Volunteer Experience Manager – Vic – Wildlife Victoria

Permanent role | Full-time (would entertain 4 days per week) | Victoria-wide role

- Shape and lead the end-to-end volunteer experience for a purpose-driven organisation
- Work directly with volunteers across Victoria
- Play a critical role in strengthening alignment, safety, and long-term retention

The Organisation

Wildlife Victoria is a respected not-for-profit organisation that has supported the Victorian community with a Wildlife Emergency Response service since 1989. With around 70 staff and more than 1,400 volunteers, Wildlife Victoria responds to over 180,000 calls for assistance each year, helping more than 100,000 native animals.

The organisation relies on a statewide network of rescue and transport volunteers, carers, veterinarians, and community partners. Wildlife Victoria also plays an active role in advocacy, education, and community engagement to improve outcomes for wildlife across Victoria.

The Role

This newly defined Volunteer Experience Manager role is a dedicated position focused solely on the experience, engagement, safety, and retention of Wildlife Victoria’s volunteer workforce. The role has been created to ensure the volunteer voice is clearly represented in organisational planning.

Reporting directly to the Head of People, this role sits alongside the existing volunteer function and acts as a key touchpoint for volunteers across the state. It is hands-on, field-based, and people-focused.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead individual and local volunteer development and engagement initiatives, including workforce planning, volunteer values, volunteer performance and alignment, relationship management, safety and wellbeing, development and recognition activities, and connection points that strengthen volunteer experience.
- Act as the primary contact for individual volunteer matters, including activity, conduct, and performance issues, managing conversations with fairness, clarity, and sound judgement




- Design, implement, and oversee volunteer mentoring and development programs to support capability, retention, and long-term engagement
- Own volunteer safety, wellbeing, and risk management, including contributing to protected practices, incident response, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Travel across Victoria to engage directly with volunteers, carers, and regional communities, building strong relationships and understanding local challenges
- Support and participate in volunteer training and engagement activities, including some weekend and out-of-hours work, with time in lieu provided

Key Selection Criteria

- Tertiary qualification in HR, organisational development, law, commerce, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
- Demonstrated experience managing and engaging large or complex volunteer workforces
- Confidence and capability in handling sensitive matters, including difficult conversations, conduct, and performance issues
- Strong judgement, with the ability to assess situations, make sound decisions, and communicate outcomes clearly
- Understanding of volunteer safety, wellbeing, and risk management
- Ability to operate calmly and effectively in complex or high-pressure environments
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups
- Willingness to travel across Victoria and work flexibly, including some weekends and evenings
- Current driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Wildlife Victoria & Patterson Recruitment are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about volunteer engagement and ready to make a meaningful impact, please apply with a cover letter and resume.

Patterson Recruitment is proud to partner with Wildlife Victoria.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Gabrielle Patterson on at Patterson Recruitment, or email

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📌 Volunteer Experience Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Patterson Recruitment
📍 Melbourne