Volunteer Services Manager

Role overview

Waipuna Hospice is seeking an enthusiastic Volunteer Services Manager to lead and strengthen the volunteer function in Tauranga. This role is central to ensuring the organisation has a capable, engaged, and sustainable volunteer workforce that supports care delivery and wider organisational goals.

The position suits someone who enjoys combining strategy with practical delivery, building strong relationships, and creating positive outcomes for people and the community.

About Waipuna Hospice

Waipuna Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care across the Western Bay of Plenty, often supporting people in their homes. The organisation also operates an inpatient unit in Te Puna for those needing additional care. It is a charity supported by fundraising, charity shops, and partial government funding.

The hospice is guided by a purpose to champion equitable end-of-life care, with a vision of compassionate care for all. Its values focus on inclusivity, courage, simplicity, and guardianship.

What you will do

As the Volunteer Services Manager, you will turn organisational priorities into effective volunteer services. You will lead efforts across volunteer attraction, recruitment, retention, and engagement, while working closely with leaders throughout the organisation.

• Guide and develop Volunteer Coordinators to create a capable, high-performing team
• Plan volunteer workforce supply to align with day-to-day and strategic service needs
• Work with internal leaders to improve volunteer engagement and the overall volunteer experience
• Use data, feedback, and insights to improve volunteer services continuously
• Build relationships in the community to attract and expand the volunteer base
• Maintain compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and health and safety standards

This position offers the chance to influence how volunteers contribute to patient care and to the broader success of the organisation.

About you

You are likely an experienced leader who is comfortable in complex, relationship-focused settings and can move easily between big-picture planning and hands-on implementation.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in HR, business, health, community services, or a similar area, or equivalent experience
• Solid experience leading people, including coaching, mentoring, and team development
• Background in delivering services that align with organisational strategy and operational requirements
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influence skills across a range of levels
• Experience managing workforce or volunteer lifecycle processes such as recruitment, onboarding, and retention
• A collaborative, practical, and solutions-oriented approach with strong communication skills

Experience in volunteer services, the not-for-profit sector, or health settings would be an advantage, along with knowledge of effective volunteer management practices.

What we offer

• A friendly, enjoyable, and supportive team culture
• Good working conditions
• Wellness programmes for staff wellbeing
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development
• A competitive pay package
• Discounts with local dentists, pharmacies, and health insurance providers
• Free on-site parking

Community and inclusion

Waipuna Hospice is committed to working with local iwi and to strengthening equity and inclusion across the organisation. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds and cultures.

The organisation also recognises that valuable experience can come from whānau life, community involvement, or volunteering (mahi aroha), not only from formal study or paid employment. Applicants are invited to share their story and lived experience in their cover letter.

Waipuna Hospice respects individual diversity and spiritual needs and aims to provide a safe, supportive environment for everyone.

Application process

The selection process may include interviews, role-related testing, reference checks, and pre-employment screening.

Applications will be considered as they are received and will stay open until the position is filled.