High School

In high school, take as many college preparatory classes as possible. Courses in English, foreign languages, and speech will help you communicate effectively with volunteers and coworkers. Computer science classes—especially those in database management—will help you learn how to use computers to manage information on volunteers and projects. Other useful classes include mathematics, psychology, business, and marketing.

Postsecondary Training

While most directors of volunteers hold a bachelors degree or better, there is no preferred college major. Directors enter this field with a variety of educational backgrounds suited to the focus of their nonprofit organization. Courses in communications, business management, marketing and social work, however, have proven helpful to many directors.

Certification

Colleges and universities, online learning platforms (OLPs), and professional associations offer certificate programs in volunteer administration and related fields. These programs typically last six months to a year. Such programs are a good way to build your skills without enrolling in a degree program. One example of such a program is offered by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, which offers a certificate of nonprofit volunteer management. Students can earn the certificate by completing the following courses: Essentials of Volunteer Management; Volunteer Recruitment and Screening; Best Practices in Volunteer Training and Supervision; and Making Volunteers Your Best Advocates and Leaders.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education webinars and in-person classes in volunteer management, business administration, communication and other personal skills, and other topics are provided by professional associations, OLPs, and colleges and universities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

The Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA) offers the certified in volunteer administration credential to applicants who create a personal portfolio, meet experience requirements, and pass an examination. Certification must be renewed every five years. Additionally, many state-level volunteer administration associations offer voluntary certification to directors of volunteers. Performing a keyword search on the Internet using phrases such as "association for volunteer administration" or "state volunteering association" should help you locate an association in your state.

To become a director of volunteers, you will need previous experience working as a volunteer (and ideally managing volunteers), as an intern, or in other positions with nonprofit organizations.

A desire to help others is the most important personal trait for this career. Organization, leadership ability, enthusiasm, compassion, and patience are other personal traits commonly possessed by directors of volunteers. They must be positive motivators and teachers in order to train workers who are earning nothing more than the satisfaction of helping others and making a difference in the world.