What is volunteer management?

The people that make volunteering happen

Volunteer Managers and Coordinators lead volunteering at the frontline.

They design meaningful roles, recruit and support volunteers, manage risk and compliance, and build inclusive, positive experiences. Their leadership directly shapes volunteer satisfaction, retention and impact, turning goodwill into real outcomes for communities and causes.

There are more than 1.5 million volunteers in Western Australia making incredible impact, which could not happen without the volunteer-involving organisations, and Volunteer Managers, Leaders and Coordinators who drive these programs.

Volunteer Managers

Dependent on the activity, or size of a charity, Volunteer Managers could be volunteers themselves, or career managers in part or fulltime salaried roles.

Organising, guiding, and supporting volunteers

Responsibilities can vary dependent on the size of the organisation, and could include:

Promoting, recruiting and matching volunteers to different roles
Onboarding, training and inductions
Designing and delivering volunteer roles and community programs aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

Effective management and leadership can:

Increase volunteer confidence and competence
Improve retention and satisfaction
Build a stronger, more resilient volunteer program
Help volunteers make a greater impact

Did you know?

In 2025, ‘Volunteer Coordinator’ was officially recognised as an occupation in the inaugural edition of the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA). This followed a widespread review of Australian and New Zealand occupations, but also reflects the advocacy of Volunteering Australia and the Australian peak bodies for volunteering.

Learn more

Georgina Bromfield is the Volunteer Manager for Dismantle, a not-for-profit providing support to help young people cope with challenges, develop personal and professional skills, and transition into the next phase of their life.
Alanagh Godderidge is the Founder and Volunteer Manager of Motion by the Ocean, a community organisation providing trishaw rides along the coast for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Sam’s Spares co-founders Samuel Thomas and Diane Lloyd provide volunteer opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. They work together to refurbish and reuse donated information technology, reducing electronic waste in WA.

International Volunteer Managers Day

International Volunteer Managers Day is celebrated around the world on 5 November each year.

Every day across Western Australia thousands of paid and unpaid volunteer managers support Western Australia’s 1.5 million volunteers to deliver much needed services that enhance the lives of those in need. Volunteer Managers lead with passion, wisdom and imagination and provide the leadership and direction that allow volunteers to contribute to the community.

Learn more