Sabbatical Officer Job Description

Student Volunteering Coordinator Grade: Contract: Hours:

Grade 3.1 12 months fixed term contract, starting August 2020 09.00-17.00 Monday to Friday; with flexibility to work some evenings and weekends when required

The post holder will work closely within Experience Durham supporting Durham Student Volunteering and Outreach (DUSVO). Student Volunteering is a pillar of the Wider Student Experience at Durham University. Having recently received Investing in Volunteers re-accreditation Durham students now volunteer their time for over 35,000 hours per year spanning 80+ projects supporting: Social Inclusion, Complex Needs, Education, Sport & Physical Activity, the Environment and Global Citizenship.

As a University we are committed to further developing our volunteering programme and want to do so by further enhancing a supportive, stimulating and student-led culture which, we believe, promotes and enhances social interaction and successfully engages students and members of the wider local and regional community.

Responsible for: 

Leading on the recruitment of student volunteers and project leaders.

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Supporting student volunteers, liaise and meet with the student executive committee, and represent Experience Durham to the student population

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Raising awareness of volunteer and leadership roles whilst maintaining and engaging our existing network of volunteers.

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Designing and delivering exciting and student-led volunteering events running on and offcampus.

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Supporting the development of student volunteers, projects leaders and the student executive committee, whilst representing Experience Durham to the student population.

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Advertising volunteering opportunities through the weekly email, and provide scholars with information to update the website and social media.

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Increasing volunteer numbers across the UK through building connections and relationships with potential partners, stakeholders and individuals.

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Identifying key contacts and potential partners within universities, other education providers, volunteer centres, third sector organisations and other appropriate sources.

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Establishing and maintaining relationships via email, telephone and face-to-face.

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Acting in an advisory capacity to the student executive committee and to project leaders, supporting them in their role and managing their performance.

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Evaluating and planning a training schedule for the academic year covering both safeguarding and personal development, and adapt this schedule to meet the needs of volunteers.

Person specification 

Essential -

Educated to degree level (expected or achieved).

Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).

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Convey a genuine enthusiasm for community engagement.

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Ability to encourage and motivate student volunteers.

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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective communication with a wide range of individuals.

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Friendly and approachable manner, with a commitment to the principles and practices of equality and diversity.

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Ability to work as part of a team and to be receptive to new ideas.

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Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and on own initiative.

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Excellent IT skills in Microsoft Office, especially in Word and Excel.

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Experience of working as part of a team in a customer-focussed service to ensure the delivery of high quality services.

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Experience of managing time in order to meet deadlines.

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Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.

Desirable -

Good k of Durham University and the interest of its students.

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Full clean UK driving licence.

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Knowledge and experience of volunteering and the third sector.

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Proficient knowledge of DUSVO/SCA

This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

Applications The deadline for receipt of applications is 28th February at 5pm.

Applications should be submitted, by email to daniela.hoberg2@durham.ac.uk.

Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae and a covering letter of no more than 500 words explaining why you would like to be offered the post and what skills and experience you possess to allow you to succeed in the role. Successful candidates will then be invited to interview.

If you require any further information, please contact the current Student Volunteering Coordinator, Emily Kitching, on student.volunteering@durham.ac.uk.