Head of Department, Volunteer Management

Job Purpose

Provide strategic leadership for the Singapore Red Cross’ (SRC) volunteer and membership management. Lead the recruitment, engagement, retention, and recognition of members and volunteers. Build and sustain a strong volunteer ecosystem through training, development, and volunteer leadership pathways that support the Society’s humanitarian programmes and services.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of SRC’s Volunteer Management strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and national volunteerism priorities.
• Drive innovation in volunteer engagement models, including episodic, long-term, skills-based, and digital volunteering opportunities.
• Oversee volunteer deployment frameworks to ensure effective and sustainable support across SRC services.
• Monitor and evaluate volunteer management systems, processes, and initiatives to ensure relevance, efficiency, and impact.

People & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop staff within the Volunteer Management team to achieve high performance, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Coach and empower staff to match volunteers’ skills and interests with organisational needs.
• Promote a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and volunteer-centred practice within the department and across SRC.

Volunteer Engagement & Development

• Develop and implement structured volunteer pathways, including induction, training, mentorship, and leadership development programmes.
• Collaborate with SRC departments to design specialised training that enhances volunteer skills for humanitarian service.
• Oversee volunteer recognition and appreciation initiatives, strengthening motivation and retention.
• Champion volunteer well-being and safeguard their experience within the organisation.

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, community partners, corporates, and educational institutions to strengthen volunteer participation and impact.
• Represent SRC in national and international volunteerism platforms to share best practices and strengthen external collaboration.
• Promote the SRC volunteer brand and thought leadership in the field of humanitarian volunteer management.

Data, Resources & Governance

• Oversee Volunteer Management Systems (Member & Volunteer Database) accompanying mobile application and other relevant and related volunteer management resources, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality.
• Use data-driven insights to track trends, assess impact, and guide decision-making.
• Prepare and present periodic reports for senior management, Council, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with policies, governance standards, and ethical practices in volunteer management.

Membership Management

• Develop and implement strategies to expand and diversify SRC’s membership base across different demographic groups.
• Design and deliver membership benefits, programmes, and activities to strengthen member loyalty, participation, and sense of belonging.
• Work closely with Marketing & Communications and Resource Development to plan and execute membership campaigns and promotional initiatives.

Job Specifications

Qualifications and Experience

• Recognised university degree in Social Sciences, Human Resource Management, Community Development, or related disciplines.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in volunteer management, social services, or humanitarian fields, including a minimum of 2 years in a leadership/management role.

Additional Skills and Knowledge

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and organisational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, and report-writing ability.
• High analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to innovate and adapt.
• Proficiency in volunteer management systems and digital tools for engagement.

Desired Behavior

• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong initiative and creativity.
• Collaborative and people-centred leadership style.
• Passionate advocate for volunteerism and humanitarian service.
• Ability to inspire and engage diverse groups of people towards a shared mission.