Tool: Position Descriptions

The success of your organization depends on the quality of your volunteer base. Therefore, you must have a clear understanding of what you can offer potential volunteers. In order to clarify what is expected of a volunteer, a position description is a very useful tool to entice someone to become part of your organization. It will give volunteers an idea of the part they play in the total picture of the organization. An added benefit is that a well-thought out position description can also help the organization clarify what it expects from the volunteer.

The first step in getting the "right" volunteers is to define the type of position that you are recruiting for. This will help ensure that not only does the organization get the right person for the job but that the potential volunteer finds what he/she is looking for.

Position descriptions assist in defining job responsibilities, recruiting volunteers and outlining training needs. Few organizations would consider hiring a staff person without a job description, yet rarely is this recognized as being important for the recruitment of volunteers.

Position descriptions are useful tools that list all the qualifications needed to do a particular job. It will also give volunteers an idea of the part they play in the total picture of the organization. If an organization fails to have position descriptions in place, then the role of the volunteer is seen to be undervalued by that group. This in turn may undermine the overall effectiveness of the organization. Position descriptions should go beyond the qualifications of the job. They should include the benefits, too. Most volunteer opportunities offer, at a minimum, flexible hours and training. You might also be able to provide ongoing training, a chance to learn new skills or even opportunity for travel. These are all selling points to help you attract the volunteers you want, so be sure to include them.

Each position in your organization, whether paid or volunteer, should have a written job description. Here are some useful categories to help develop or revise your job descriptions.¹⁰