Help shape the future of community engagement at one of the National Trust's most visited places.
We're looking for an exceptional Senior Community, Participation and Volunteering Manager to lead a bold and transformative programme of community engagement, participation and volunteering across our property group.
As a key member of the Property Leadership Team, you'll play a vital role in ensuring that more people see themselves reflected in, connected to and inspired by the places we care for. You'll lead the development of an innovative community participation and volunteering strategy, build meaningful relationships with local communities, partners and stakeholders, and help us create opportunities that are welcoming, inclusive and impactful.
This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, champion community voices, and drive lasting social impact through heritage, nature and creativity.
The role is full time and will require limited weekend and bank holiday working to include rotational property group duty management responsibilities.
What it's like to work here:A high-profile cultural destination described as an ‘oasis in the middle of the city’, this magnificent mansion and parkland near Plymouth offers a tranquil riverside escape with close-by city amenities. With over 900,000 visits last year, Saltram is one of the busiest properties in the country. A well-loved parkland used by locals for walking and exercising, a popular garden which changes with the seasons and a treasure house of collections and stories makes Saltram a popular property for a range of audiences.
This is an exciting moment to join us as we deliver Future Saltram, a landmark programme that will transform how people access, experience and connect with this special place. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this work will help us break down barriers to participation, expand accessible outdoor spaces and create experiences shaped by and for local communities.
As our Senior Community, Participation and Volunteering Manager, you'll be at the heart of this journey. You'll help build stronger relationships with communities across Plymouth, empower volunteers to make a difference, and ensure that more people can discover, enjoy and care for nature, heritage and culture.
For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram
What you'll be doing:You will be working in collaboration with property leadership team members, internal and external consultants and members of the local community, developing a plan for community, participation and involvement. You will be supporting the development of our current volunteer offer and you will also be a key member of the property group leadership team.
This is a strategic leadership role with the opportunity to create lasting impact for people, places and communities.
Working closely with the Property Leadership Team, colleagues across the National Trust, external partners and local communities, you'll develop and lead the delivery of a vision for community participation, involvement and volunteering delivering against our organisational strategic ambitions of Ending Unequal Access and Growth.
This is a pivotal role in delivering the ambitions for the Future Saltram programme. Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll be responsible for developing, supporting and delivering key elements of the Better Futures and Living Saltram projects through the Future Saltram programme.
These projects are designed to connect more of our local communities to heritage, nature and creativity through skill development and training, and through community-focused activities. With a strong focus on children and young people, this role is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive.
- Develop and deliver a forward-thinking community engagement, participation and volunteering strategy.
- Lead the evolution of our volunteering offer, creating inclusive and innovative opportunities that welcome new and diverse audiences.
- Build meaningful partnerships with community organisations, education providers, local authorities and other stakeholders.
- Ensure community voices help shape the future of Saltram and influence our decision-making.
- Inspire, lead, support and inspire teams across the property group to embed participation and engagement in everything we do.
- Champion inclusion, accessibility and representation, helping us reach people who have traditionally faced barriers to engaging with heritage and nature.
- Contribute as a member of the Property Leadership Team, helping shape the strategic direction of the property group.
At its heart, this role is about creating opportunities for people to develop skills, build confidence, improve wellbeing and form meaningful connections with heritage, nature and each other. With a particular focus on children and young people, you'll help remove barriers and create pathways that enable the next generation to thrive.
Who we're looking forWe're looking for an inspiring and strategic leader who is passionate about people, communities and creating opportunities for participation.
- Excellent understanding of volunteer engagement and experience of innovating volunteering and increasing wider participation
- Think strategically and demonstrate strong analytical skills. Able to use data and insight to prioritise, make effective choices and decide when and how to engage different audiences
- Significant experience of partnership working
- Able to build effective and collaborative working relationships with leaders and wider teams, and to coach people to increase their confidence/capability and increase community engagement and participation - including volunteering.
- Willingness to engage beyond the property portfolio, including active involvement in the local community, partnerships, and outreach initiatives.
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)
