Job Description

Job post summary

Pay:

25,000.00-27,000.00 per year

:

Our Special Friends (OSF) aims to help people benefit from the companionship of animals and support them through difficult times. We promote, preserve and provide animal companionship and we champion animal companionship support services for people in need in the local community. We provide practical advice and emotional support to individuals who are having difficulty caring for their pet or who are missing the companionship of an animal. We coordinate local community support to help people to enjoy the companionship of animals without the worry.

As the Volunteer Support Manager (Maternity Cover), you will oversee the recruitment, training and support of volunteers undertaking a variety of roles within Our Special Friends. You will monitor all administrative support to ensure all documentation, policies and records relating to volunteering are current. You will work alongside the Service Delivery Team to facilitate client matches and support cases.

Location:

Our Special Friends, Unit 4, The Vision Centre, 5 Eastern Way, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7AB

Schedule/Hours:

37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, 08:30-16:30 1- year maternity cover

Main Responsibilities:

Lead the recruitment of volunteers, aligned with areas of need identified by the team Overseeing staff and volunteers working on the volunteer support and management Build relationships with our volunteer community and support them to engage in their roles Review and develop protocols and policies relating to volunteering Develop and deliver training to volunteers, identifying opportunities for learning. Source external training opportunities where appropriate Monitor volunteer feedback and address any concerns Provide ongoing support and implement strategies for volunteer retention Encourage and coordinate volunteer presence at events Ensure all administrative processes, policies, and records for managing volunteers are maintained accurately and efficiently Represent OSF by networking with volunteer forums and partner organisations Input and manage relevant data on the OSF IT database Work closely with the CEO and other team members to ensure OSF operations run smoothly, and volunteers are matched appropriately to activities Champion the values of OSF and undertake additional duties as required, in line with the role Provide monthly reports on key volunteer metrics and updates for Trustee Meetings, and statistics for other reports required for fundraising

Skills and Experience:

Essential:

Management of staff and/or volunteers Ability to build rapport quickly and maintain effective working relationships Strong written and verbal communication skills Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database management Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload Confidentiality and discretion Ability to develop professional and productive relationships with a range of stakeholders, including members of the public, staff, volunteers and partner organisations Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence Ability to work independently as well as part of a team Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion Clear boundaries with working relationships and to help others set their own Team management and recruitment practices Ability to record, evaluate, and analyse information for reporting

Desirable experience of:

Working in the charity sector and/or a grassroots organisation Delivering support to the public, particularly people experiencing vulnerability Developing and delivering training opportunities Networking Experience using social media and other online platforms Educated to senior school or degree level

Benefits:

25 days holiday plus public holidays 3% employer pension contribution Dog friendly office Relaxed dress code Employee assistance
This role profile reflects the responsibilities required at present. It is not intended as a comprehensive list of duties and may be reasonably varied by OSF management to include tasks within the same level of responsibility and scope.

How to Apply:

Please write a cover letter detailing how your skills match the job description and why you feel that you would be a good fit for the role and submit alongside your CV via email to

office@ourspecialfriends.org

.

Interviews will commence on the week beginning 27th of October.

Start Date:

Beginning of December 2025

Job Type:

Full-time, 1- year maternity cover

Work Location:

In person

Application deadline:

As soon as possible.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 13 months

Pay: 25,000.00-27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person