsibilities Are Too Broad
“Coordinate volunteer activities” could mean anything. There’s no insight into what types of programs are involved or the scale of the work.
4️⃣ No Mention of Culture or Values
The post gives no clues about the team environment or organizational personality, leaving candidates guessing about whether they’d fit in.
5️⃣ No Salary or Benefits Information
Omitting this creates mistrust and wastes time for both the employer and candidates.
6️⃣ The Hiring Process Feels Cold
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is dismissive and leaves applicants in the dark.
7️⃣ No Personality in the Call to Action
It’s purely transactional — “send your résumé” — with no explanation of why the role is exciting or important.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Volunteer Coordinator Job Post Stand Out
Even if you’ve nailed the basics, there are small but powerful additions that can make your job post more trustworthy, more appealing, and more likely to convert the right applicants.
1️⃣ Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
This builds trust immediately and reassures candidates they’re safe sharing their information. Example:
Important Notice: We take applicant security and privacy seriously. We will never request payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.
2️⃣ Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Volunteer coordination can involve evenings and weekends — so highlighting time off shows you care about balance. Example:
Enjoy up to 15 days of PTO, 10 paid holidays, and 2 volunteer days each year so you can recharge and give back to causes you care about.
3️⃣ Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
This is especially valuable for entry-level roles or nonprofits that promote from within. Example:
We invest in your growth with an annual learning stipend, mentorship program, and leadership training opportunities so you can build your career in community service.
4️⃣ Include a Short Video from the Hiring Manager
A quick Loom or YouTube video lets applicants “meet” you before applying, which builds trust and humanizes the process. Aim for 45–60 seconds where you:
- Introduce yourself
- Share what makes your nonprofit special
- Explain why you’re excited about this hire
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5️⃣ Show How You Recognize and Value Volunteers
Since this role is all about volunteer engagement, candidates will want to know how your organization shows appreciation. Example:
We host quarterly volunteer appreciation events, feature volunteers in our newsletter, and celebrate milestones like 100+ hours served.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Volunteer Coordinator Job Description?
Lately, it feels like everyone is turning to AI tools for quick, one-click job descriptions. Even some applicant tracking systems (ATS) now offer an “auto-generate” feature.
But here’s the problem: if you let AI write your job post without any input from you, you’ll end up with something bland, generic, and soulless — the exact kind of post that fails to attract passionate, mission-driven candidates.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
Typing a prompt like:
“Write me a volunteer coordinator job description.”
…will give you something that could apply to any organization anywhere — no mission, no personality, and no real insight into your culture. It might save you five minutes now, but it will cost you great applicants later.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Treat AI as a polishing and structuring assistant, not a replacement for your own voice.
Give it the raw ingredients only you can provide:
- What your organization does and the impact you make
- Who you serve and why your mission matters
- The day-to-day reality of the role (specific programs, scale, and challenges)
- Your culture and values in plain English
- The exact benefits and perks you offer
- The traits you’re looking for in the right candidate
- Your hiring process and timelines
Example Prompt:
“Help me write a Volunteer Coordinator job description for BrightPath Community Services, a Denver nonprofit supporting food security, youth education, and senior services. This is a full-time role, salary $48K–$58K, managing 850 active volunteers across 3 programs. Our culture is collaborative, mission-first, and people-centered. The ideal candidate is organized, empathetic, and skilled at community engagement. We offer medical/dental/vision, 15 PTO days, 10 paid holidays, and a $800 professional development stipend. Here’s my rough bullet-point list of responsibilities and requirements: [paste notes]. Use a warm, conversational tone, and include a short pitch for why this role is exciting.”
Once AI gives you a draft, edit it for authenticity:
- Add specific examples of your programs
- Make sure the tone matches your voice
- Double-check that nothing sounds too generic
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Volunteer Coordinator Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style
📌 Job Title: Volunteer Coordinator — [Company Name] ([City, State] / [On-site | Hybrid | Remote])
💼 Type: [Full-Time | Part-Time] | 🕒 Schedule: [Days & Hours]
💰 Salary: [Salary Range]/year
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
[Insert Loom/YouTube link — 45–60 seconds]
👋 Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [brief descriptor: nonprofit/community org/etc.] serving [community/beneficiaries] through [programs/services]. Each year, our volunteers contribute [X,000]+ hours to [impact outcomes], helping us advance our mission of [one-sentence mission].
💙 Our Culture
We’re [values: e.g., collaborative, mission-first, people-centered]. We value [3–4 traits: clear communication, humility, learning mindset, bias for action] and celebrate wins—big and small.
🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Recruit, screen, and onboard volunteers for [programs or events]
- Build/manage schedules; ensure coverage across [program areas]
- Deliver role-specific training; keep guides/SOPs updated
- Track hours/compliance in [VMS/CRM or “our volunteer system”]
- Run recognition initiatives (shout-outs, events, milestone awards)
- Partner with program leads to forecast needs and match skills
📋 Requirements
- [X]+ years in volunteer coordination/community engagement/program ops (or similar)
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strong organization and multitasking across multiple programs
- Comfortable with spreadsheets and scheduling/volunteer tools
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision insurance
- PTO: [#] days + [#] paid holidays + [#] volunteer days
- Professional development stipend: [$ amount] annually
- [Transit pass/cell stipend/401(k) match], as applicable
🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Lead a high-impact volunteer program that directly advances our mission
- Own meaningful KPIs, test ideas, and see results quickly
- Join a supportive team that invests in your growth
🤝 Our Hiring Process
We review every application and reply within [timeframe]. Steps: intro call → short WorkScreen skills exercise → team interview → references.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. The brief evaluation helps us understand your strengths beyond the résumé.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Brief
[Company Name] seeks a Volunteer Coordinator to oversee recruitment, scheduling, training, and retention of volunteers across [program areas]. This role ensures the right people are in the right roles at the right time to maximize impact.
Responsibilities
- Recruit, screen, and onboard volunteers
- Build and maintain shift schedules; monitor coverage
- Provide training/resources; support volunteers on-site and remotely
- Track hours, compliance, and reporting in [system/tool]
- Coordinate volunteer recognition and appreciation activities
- Collaborate with program leads to align skills with needs
Requirements
- Experience in volunteer coordination or related field preferred
- Strong communication and organization skills
- Proficiency with Google Workspace/Microsoft 365 and spreadsheets
- Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends for events
Perks & Benefits
- Compensation: [Salary Range]/year | Type: [Full-Time | Part-Time] | Location: [City, State / Remote/Hybrid]
- Time Off: [#] PTO days, [#] paid holidays, [#] volunteer days
- Health: Medical, dental, vision
- Growth: [$ amount] annual learning stipend/mentorship
- Other: [Transit pass/cell stipend/401(k) match], as applicable
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link].
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase of Hiring
Once you’ve crafted a job post that truly connects with the right candidates, the next challenge is figuring out who’s worth moving forward.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Assess real skills — not just résumés
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
The result?
You save time, reduce bad hires, and make more confident, data-driven decisions.
post your Volunteer Coordinator job, share the link anywhere you recruit, and let WorkScreen take it from there.
FAQ
Beyond basic organizational skills, strong Volunteer Coordinators excel in:
- Communication: They can inspire, instruct, and resolve conflicts with clarity.
- Empathy & Relationship-Building: Volunteers are often driven by passion — coordinators need to connect with that.
- Problem-Solving: They can adapt schedules, fill gaps, and manage last-minute changes calmly.
- Leadership: They motivate volunteers without relying on pay as an incentive.
- Data & Tracking Skills: They can manage attendance records, hours, and compliance efficiently.
Salaries vary widely based on organization size, location, and whether the role is full-time or part-time.
- United States: Around $38,000–$52,000/year on average
- Canada: CAD $40,000–$55,000/year
- UK: £22,000–£28,000/year
Some nonprofits also offer benefits like health coverage, paid time off, and professional development stipends.
You’re likely ready if:
- You have more volunteers than current staff can effectively manage
- Volunteer turnover is high due to lack of structure or engagement
- Your programs are growing and need consistent coverage and training
- You want to improve volunteer retention and satisfaction
While some smaller organizations use unpaid coordinators, making the position paid can significantly improve consistency, accountability, and program growth. Paid coordinators often have more time to dedicate, which benefits both volunteers and the community served.
