The Post: Membership Support Officer, St Vincent de Paul (SVP)
The Post Holder: Shauna Murray
Empathy and excellent organisation skills are central to Shauna Murray’s role as a Membership Support Officer .
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
During my university studies I had the opportunity to work in America for a year within the hospitality industry. My time working in the US gave me a real understanding of good quality customer service and how this translated far beyond the hospitality sector and is key to any role.
My post university career started in Belfast working as the Training Administrator for a training company specialising in medical and healthcare training. Whilst in this varied and busy role, I really established my working style and I was able to hone my organisational and administrative skills. During this time I was also undertaking studies and weekend classes to become a yoga Instructor. In 2018 I moved roles and started the next step of my career as the Office Coordinator for a global engineering firm in Belfast. In 2021 the opportunity to work with St Vincent de Paul as the Membership Support Officer presented itself. I was excited to have the opportunity to work within the Voluntary and Charity Sector and even more delighted that it would be with one of the largest voluntary charitable organisations in Ireland and with that I started my journey with SVP and engaging with members across the region.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Physical Education
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
Yes, I studied with Ulster University and gained a BSc Hons in Business Studies with Diploma in Professional Practice
How did you get into your area of work?
I feel that my career development has been very organic, with each role facilitating further personal and professional development and preparing me for the next role. I am drawn to people-centred roles and feel that my organisational and interpersonal skills lend themselves to my current and previous positions. I have always been interested in the Voluntary and Charity Sector and I was attracted to my current role at SVP as I was enthused by the idea of being a part of an organisation where the work being done is to support a good cause and help the lives of others.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
In a sense, although I have never had an exact role in mind, I have always known that I wanted to do something where I am helping others.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Due to the function of the role, it was important that the successful applicant possessed coordination experience in an office setting, including IT skills to facilitate the administrative aspects of the role. Applicants were also expected to have experience working with a range of stakeholders, as well as the experience and ability to build, manage and maintain effective relationships.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
I would say that there are many routes into this job or a similar role, although experience is key to securing the post.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Having an understanding of where people are coming from is very important within this role. It is important that people feel heard and understood. It is also important to have a caring and empathetic temperament and to be friendly and approachable.
What does a typical day entail?
The great thing about this role is that every day is different, underpinned by the aim of providing support to SVP members. Daily, I handle any telephone or email queries from the membership, which usually also involves some fact finding and providing solutions to queries. I work closely with our SVP Area Presidents and some days the focus may be on provision of support to our Area and Conference Presidents, assisting with Conference governance and succession planning, providing information and guidance. Other days there may be a greater focus on Recruitment and Vetting activities as recruitment of members and volunteers is a key function within the role. I will also keep track of our new recruits as they make their way through the recruitment process, providing help and guidance on their journey to becoming a volunteer.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best part of my job is the people. SVP is a member-led organisation and the work that each of our members do is truly inspirational. As it is such a busy and varied role, challenges can present themselves in diary organisation and scheduling, although with good forward planning this can be easily managed.
Why is what you do important?
As the Membership Support Officer my role is to support the wonderful and selfless work that our members do daily. Our members give so much of themselves and their time towards helping others. The support I provide aims to assist them in their great work and I feel privileged to be a part of this.
How has Covid-19 impacted on your business/role?
During Covid-19, our members where no longer able to visit people in their homes and were required to make use of telephone calls to asses needs and provide support. In addition in-person meetings, gatherings and training could no longer take place.
What adjustments have you had to make?
The biggest adjustment within the role is the transition from physical contact to digital. For a role that is very focused on face-to-face and providing support, it is vital to be able to maintain the same level of communication and interaction by digital means.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Experience is key to following this career path, considering the main aspects of the role. Having a passion for the Voluntary and Charity Sector is also important. As stepping stones on your career path, undertake roles which will help you develop your organisational, interpersonal and relationship building skills.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I would be teaching yoga full-time.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Take a breath and don’t be overwhelmed by all the information – everything will come together.
Describe your ideal day off.
6am yoga practice, followed by a cup of tea in the garden (sun shining of course), then by a nice long breakfast whilst listening to a true crime podcast. After that I’d go for a walk around the coast and finish the day off snuggled up on the sofa with a book.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
The key to a successful job search is to first find your passion. What makes you excited? What makes you ask questions and want to get involved? Second, decide what skills and experience are required for this passion. Third, brush up on those skills or get some more training and finally…apply.
Keep up to date with the latest news and views on the NI job market and more by following the nijobfinder blog.
Follow nijobfinder on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to see the latest jobs and to ensure your dream job won’t pass you by.