Business Support Assistant

Business Support Assistant, Volunteer Centre Dorset

 Salary: £21,779 (£26,421 pro rata)

Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week. Monday-Thursday 9-5
Contract: Fixed-term until September 2027
Location: Office-based in Dorchester (occasional travel across Dorset Council area)
Reports to: Office Manager
Start date: To be agreed

Purpose of the Role

Volunteer Centre Dorset supports Dorset’s voluntary and community sector to thrive, and champions volunteering for all. We also manage and deliver support to residents through a variety of projects designed to improve health, wellbeing and independence.

The Business Support role will support the effective delivery of Volunteer Centre Dorset’s projects by providing high quality administration, volunteer coordination and database support. The postholder will play a key role in ensuring volunteers and community members receive timely, accurate and compassionate support, while maintaining robust systems and records that enable the organisation to operate efficiently and demonstrate impact. Working across multiple projects, the Project Assistant will help strengthen relationships with volunteers and partners, ensure data is accurate and well maintained, and contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Project and Volunteer Support

• Provide general administrative support, to support the smooth running of the team, working simultaneously across a range of projects, multitasking in a number of areas of work
• Develop a working knowledge of VCD’s core operations and projects, working collaboratively with the team to be a point of contact for enquiries
• Respond to telephone and email enquiries, including triaging ‘asks for help’ from people across our community, particularly for those who are unwell, elderly or vulnerable
• Work alongside health and social care professionals, responding to referrals for Community Volunteers and assigning tasks
• Match community requests for volunteer-led support with suitable volunteers
• Communicate with a wide range of individuals and organisations to meet project objectives
• Signpost customers appropriately to alternative services
• Assist volunteers to register on our database, find and join our volunteering opportunities
• Help volunteers through the induction process for projects
• Build and maintain positive relationships with volunteers
• Maintain accurate records, files and documentation in line with organisational procedures
• Maintain a clean and updated database to ensure data accuracy and compliance for the wider team
• Support data quality by identifying and resolving duplicate, outdated or incomplete records
• Research for community contacts that are not currently engaged with our services – and who would benefit
• Assist with gathering evidence, statistics and reports that demonstrate the impact and value of VCD projects; capturing stories and case studies
• Deliver key VCD messages and encourage collaboration with groups, communities and beneficiaries
• Work flexibly, as part of a team, and independently making decisions when needed
• Adhere to all VCD policies and procedures

Person Specification

Essential

• Good knowledge of Office 365 programmes and IT systems
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and multitask
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and use own initiative
• Professional telephone and written communication skills
• Proactive approach to developing projects and workstreams leading to improvements
• Confidence working with relational databases and managing information accurately

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of working within the community or voluntary sector
• Experience using database or CRM systems
• Full driving licence and access to a car

What We Offer

• Contribution to impactful work improving lives and community resilience across Dorset.
• Being part of an experienced, passionate, supportive team committed to collaboration and making a tangible impact.
• A fun, dynamic working environment within a values-led organisation.
• Mileage allowance and relevant travel expenses reimbursed.
• Opportunities for training, personal development, and networking.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application to [email protected] including:

• Your CV
• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 5^th April
Interviews expected: Week commencing 13^th April
For further information contact: Office Manager on 01305 269214 or [email protected]