At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our volunteer programme, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
- Company: Join FARA Foundation, a charity making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, employee support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for personal growth and impactful work in a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team driving change and supporting vulnerable children in Romania.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer coordination and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
FARA Foundation was founded in 1991 by Jane Nicholson, driven by the sight of the appalling images of neglected and starving children in Romania’s state institutions, in the wake of the fall of Ceaușescu in Romania. In 1992, recognising that the need was great and funds were going to be required, the first FARA Charity Shop opened in August 1992. FARA Charity Shops are the heart of our fundraising efforts, providing the majority of income to support our ongoing work with vulnerable children and families in Romania. Stylish and community-driven, FARA shops offer a distinctive reuse second-hand retail experience in 39 vibrant shops across 26 London communities.
We have an exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity for an experienced Volunteer Coordinator to join FARA Foundation at this pivotal time. This critical new role for the organisation will play a key role in the development and growth of volunteering across all areas of the organisation with special emphasis on the retail arm. We are looking for someone who has previous experience working as a Volunteer Coordinator in a Charity Retail environment who is keen to use their experience and develop their skills and expertise further in this important role.
This post will need to work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Trading Director, Retail Area Managers and shop managers to ensure that they operate to a high standard and in an effective and efficient manner. This role requires a clear and confident manner, excellent written and spoken communication skills and the successful applicant will need to demonstrate good skills in writing and digital literacy. This role is expected to be physically present in shops, with travel across London between shops expected in each working week.
You will have great interpersonal skills and be willing to develop effective working relationships with all management, shop, support staff and volunteers. You will have desire to make things run effectively and smoothly; you will be able to plan and organise your work while having a high degree of motivation and good time management. You will be flexible and adaptable with the energy and enthusiasm to take on this role to help drive the charity forward.
The role is accountable for delivering the key volunteering objectives within the following areas within the 12-month period:
- Growth: Increased enquiries, applications, starts and active volunteer numbers in agreed priority shops or areas.
- Retention and experience: Improved engagement, recognition, retention and feedback from volunteers.
- Manager capability: Improved manager confidence and satisfaction in volunteer recruitment and support, including use of the stepping stones volunteering competency as a measure of progress.
- Consistency: Agreed recruitment, onboarding, induction, engagement, recognition and exit processes are used consistently.
- Impact visibility: Clearer data on volunteer numbers, activity, retention, hours, impact and contribution.
- Compliance: Volunteering practice remains compliant, proportionate, inclusive and clearly distinct from employment arrangements.
What We Offer:
- Salary will be commensurate with the role, circa £36,000 per year.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Enhanced sick pay (subject to conditions).
- 29 days holiday including bank and public holidays.
- Working across the estate, with opportunities for some home working.
A cover letter (max two pages) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you’re excited about this role.
Applications Deadline: 31st July 2026
Interview dates:
- Round one: Online w/c 10th August 2026 (online via Zoom).
- Round two: In Person w/c 24th August 2026 (Teddington or Islington).
Volunteer Coordinator in London employer: faraonline
FARA Southfields is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment where employees can truly make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. With a strong focus on community engagement, our team enjoys a supportive culture that fosters personal growth and development, alongside benefits such as enhanced sick pay, generous holiday allowances, and employee discounts. Join us and be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and celebrates your successes!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Coordinator in London
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like faraonline!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at faraonline that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Coordinator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at faraonline. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for faraonline.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at faraonline!
How to prepare for a job interview at faraonline
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of faraonline resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Volunteer Coordinator position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
