Volunteer Manager

Stand Alone is the only UK organisation supporting people who are estranged from family or a key family member. We are excited to have received National Lottery Community Fund funding to expand our regional work through developing a volunteer-led model.

We're looking for a strategically-minded team player to come on board 4 days per week, and lead the design and successful execution of this exciting new direction of work for the organisation.

We are a young charity, working with people who are experiencing family estrangement or disownment. In our six years as a registered charity, we have developed research, influenced policy and have created specialised support for those who have an estranged relationship with their family or key family member. Our support services currently operate in five areas of the UK and we are shortly expanding into Scotland.

Breaking down isolation, stigma and encouraging social inclusion is at the heart of our constitution, and our support groups often bring together people who feel they are the only person without a supportive or loving family network to rely on. More specifically, issues connected to divorce, honour based violence, forced marriage and family rejection of LGBTQI+ are common in our community.

About the role…

The charity has a committed following of beneficiaries who are impacted by the issue of family estrangement. We’re looking for a dynamic and independent Volunteer Manager to develop and implement a strategy to build a network of local groups, utilising and growing our active base of supporters. These groups will plan their supportive activities and will eventually fundraise to become financially self-sustaining.

You will be taking our volunteer project from inception to realisation, developing a unique model of expansion, and building relationships with those who are engaged in our work and who want to offer their time.

You will be creating a structure through which volunteers can engage with the charity, initially in London and Sheffield, with a view to expanding into further areas across the UK over time. With the help of the board of Trustees, you will ensure strong governance and safeguarding procedures are in place.

You will be joining our small, part-time team 4 days per week (0.8FT).  

About you….

You will have professionally managed a long-term, person-centred project, and have a proven ability to engage volunteers into activities and/or projects. A strong knowledge and understanding of models of volunteering and engagement is vital, as is a strong understanding of community fundraising as a tool for local sustainability.   

You will be a team player with an open, communicative approach that is suited to a small team. Yet we are seeking a candidate that’s able to handle an independent workload confidently, and who is able to assert their experience to build a project.

This is an exciting juncture for the charity, and we are looking for someone who can come on board and own that moment.

How to Apply

We recommend that you visit the Stand Alone website before applying to understand more about our mission and vision, and we will be looking to see this reflected in your application. 

To apply, please send an up to date CV and a cover letter addressing the person specification and key experience on no more than two pages of A4. If you do not wish to apply online via Charity Job, you may apply by sending these documents in the post to: Stand Alone, 34b York Way, N1 9AB.

Interviews will be held on 22nd May 2019 with second interviews on 30th May 2019.

Key Experience

Proven ability to lead a long-term, person-centred engagement project from inception to realisation in charity, private or public sectors (E)

Proven ability to support and build community fundraising initiatives (E)

Proven ability to effectively strategise, in order to engage, recruit and retain volunteers (E)

Development of models for volunteering, advocacy or similar that are scalable and sustainable (E)

Ability to create and support strong financial governance and accountability procedures (E)
Guiding groups of volunteers to work within the framework of the brand, and its central strategic objectives and initiatives. (E)

Ability to create an environment to enable a diverse and inclusive project (E)

Ability to measure impact and create impact measurement tools and processes (E)

Personal experience of and passion for volunteering (E)

Proven ability of working with vulnerable groups and in particular those who may experience mental health issues (D)

Proven experience of working with safeguarding policies for vulnerable adults and managing associated risk (D)

Person Specification

A people person, able to confidently work with and motivate people, in order to build a strong network of active volunteers across the UK. (E)

An understanding of successful approaches to engaging and mobilising networks of people (E)

An ability to compassionately and patiently handle communication from people with complex needs. (E)

Willingness to be a team player in a small charity setting, with an ability to successfully structure and manage an independent workload. (E)

An ability to be open and consultative to find solutions to project and work related issues. (E)

Understanding of family dysfunction / breakdown (or willingness to learn) (E)

Awareness of mental health needs for adults who lack family connection (or willingness to learn) (E)

An understanding of boundaries, both professional and personal. (E)

Degree level qualification or equivalent work experience (E)  - ideally studies or work experience in social sciences, management, business or family related areas (D)

Valid right to work in UK for three years. (E)

An ability to travel between Sheffield and London regularly, working outside of regular 9-5 business hours. (E)

Understanding of safeguarding for vulnerable adults (D)