Volunteering Development Worker

We are seeking a proactive and passionate individual who is dedicated to working collaboratively with partners across the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), public and private sectors.

Salary: £28,382.64 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week 

Location: Based in the Macc office in Manchester City Centre but with some remote working

Deadline: 31 January 2025, 12pm (noon)

Dates for interviews: 13 February 2025 all day

Purpose of the role 

To support the delivery and ongoing development of a quality and responsive volunteering brokerage service for people that live, work or study in the City of Manchester; by working closely with volunteer-involving organisations and groups to identify and develop new volunteering opportunities; and to provide a range of services in support of developing good practice in volunteer involvement. This role will lead on the active communities’ objective to support a growing range of opportunities for local people to be active citizens in their communities.

The role involves supporting to deliver activities that are based on or enhance Macc’s Volunteer Centre Quality accreditation status (VCQA), and the 5 core functions of a volunteer centre: Strategic Development of Volunteering, Good Practice Development, Developing Volunteering Opportunities, Voice of Volunteering and Brokerage.

Main duties of the role 

Being Supportive 

• Providing information, advice and guidance that offers supportive pathways into volunteering and other relevant programmes and initiatives that are of benefit and value (e.g. education, employment and training). 
• Engage people that access the volunteer centre, projects and services as stakeholders in reviewing satisfaction and developing services. 
• Contributing to bid writing and fundraising activities to support income generation and sustainability of projects and services; and similar in pursuit of achieving awards and accreditation (e.g. Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation). 
• Contribute to maintaining Macc’s database of volunteers and records of opportunities advertised.

Being Collaborative 

• Work with volunteer-involving organisations to help them identify 'new' and creative approaches to developing volunteering opportunities and volunteer-based projects; that respond to needs and areas for development, and build capacity. 
• Maintain and seek new opportunities for relationships with key agencies across Manchester (and further afield) and develop suitable partnerships with partner and provider organisations; to promote and raise the profile of the volunteer centre and other projects, deliver information sessions and training, and engage them as stakeholders in review and development. 
• Support with volunteer co-ordinators forum to increase networking and collaboration and provide peer to peer support and development.

Being Influential 

• Organising and delivering presentations and workshops to facilitate volunteering brokerage and share information about the volunteer centre and other projects and services (e.g. annual Volunteering and Social Justice Fair).
• Organising or participating in relevant events, meetings and networks to raise the profile of volunteering projects, and support people in the profession of volunteer management. 
• Providing information, advice and guidance to volunteer-involving organisations to help them develop and uphold good practice; policies, procedures and processes in their work with volunteers, and where appropriate referring to Macc’s Support for Groups and other teams within the organisation. 
• Work with the membership team on marketing and promotion activities for the volunteer centre; developing materials that are engaging and accessible, devising and composing content and campaigns for sharing via e-mail, social media and other methods that is consistent and in line with Macc’s branding and reputation.
• Support the organising of Volunteers week and engaging in outreach activities to promote the programme to support Manchester’s national celebration to recognise and reward volunteers for their hard work and participation in improving society. 
• Support with recognising and encouraging the community led mutual aid groups and informal volunteering in order to offer them support and encourage people to get involved with them. 
• Support with promoting a widening view of volunteering through providing information about opportunities to get involved in civic roles such as school governors, Magistrates, Older peoples network, Health Watch, community sponsorship, trustees to encourage citizens to get involved. 
• Support Macc's approach to employer supported volunteering to improve the quantity, quality and diversity of opportunities for people to give their time and skills through their employer. 
• Support with recording and sharing stories through our digital platforms to celebrate the strengths of the sector as a call to action more volunteers to get involved.
• Encourage creativity and innovation in the delivery of services and support and promote person and community centred approaches, for example:
• Support with the development of an influencing strategy for Macc and the local VCSE sector, identifying and addressing gaps and opportunities for engagement
• Work with key partners including Manchester City Council, Manchester Local Care Organisation and Manchester Foundation Trust to build relationships and develop new ways of working with VCSE organisations where the sector is involved, valued and resourced as equal partners.
• Constructively challenge people at all levels to ensure that the role of VCSE sector organisations and the wider community is understood and taken into account when making key decisions that have an impact on the welfare of Manchester residents.
• Support with recording and sharing stories through our digital platforms to celebrate the strengths of the sector as a call to action more people and organisations to get involved.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking a proactive and passionate individual who is dedicated to working collaboratively with partners across the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), public and private sectors. This role is designed for someone who:

• Communicates confidently and effectively with diverse stakeholders, including volunteers, organisations, and community groups.
• Brings experience in managing or coordinating volunteer programs and developing innovative opportunities.
• Is proficient in IT systems and digital tools, including social media platforms, to promote and support volunteering activities.
• Has knowledge of policies and best practices in volunteer management, including safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities while maintaining a commitment to quality and inclusivity.
• Demonstrates empathy, creativity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Values collaboration and brings an understanding of volunteering trends and opportunities in Manchester’s VCSE sector.
• Is committed to Macc’s values and passionate about making a difference in the community.

If you believe you can fulfil the role summary, we’d love to hear from you!

Attached is our recruitment pack, a short application form in which we ask you for some basic details and a few questions about your skills, knowledge and relevant experience. There is also an equalities monitoring form with simple questions and a GDPR statement which we ask you to confirm you have read. Applications should be emailed to pauline@macc.org.uk

Deadline: 31 January 2025, 12pm

Dates for interviews: 13 February 2025 all day.

For an informal conversation regarding this post, please contact Pauline Clark before submitting your application. Email: pauline@macc.org.uk or telephone 0161 834 9823.

Macc is passionate about ensuring that everyone has a fair chance and that they are treated equally. We are aware of the underrepresentation of certain groups and communities in our sector. These include but are not limited to, people from racialised or minoritised backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ and those from working-class backgrounds. We want to change this and commit to playing our part in eradicating inequalities in both what we do and the way we do it.

Macc is an inclusive employer committed to building a diverse, effective workforce which reflects our local communities. We work hard to create a supportive, accessible environment. We celebrate difference, and welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds, skills and abilities, recognising value in different perspectives.

If you require access to these documents in alternative formats, or if you have comments that would support us to improve access to our application processes more generally, please do contact us via email pauline@macc.org.uk or telephone us on 0161 834 9823.