At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance volunteering activities to support Cancer Research UK's mission.
- Company: Join the world's largest independent cancer research charity.
- Benefits: Generous benefits package, career development opportunities, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel; must reside in the Southeast, Southwest, or Greater London.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in relationship building, project management, and a passion for volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Senior Volunteering Trading Partner
Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement
Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Home based (Southeast, Southwest and Greater London) with regular travel (must have drivers licence and a car). The successful candidate must reside on patch.
Closing date: 2nd September 2026
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment Process: 2 stage competency based interview
Interview Dates: First interview w/c 14th September, 2nd Interview w/c 21st September
Who we are
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We're looking for a collaborative and influential volunteering specialist to play a key role in shaping and delivering volunteering activity across our Trading teams.
What will I be doing?
- Build strong relationships across Trading and wider organisational teams to support the effective delivery of volunteering priorities.
- Scope, develop and lead strategic projects, making recommendations that support organisational objectives and improve volunteer experiences.
- Design and deliver programmes that enhance volunteering and volunteer management capability across Trading teams.
- Analyse performance data and insight to identify trends, drive improvements and support business efficiency.
- Provide expert volunteering advice, including support with complex volunteer situations, complaints, compliance and safeguarding matters.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and deliver engagement and communication plans that support strategic change and organisational priorities.
What are we looking for?
- Experience of building effective relationships and influencing a range of stakeholders in complex environments.
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a variety of audiences.
- Experience of coaching, developing and supporting colleagues to build capability and confidence.
- Strong project management and organisational skills, with experience delivering multiple priorities and leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Ability to analyse information, identify trends and translate insight into practical recommendations and actions.
- Knowledge of and passion for volunteering and the charity sector, alongside a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Act with ambition, courage and determination.
- Act with rigour and professionalism.
- Act to have a positive impact on people.
- Act inclusively and collaboratively.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner.
We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
As the world’s largest independent cancer research charity, we conduct research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Our aim is to see 3 in 4 people survive cancer by 2034 and our staff are integral to achieving that ambition.
Cancer Research UK offers you excellent prospects to expand your career as well as the ability to make a real difference to the lives of others. We're always looking for sharp, brave, and collaborative people to join Cancer Research UK and continue to make it a great place to work.
Divisional Volunteering Specialist (South) in Hounslow employer: Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stratford, London, where you can make a meaningful impact on health partnerships. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work/life balance, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Volunteering Specialist (South) in Hounslow
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Cancer Research UK.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Cancer Research UK.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Cancer Research UK.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Cancer Research UK. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Volunteering Specialist (South) in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Cancer Research UK. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Divisional Volunteering Specialist (South), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Cancer Research UK. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!