About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our busy team of Volunteer Development Managers. This is a maternity cover role and will be leading our volunteer development work throughout Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and in our overseas branches.

The Volunteer Development Team are tasked with implementing volunteering good practice through supporting SSAFA volunteer managers to attract, recruit, induct, support, and celebrate volunteers. The postholder will recruit our volunteer caseworkers themselves. This is achieved by working closely with regional offices, branches and multiple departments across SSAFA to ensure the volunteer experience is a positive one throughout their volunteer journey. 

It is expected that the work with overseas branches will be conducted remotely, and time differences may mean that the postholder will need to be flexible in arranging virtual meetings. There will be a requirement to travel to meetings within the UK.

About the team

The Volunteer Development Team are a relatively new team for SSAFA, developed as part of SSAFA@140 – one of our strategic change programmes. The team of six VDM’s, support dedicated regions across the UK and overseas, and work in partnership with volunteers, operational colleagues  and other key stakeholders to create a sustainable volunteer network that meets the needs of SSAFA beneficiaries.

About you

Previous experience of recruiting, working with, and engaging, volunteers across a geographical area is essential for you to hit the ground running and build effective working relationships with the rest of the VDM Team and branches in the area covered.

You will have an excellent understanding of volunteering good practice within recruitment, induction, management and celebration of volunteers and volunteering to enable you to support local areas to recruit effectively and retain their volunteers.

You will need to demonstrate your ability to manage volunteer data, have excellent IT skills and have drive and passion for the cause of the Charity.

If you have a passion for volunteering, share similar values to SSAFA’s and have a true commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please follow the instructions at the end of this advert to start the next step in your career.

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 54,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

Further information about the role

Download the full job description here.

Click here to view the benefits SSAFA has to offer.

If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Nancy Elkins on Nancy.Elkins@SSAFA.org.uk or Amy Bartlett on Amy.Bartlett@ssafa.org.uk to arrange an informal discussion.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

How to apply

Click on 'Start your application' now.

If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact recruitment@ssafa.org.uk

Closing date: Midnight on 8th February 2026. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: 23rd or 24th February 2026