Abstract

This effective practice outlines different career paths available to the volunteer resource manager who is ready to make a commitment to the profession of volunteer management. It includes information on “spicing up” a current job, outlines some of the options for moving to a different position, and also examines external career moves. This effective practice was shared at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in June 2009 by Susan J. Ellis, Energize, Inc, and co-presenter Betty Stallings.

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Issue

Too often people who coordinate volunteer efforts see their position as a “job” rather than a career. This is partly because it’s hard to identify a clear career ladder for advancement; so moving up is perceived as moving out. Perhaps the real goal is for all volunteerism practitioners to eventually become executive directors or CEOs in their own right – and then advocate for volunteer management.

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Action

Spice up your present job – internally

• Experiment with new volunteer-related projects
• Grow your program – size, staff, schedule, tasks
• Form collaborations as a community resource mobilizer
• Volunteer for in-house committees and task forces
• Form an advisory council and/or recruit advisors
• Document the history and accomplishments of your program

Spice up your present job – externally

• Become active in a professional association
• Write something for publication
• Read and learn
• Take a course
• Teach a course
• Offer to do a workshop at a conference
• Exchange consultancies with a colleague
• Volunteer your professional skills (become a board member)

Aim to move up in your present setting
Consider what career path could include oversight of the volunteer program

Make a lateral move
Become a leader of volunteers in a

• Similar setting
• Totally different setting
• Setting that didn’t realize it needed someone with volunteer management experience

Widen your geography

• Look at regional and national networks and associations
• Think globally
• Use vacation time to do international exchange
• Use the Internet and become active online

Go independent

• Do consulting or training on the side
• Start your own company

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Outcome

Besides leading to greater career satisfaction, these practices can help empower the next generation of volunteer managers.

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