Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Volunteer Program Managers
Entry-level roles in volunteer management are often bundled into other positions at smaller nonprofits, such as "event planning" or "adoption operations manager," so reading job descriptions carefully is key; seeking out roles mentioning "volunteer coordination" or "volunteer management" will provide valuable experience.
Volunteer Management, Event Planning, Internship Opportunities, Nonprofit Sector, Job Description Analysis
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Grace Souza
Manager of Volunteer Programs
Adler Planetarium
Loyola Marymount University
N/A
English, Writing & Education
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Human Resources (HR)
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Many entry-level positions incorporate volunteer coordination, even if not explicitly stated in the title.
2. Look for keywords like "event planning", "adoption operations", or other related terms in job descriptions, as these roles may involve significant volunteer management.
3. Gaining relevant experience through internships is highly recommended for those interested in volunteer coordination or management.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
It's unusual to have a specific volunteer coordinator role, especially at smaller nonprofits. Volunteer coordination or management is often integrated into other entry-level positions.
For example, roles like event planning or even internships might offer exposure to volunteer coordination without being exclusively focused on it. Therefore, I always advise people to carefully read job descriptions.
If you're interested in working with people and see a role like "Events Manager" or "Adoption Operations Manager," which may not sound directly people-focused, check if it includes volunteer coordination or management. These roles often provide excellent exposure to volunteer management, which you can then leverage in your next position or internship.
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