Job Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Location: Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
Salary: £17,157 (FTE £28,595)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 21hs per week (flexible working including some weekends and bank holidays.)
Closing Date: 6th September 2026
Interview Date: 18th September 2026
Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT)
To deliver our new strategic plan – Our Wild Sussex – we need people with bold and innovative ideas to help us to achieve our ambitions for local wildlife and wild places.
We are committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.
We are looking for the best and most talented people to join our team and help us deliver this exciting and ambitious strategy. We are keen to hear from you even if you don't have all the skills and experience outlined in the Job Description but have the potential to grow into a role.
So, if you are someone who is determined to see a Sussex rich in wildlife and you have drive, energy and commitment to our values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration and Inclusion why not apply now to join our great team, working together to deliver Our Wild Sussex.
We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented in the conservation sector, including disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, non-graduates, and people from geographically diverse communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
The Role
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve & Discovery Centre is a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Primarily an office-based role within the incredible Discovery Centre building at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The Volunteer Coordinator oversees recruitment and retention of volunteers at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, ensuring safeguarding requirements are met including DBS checks and references where appropriate. Developing new and innovative approaches to volunteering to attract new volunteers, keeping existing volunteers engaged and promoting diversity in the organisation. Managing volunteer rotas, providing volunteer support and ensuring effective delivery of all volunteer activities. Planning and implementing a range of activities and events to acknowledge and thank volunteers for their contribution. Maintaining and updating existing volunteer data base. Ensuring data retained by Sussex Wildlife Trust is relevant and up to date. The Volunteer Coordinator supports the Discovery Centre team and helps with daily operations of the visitor centre whenever possible.
The Person
We’re looking for a volunteer coordinator who’s able to engage with a wide range of people. You will use imagination, resourcefulness, and diplomacy to effectively communicate verbally and in writing using a range of different media. You can build great working relationships with other staff members, volunteers and partners; navigating challenging conversations in a calm and pleasant way. To be successful in this role you will need a high level of commitment, enthusiasm and self-motivation with a flexible and professional approach to work. Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and readiness to support colleagues across the organisation where appropriate. Exceptional time management & organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a high volume of work across many areas.
Benefits
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Hybrid and Flexible Working– Supporting healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements where role requirements operationally allow.
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25 Days Annual Leave – Plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 5 years' service; entitlement pro rata part-time.
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Pension Contributions – With an optional salary sacrifice scheme to help maximise your retirement savings.
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Life Assurance - Pension Scheme members receive 2x salary cover; non-members receive 1x salary cover.
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Health Cash Plan – helping towards the cost of everyday healthcare expenses.
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Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Providing confidential support, advice and wellbeing resources.
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Cycle to Work Scheme – Helping you save money while supporting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
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Volunteering Days – Dedicated two days paid to support causes and communities that matter to you.
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Café Discount – Enjoy discounted food and drinks at our Rye Harbour Discovery Centre cafe
For more detailed information see the What we offer page in the Recruitment Pack.
We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early so please get you application in as soon as possible.
