Template · People
Volunteer role description
A one-page description for a volunteer role: purpose, tasks, time, skills, training, support, checks and what the volunteer gets back.
Three editable formats: Word (.docx), Rich Text (.rtf) and plain text (.txt). Reviewed October 21, 2026.
How to use this template
- Download it as a Word file (.docx), which opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice, or as Rich Text (.rtf) or plain text (.txt). All three are editable.
- Fill in every blank. Blanks are in square brackets, like [ORGANIZATION NAME], and are highlighted in the preview below. Delete any bracketed notes you don't need.
- Make it yours. Check it against your bylaws and your state's rules, and change anything that doesn't fit. Have your board approve it where it says so.
- Printing? Print this page: the printout leaves out the site's menus and shows the template with lines for the blanks.
A role description tells a possible volunteer exactly what you're asking them to do. Our guide to volunteer management explains why to start with the work, not the people; this template is the page you fill in for each role. Use it in your recruiting posts, attach it to the volunteer application, and refer to it in the volunteer agreement.
How to adapt it
- One role per page. "Saturday pantry greeter" and "pantry driver" are two roles, with different tasks and checks.
- Be honest about time. Say how many hours, how often and for how long. People say yes more easily to a clear, limited ask.
- Separate "you'll need" from "we'll teach." Many good volunteers rule themselves out if every skill sounds required.
- List the checks. If the role involves children, older adults, people with disabilities, money or driving, say what screening you do. See our guide to volunteer screening and safeguarding, and our guide to youth volunteers for roles open to young people. Background check rules for roles with children or vulnerable adults vary by state, so check yours.
- Keep it a volunteer role. The Department of Labor describes charity volunteers as people who give their time "for public service, religious or humanitarian objectives, not as employees and without contemplation of pay." Don't promise pay, and be careful with stipends; see our guide to stipends and gifts for volunteers. A volunteer role shouldn't replace a paid job you've cut.
- Review it once a year, and ask the people in the role what's changed.
Preview
Volunteer role description: [ROLE TITLE]
Organization: [ORGANIZATION NAME]
Program or team: [PROGRAM]
Last updated: [DATE]
Why this role matters
[ONE OR TWO SENTENCES ON HOW THIS ROLE HELPS THE PEOPLE WE SERVE.]
What you'll do
- [TASK 1]
- [TASK 2]
- [TASK 3]
- [TASK 4]
When and where
- Time: about [NUMBER] hours a [WEEK OR MONTH], on [DAYS AND TIMES]
- Commitment: at least [LENGTH, FOR EXAMPLE THREE MONTHS], or [ONE-OFF EVENT]
- Place: [ADDRESS, REMOTE OR BOTH]
- Accessibility: [WHAT THE SPACE IS LIKE, AND THAT WE'RE HAPPY TO DISCUSS ADJUSTMENTS]
What helps
You'll need:
- [SKILL OR QUALITY THE ROLE TRULY NEEDS]
- [SKILL OR QUALITY THE ROLE TRULY NEEDS]
We'll teach you:
- [WHAT YOU WILL TRAIN]
- [WHAT YOU WILL TRAIN]
Minimum age: [AGE, OR "NONE; UNDER 18 WITH A PARENT'S PERMISSION"]
Training and support
- Training: [WHAT, WHEN AND HOW LONG]
- You'll report to: [NAME AND ROLE], at [HOW TO CONTACT]
- Check-ins: [FOR EXAMPLE, A SHORT CHAT AFTER YOUR FIRST THREE SHIFTS, THEN EVERY THREE MONTHS]
Checks for this role
- [NONE, OR THE CHECKS REQUIRED, FOR EXAMPLE REFERENCES, A BACKGROUND CHECK WITH YOUR WRITTEN PERMISSION, OR A DRIVER'S LICENSE AND INSURANCE]
- [ANY POLICY TO READ AND SIGN, FOR EXAMPLE SAFEGUARDING OR CONFIDENTIALITY]
What you'll get
- [FOR EXAMPLE, NEW SKILLS, A REFERENCE AFTER SIX MONTHS, A RECORD OF HOURS, MEETING NEIGHBORS]
- Reimbursement of approved out-of-pocket expenses, with receipts: [YES OR NO, AND WHAT]
This is an unpaid volunteer role. You can stop at any time; we'd be grateful for notice.
How to apply
Contact [NAME] at [EMAIL OR PHONE], or fill in our volunteer application at [LINK OR PLACE].
Template from Golden Hint: goldenhint.org/resources/templates/volunteer-role-description. Reviewed October 21, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Keep going
- GuideGetting the most from a pro bono or volunteer expertA short kickoff, a written scope, a steady rhythm and an honest close: how to work with a volunteer professional so the help lands and the relationship lasts.
- GuideInvolving volunteers under 18How to welcome teenage volunteers safely: parent permission, supervision, keeping volunteering from turning into work, tasks to avoid, transport and photos.
- GuideRecognizing volunteers all yearA simple plan for thanking volunteers in ways they value: everyday thanks, milestones, growth, public credit with consent, and gifts that don't look like pay.
- Founder pathwayRunning day-to-day operationsOpen a bank account, keep simple books, get insured, treat volunteers and workers fairly, protect people's data and adopt the core policies.
Sources
Checked on October 21, 2026. Rules and fees change, so follow the links for the current version.
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