Volunteer Coordinator

Background: Gilbert White’s House and the Oates Collections, set in the idyllic village of Selborne in Hampshire, is recruiting for a Volunteering Coordinator on a fixed term 1 year contract. This new position is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to recruit for this fixed term contract. This is an opportunity to undertake an important supporting role for a unique, regional organisation within the heritage and conservation sectors, working alongside a committed team of staff, trustees and volunteers.

The museum attracts visitors from across the South, eager to learn about Gilbert, the man called the ‘father of ecology’, and Lawrence and Frank Oates, explorers of the natural world. With over 100 volunteers working in all areas of the museum including conservation, gardening, administration and operations, events and in our unique 18th century Brewhouse, we have a thriving and active volunteer community that helps Gilbert White & The Oates Collections to be a special place.

The Role: There is already a well-established volunteer programme with appropriate policies and procedures in place. You will take a lead role in managing all elements of volunteering. You will work closely with other team members to assess and meet organisational needs and opportunities for volunteering and take responsibility for the recruitment, placement and retention of volunteers. Your focus will be on performance standards and ensuring that agreed targets are continually met and maintained. You will lead volunteers by example, to maintain and build upon our reputation. You will relish the challenge of this key role and be keen to work towards solutions. With a flexible and positive approach to work, you will have the ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative. The successful applicant will also take on the role of museum duty manager on occasions, with some weekend work required.

Job description Key duties within this position will include:

• Promote and strengthen the culture of volunteering that exists in the museum.

• Work with departmental staff to generate volunteer opportunities.

• Support the review of current volunteer policies, recommending changes as appropriate.

• Recruit volunteers through current and new networks.

• Welcome and induct new volunteers, acting as a single point of contact.

• Plan and arrange further volunteer training and development as appropriate.

• Ensure the monitoring, review and appraisal of volunteers.

• Produce reports for the senior management/trustees as required. 

Maintain accurate and up to date volunteer records, including reports on volunteer activity and participation.

• Work with team members to manage effective communication with volunteers, including newsletters and blogs, producing social media content.

• Plan, organise and deliver the established annual celebration event ‘We Love Our Volunteers Day’ and other get togethers.

• Take responsibility for developing, managing and undertaking all associated booking and. administrative systems and tasks.

• Work with the Museum Manager in ensuring our ongoing compliance with legislative requirements including but not limited to volunteering, health and safety, risk assessments, food hygiene and licensing requirements.

• Assist the management in ensuring smooth and efficient operation the museum, providing support when required and be willing to undertake other ad-hoc duties.