Job Description

Volunteer Manager Opportunity

Location:

Cardiff / Hybrid

Reports to

: Head of Event Delivery

Type:

Full-Time, Permanent

Salary:

Band 2 (27,500 - 31,800)

Start Date:

ASAP

Join the team behind Wales' most iconic mass participation events.

At

Run 4 Wales (R4W)

, we bring communities together through unforgettable mass participation events and experiences. From big city marathons to coastal 10Ks and trail runs, we're driven by a desire to deliver world-class events with a positive social agenda.

We create life-changing experiences for thousands of participants at our events each year, whilst supporting grassroots sport and other community projects through our Charitable Foundation, with a focus on inspiring more children to become active and further broadening the diversity of participation in physical activity.

Our portfolio of events includes the iconic Cardiff Half Marathon (one of Europe's largest running events and a member of the SuperHalfs series), the ABP Newport Marathon Festival and CDF 10K. We're the owner of Always Aim High Events and a part of the London Marathon Group.

Working at Run 4 Wales

This is an opportunity to join a growing and forward-thinking company that rewards hard work and commitment with an engaging and flexible working environment.

The full-time position (working Monday-Friday) is based from the R4W office in Cardiff. Our hybrid working culture sees a mix of flexible home and office working, with the team typically coming together in person around 3 core days per week. Time in lieu is offered for working across a number of event weekends (currently 7 per year).

We're a close knit team that love what we do, approaching what we do with hospitality, humour and a set of shared values.

As well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits. These are just a few:

Generous holiday allowance (25 days + bank holidays), plus 3 additional paid days off over the Christmas holidays - for a healthy work/life balance Private health insurance Wellbeing days; half a day a month to do something that makes you feel good
Company pension scheme with generous employer matching

A fun, welcoming and positive workplace culture

Flexible working arrangements

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Reporting to the Head of Event Delivery, the postholder is responsible for managing and developing the volunteer programme for the Run 4 Wales group, which runs mass-participation events in Wales and South West England, including the Cardiff Half Marathon, ensuring consistent delivery of Run 4 Wales' objectives to deliver high-quality, sustainable mass-participation events.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer Recruitment and Strategy

Develop and maintain a comprehensive recruitment strategy to attract a high calibre and diverse pool of volunteers, ensuring targets are met across all events, while working alongside and learning from Always Aim High Events and London Marathon Events to strengthen best practices and enhance outcomes.

Programme and Brand Development

Lead the growth of the Extra Miler brand and volunteer programme by introducing innovative initiatives that engage volunteers and resonate with the wider community.

Digital and Marketing Outreach

Create engaging digital content for volunteer-focused social media channels and webpages, showcasing volunteer stories and the impact of their contributions. Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to utilise participant communication channels and ensure outreach attracts volunteers from varied backgrounds, ages, and genders. Conduct targeted marketing to local community groups and corporate organisations to expand group and employer-led volunteering.

Volunteer Management and Supervision

Recruit, train, and manage paid supervisors responsible for overseeing volunteer teams on event days. Handle all associated documentation, including right-to-work checks, agreements, shift confirmations, and post-event payroll data.

Event Documentation and Policies

Prepare event briefings, volunteer role descriptions, risk assessments, policies, and agreements to align volunteers with Run 4 Wales' values, set clear expectations, and ensure a consistent, positive experience.

Volunteer Engagement and Recognition

Sustain volunteer motivation through challenges, competitions, recognition awards, newsletters, training opportunities, and pre-event communications, fostering long-term commitment and enthusiasm.

Event Planning and Logistics

Support event, production, and course managers with pre-event logistics, including water stations, finish areas, and baggage zones. Develop volunteer plans, schedules, and documentation to ensure safe and successful event delivery.

Event Day Operations

Supervise volunteers, their supervisors, and the functional areas they support, ensuring smooth operations across all event zones. Manage the procurement and distribution of equipment and oversee the volunteer welcome area.

Volunteer Administration

Manage volunteer enquiries and data through the volunteer management system (Rosterfy), as well as via email, phone, website, and social media.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

Support organisational procedures to maintain appropriate health and safety standards for volunteers.

Monitoring and Reporting

Measure and report on volunteer data, including hours contributed, engagement levels, and satisfaction.

Collaboration and Resource Planning

Work closely with the Event Manager and Race Director to develop stewarding and marshalling plans, ensuring adequate course resources.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Prioritise tasks effectively under pressure and adapt quickly to changing circumstances during event delivery.

Knowledge and Continuous Improvement

Build a strong understanding of Run 4 Wales events and contribute to their ongoing improvement in line with the organisation's ethos and ambitions.

Budget Management and Team Support

Manage and monitor allocated budgets while assisting and supporting colleagues in overall event coordination.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Qualifications

A good standard of general education or equivalent professional experience. Proven knowledge or qualifications in digital media content creation. A valid UK driving licence, with less than 6 points. Knowledge and understanding of sporting events (desirable). Awareness or qualifications in event health and safety practices and risk assessments (desirable). Understanding or qualifications in HR practices and recruitment (desirable).

Experience

Demonstrable experience in team management or delivering successful volunteer programmes. Proven ability to recruit and supervise volunteers from diverse community sectors. Experience in community engagement and outreach Familiarity with management tools, processes, and practices. Practical experience in managing social media channels (desirable) Previous involvement in event delivery and operations (desirable). Experience in applying event health and safety practices (desirable).

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to engage and influence others. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work independently and take initiative. Effective time management, organisational, and evaluation skills. Collaborative approach with the ability to thrive in a team environment. Proficiency in IT and a range of software applications. Welsh language skills (desirable).

Attributes

Enthusiastic, committed, and motivated in approach to work. Willingness to drive company vehicles when required. Interest in maintaining an active lifestyle (desirable).

Availability

Flexibility to work event weekends

Why Join Run 4 Wales?

Help deliver memorable race day experiences and campaigns Be part of a small, passionate team making a big impact across Wales and beyond Work in an exciting industry and on some of the UK's most iconic events Enjoy a flexible working culture with opportunities to contribute and grow Work in a creative, collaborative environment that drives social impact Join a fast-growing company and access a range of benefits

Ready to Apply?

If you're passionate about marketing and excited to work in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, we want to hear from you.

You'll need to complete a few application questions and share an up-to-date CV. Please apply by our deadline of Friday 9th January Interviews will have concluded by the end of January

The Interview Process

There will be three stages to the interview process:

1.

Your Application

- Submit your CV and completed application form, detailing why you are interested in the opportunity and think you're suited to the role.

2.

The Initial Interview

- This interview will focus on the role itself and we'll be asking questions to assess your capabilities and suitability to the position.

3.

The Final Stage

- By reaching this stage, we want to give you the opportunity to get to know us better and ask any questions you may have. We'll also ask any follow up questions we may have and focus on our company values. This may occur as part of the initial interview, or in a follow-up call or interview.

We will continually review applications as they are submitted and reserve the right to invite candidates to interview or fill the position before the deadline date or conduct interviews, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews will take place in our office at Run 4 Wales, Capital Retail Park, Pod 1, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8EG.

Due to the volume of applications, it may not be possible to acknowledge all applications or provide feedback to candidates who are not selected for interview.

Run 4 Wales is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to delivering on our equality policies. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community, particularly under-represented groups. If you require assistance with your application, please email us via jobs@run4wales.org or write to us at Run 4 Wales, Capital Retail Park, Pod 1, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8EG.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,850.00-33,205.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Free parking On-site parking Private medical insurance
Application question(s):

Please outline how your knowledge, skills and experience meets the criteria required for this role (as outlined in the job advert). Please do not exceed 500 words. Tell us what has motivated you to apply for this role at Run 4 Wales: Please note that the box will expand as you type. However, please do not exceed 500 words. Please provide 2 references (one must be from your current or most recent employer) Do you have any unspent criminal convictions? Please confirm with either a yes or no below. Having a conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration. We assess all applications fairly and in line with our commitment to equality and diversity.
If you have any unspent convictions, please provide brief details in your application or contact us confidentially to discuss.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cardiff CF11 8EG