Recruitment Manager

Recruitment Manager – Volunteer Role

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers ensure the charity runs smoothly across the UK, helping us “bring smiles to the faces of so many children.”

About The Role

The Recruitment Manager leads and oversees volunteer recruitment across all Make A Smile chapters. You will support Chapter Recruitment Officers, run central recruitment activities, and ensure volunteers can progress smoothly from first hearing about the charity to becoming fully qualified and ready to attend events.

Key Responsibilities

You will play a strategic and hands‑on role in growing the charity’s volunteer base. Responsibilities include:

● Overseeing the full volunteer journey - from first contact to becoming “Qualified” and event‑ready.  

● Providing guidance, training, and ongoing support to Chapter Recruitment Officers.  

● Ensuring Recruitment Officers run effective Introduction Training sessions, recruitment fairs, and outreach activities.  

● Identifying barriers that prevent volunteers from getting involved and working to reduce them.  

● Ensuring each chapter completes its Widening Access plan and implements inclusive recruitment practices.  

● Working closely with the Safeguarding Officer to support DBS checks and ensure Recruitment Officers can run DBS clinics correctly.  

● Maintaining and improving the Introduction Training slides and ensuring content remains high‑quality and up to date.  

● Running a monthly online central Introduction Training session and advertising it across chapters and social media.  

● Proactively seeking new recruitment opportunities, including volunteering platforms, fairs, and partnerships.  

● Supporting and overseeing the Widening Participation (WP) Officer, who recruits 16–18‑year‑old volunteers.  

● Collaborating with the PR Officer and Conference Officer to raise awareness and attend recruitment events.  

● Reporting recruitment challenges, barriers, and chapter needs at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone energetic, organised, and passionate about helping people get involved. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong communication and people‑engagement skills.  

● Confidence in motivating and supporting volunteers.  

● A proactive, solution‑focused mindset.  

● Creativity in finding new recruitment opportunities.  

● The ability to manage multiple chapters and keep track of progress.  

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”).  

Experience in recruitment is helpful but not essential - enthusiasm and commitment matter most.

Time Commitment

Recruitment Managers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including supporting chapters, running central training, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).  

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).  

● Guidance from the Chair, Safeguarding Officer, and fellow Trustees.  

● Access to recruitment guides, training materials, and templates.  

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Experience leading recruitment across a national charity.  

● Skills in volunteer engagement, training delivery, and inclusive recruitment.  

● Leadership experience supporting multiple chapter teams.  

● The chance to shape the volunteer experience and strengthen the charity’s impact.  

● The joy of helping new volunteers join a community that brings magic to children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Recruitment Managers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send a CV along with a short message outlining your experience, interest in recruitment, and why you’d like to support Make A Smile.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.