When hiring a Volunteer Management Professional, you will want to look for someone who is internationally certified in Volunteer Management Administration. Check this link for more information.  Please contact the VMPC Certification Chair at .

A candidate who has completed a post-secondary certificate or degree in volunteer management will possess advanced knowledge in the field of volunteer management.

National, international and provincial conferences on volunteer management are offered throughout the world. A Volunteer Management Professional who is dedicated to continuing professional development will have attended conferences, presented at them, or helped to organize local conferences. Canadian national conferences are advertised each spring on the VMPC Website.

Local workshops are organized in many places focusing on specific skill building for the Volunteer Management Professional. Professionals in the field will be engaged in these local professional development opportunities as participants, presenters and organizers. For more information about local professional development opportunities check the websites of provincial organizations on the VMPC website.

Active and continuous membership with VMPC as well as with provincial or local professional associations is also a very important in order to remain abreast of the current trends and latest information regarding the profession.

VMPC has created an Interview Guide with questions that test a candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities related to each key element of volunteer administration outlined in the National Occupational Standards. These questions come with a response guide to assist you in finding the best possible candidate for your position.

The salary levels for Volunteer Management Professionals vary according to responsibilities and regional and sectoral differences. A recent survey of VMPC members revealed that salaries range from $40,000 to over $100,000 per annum depending on the role, responsibilities, sector and region. VMPC has identified ten criteria to help you establish an appropriate salary range for the position. The criteria include responsibilities, supervision, budget, risk management, partnerships, program complexity and the reporting relationship.

The position description of a Volunteer Management Professional may vary with each organization.  Small organizations often combine the responsibilities with other related functions.  In larger organizations, there may be several staff with various levels of responsibility, or with specialization in certain functions, such as Directors, Managers and Coordinators.  The National Occupational Standards provides detailed lists of the tasks and responsibilities of Volunteer Management Professionals.

No matter the size of your organization, recruit an individual who has a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate in Volunteer Resources Administration from an accredited post-secondary institute, is internationally CVA certified or willing to certify, is actively involved in the profession and demonstrates commitment to volunteerism.  Ensure they have the experience and leadership required to be successful in your organization as well as the necessary managerial, communication and people skills.

The Position Profiles tool describes the typical job duties and position titles for volunteer management professionals working at three levels of responsibility.  They are intended as a companion resource to the National Occupational Standards to help employers develop or update a Volunteer Management Professional job description specific to their needs.

The Position Description Template outlines the key elements in the management of volunteer resources.  It can be used as a starting point for developing a specific position description for your organization.

The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for each element in the position description have been identified for employers.  They also form the framework for the selection of interview questions and curriculum for professional development, and correlate with the National Occupational Standards.

If your organization is interested in achieving the best outcomes for clients and volunteers, you need a qualified professional to manage volunteer resources. Someone who is highly sensitive to the needs, preferences and capabilities of volunteers and can match these with organizational priorities to build a stronger profile for your organization. Volunteer Management Professionals can enhance relationships with staff and volunteers, prepare volunteers to act as ambassadors for your organization, minimize risk to the organization, and increase opportunities for community awareness and partnerships.

• Do volunteers contribute to the success of your organization?
• Do volunteers complement the work of your staff?
• Are the volunteers motivated and committed to your cause?
• Do volunteers get appropriate recognition that encourages them to continue to give and help them grow?
• Are volunteers always challenged to give their very best?

Investing in a Volunteer Management Professional will ensure that you can answer a resounding “Yes!” to each of these questions – and your organization will realize the very positive potential of volunteer engagement in your mission and goals.