Volunteer Development Manager

Job Introduction

We are looking for an experienced, out-going Manager with strategic vision to create and lead volunteering development plans across Northern Ireland; increasing the number of volunteers and ensuring volunteering operates and develops in line with best practice and policy. You will play an integral part of the UK-wide Management Team and help deliver a Volunteer Development Plan locally.

Educated to degree level or equivalent, you will have experience of operating at a management level in a voluntary sector organisation or related field/sector.  You will have experience of managing multiple projects as well as recruiting and developing volunteers.  You will have experience of managing a budget and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

12 Month Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover

Role Responsibility

• Effectively line manage the Northern Ireland volunteer development team and indirectly manage and support and coach other National staff relating to volunteering matters.

• Drive a targeted volunteer recruitment plan and ensure the volunteers’ journey is clear and qualitative from recruitment to exit.
• Directly and indirectly supervise, support and develop a team of individual volunteers to build our capacity to support people living or affected by diabetes.
• Ensure all policies relating to volunteers are communicated, understand and adhered to by all internal teams and their volunteer.

• To have ultimate responsibility for the overall project management and performance of the local volunteer development team, and achieving  ‘individual volunteering plans’ and ‘local group and community plans’ for Northern Ireland
• Inform and determine the future direction of volunteering and review internal operations and practice to support any changes
• To be a integral part of the local management team informing and influencing overall National plans and inform new volunteering approaches
• Manage identified groups and guide the national volunteer staff [and any Individual volunteers who support groups], in supporting and assisting groups to work in line with the Group Agreements and other relevant policy and guidance.

• Take a community engagement and development approach to volunteering - embedding strength based ways of working throughout volunteering 
• Scope and assess the need for volunteers and develop and implement an effective recruitment plan in line with organisational and local priorities
• Evaluate volunteering initiatives, impact and outcomes, and implement improvements as necessary.

• Develop and lead a marketing and promotion plan
• Ensuring the effective co-ordination of volunteer events and training across the region/s.

• Ensure that volunteers work in a safe and supportive environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
• Undertake the role and responsibility as the Nations Safeguarding Lead and take responsibility for health and safety and data protection relating to volunteering and groups, supported by your line Manager and Head of Volunteering.

The Ideal Candidate

The best person for this job will be able to:

• Build relationships, motivate and influence a wide range of audiences including paid colleagues, and volunteers, including experience of working across many teams within a multi-site organisation
• Develop and deliver training to a range of audiences, including volunteers, colleagues and healthcare professionals
• Manage multiple projects including the recruitment, selection and retention of volunteers
• Demonstrate an understanding of the organisations that support people with long term conditions (e.g. NHS services, local authorities) (desirable)

The best person for this job will have experience in:

• Operating at a management level in the voluntary sector organisation or a related field/sector and across multiple locations
• Line management and supporting personal development planning
• Developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation tools 
• All aspects of organising and delivering training or seminars for groups of people in external venues

The best person for this job will be:

• Experienced in, and have knowledge of, safeguarding policies and procedures concerning children and vulnerable adults
• Experienced in project management, remaining calm under pressure
• Willing to work flexibly and outside of normal office hours and weekends and to travel throughout the UK.

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays 
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working 
• Discounts on gym membership and days out 
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual Season ticket loan 
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and permanent health insurance 

About the Company

Diabetes is the most potentially devastating – and fastest growing – health crisis of our time, requiring ongoing high-quality care and support. There are currently 4.5 million people in the UK living with diabetes, and 11.9 million more at increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Those diagnosed face the risk of life-changing, and life-limiting, complications, unless they are given the very best care and the support they need to manage their condition well. As a society we need to work together now – and take action now – to fund critical research, improve healthcare and treatment, and prevent yet more people developing this potentially life-threatening condition. 

Diabetes UK is a forward thinking and commercially focused organisation, and is the leading charity for the 4.5 million people with the condition in the UK.

As we continue to improve our processes, through continual development and change, this is an exciting time to join us. With established funding streams and following on from the success of our previous five-year plan, we are in a strong position to continue developing and responding to changing environments.

We rely heavily upon the expertise and motivation of our staff in order to work towards our many aims and meet objectives. We aim to be an equal opportunity employer; the organisation recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. We gladly make the adjustments required for people with disabilities to join us. Our diverse functions mean that we can offer you a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.

Under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, as amended in particular by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 this post is subject to pre-employment criminal records checks through the Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS), Disclosure Scotland, Access NI.  

Diabetes UK recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. 

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm – if you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To Learn more about the work we do - Click here

Diabetes UK