At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and supervise volunteers, coordinate recruitment, and organise social events.
- Company: Join the Iona Community, a vibrant movement for justice and peace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £9,350 annual allowance with all rent, bills, and food covered.
- Other info: Experience a unique environment on the beautiful Isle of Iona.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a welcoming community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for community work and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 9350 - 9350 £ per year.
OVERVIEW OF THE ORGANISATION
The Iona Community is an international, ecumenical Christian movement working for justice and peace, the rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship. Our Community was founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1938 by Rev George MacLeod, a visionary and social reformer.
MISSION OF THE IONA COMMUNITY
Inspired by our faith, we pursue justice and peace in and through community.
JOB PURPOSE
Iona Abbey is a place of welcome, hospitality and challenge, through our daily rhythm of worship, meals, shared tasks and guest programme. The work and presence of volunteers is essential as we build community week by week. Our volunteers come from all over the world and from all walks of life, representing a wide range of experiences, age groups, cultural backgrounds and faith traditions. At Iona Abbey, we typically have around 15 volunteers at any one time. Most volunteers are here for between 6 and 12 weeks, so there are many welcomes and farewells throughout the season, from early March to mid-November. Over the season we welcome up to around 80 volunteers in total.
The primary purpose of the job is to ensure that all volunteers receive an appropriate level of support and supervision, from before they arrive until they leave. The postholder will also co-ordinate the recruitment process in close liaison with the Operations Manager and be responsible for encouraging and organising social events that help build the team. During the season, a large proportion of the time will be spent on welcoming, inducting, and carrying out 1-to-1 supervision with volunteers. The bulk of recruitment for the following year’s volunteer programme is done during the winter, working closely with the Operations Manager and Heads of Departments.
Application notes
An application form can be downloaded below.
- Recruitment Pack
- Application Form
Contact Details:
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Co-ordinator
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Co-ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
