Help create and shape the future of volunteering at Windmill Community Gardens Margate!
We're looking for a passionate Volunteer Strategy & Development Lead to help create and shape the future of volunteering within our organisation. This is a fixed term contract for 6 months with the aim of developing and implementing a new Volunteer Strategy alongside the Programme Manager. During this time, we hope to establish a proven need for a Volunteer Coordinator and apply for additional funding, allowing us to recruit a permanent role beyond December 2026, though this cannot be guaranteed.
Volunteers are a vital part of Windmill Community Gardens Margate and we are lucky to have many dedicated and compassionate volunteers already. We are now looking to grow our volunteer team to 60+ people, as well as providing more structure and support to our current volunteers through reviewing our recruitment, engagement and retention processes.
This role is a fantastic opportunity for anyone within volunteer management experience looking for additional work and wanting to support a local community organisation. You'll take a strategic view on our current processes, identify opportunities to improve, and have the space and autonomy to develop and implement changes to our strategy.
We are looking for someone who:
- Understands and is passionate about the power of volunteering and the vital role it plays in delivering impact
- Has experience in reviewing and improving processes with strategic vision
- Works collaboratively to create sustainable improvements and influence positive change
Successful recruitment for this role is subject to a reference and DBS check.
As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment and believe that different perspectives and experiences strengthen our work and community. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.
Windmill Community Gardens (WCGM) is a charity rooted in community, sustainability, and wellbeing. We run two vibrant sites:
Our Market Garden welcomes volunteering, training and work experience in sustainable food production at this nature-friendly working site where we use no-dig methods to grow chemical-free fruit and vegetables for our local veg bag scheme, market stall and restaurants.
Our Community Garden is a welcoming space for courses, children's activities, workshops and community events, with a regular market and plant stall that brings people together to share food, creativity and connection.
We're powered by an innovative, kind an committed team and an amazing group of volunteers and trustees who are the backbone of everything we do.
Job Description
Job Title: Volunteer Strategy & Development Lead
Salary:£15.00/ hour
Reporting to: Programme Manager
Hours:8 hours/ 1 day a week
Contract: Fixed term contract from July 2026 for 6 months
Role Summary
● Maintain and improve existing volunteer coordination processes, whilst identifying areas for growth and improvement to create an efficient, accessible and inclusive onboarding process and volunteer experience
● Identify a CRM or VMS for volunteer management and lead on integration
● Design and implement a new Volunteer Strategy which covers recruitment, engagement, retention and progression
● Perform all aspects of the role (including time for review and edits) within 6 months, to handover to the team at the end of the contract
● Work with the Communications Co-Ordinator to build and publish a Corporate Volunteer package in line with new Volunteer Strategy Main Responsibilities
● Lead the recruitment and onboarding of volunteers, ensuring appropriate documentation and trainings are completed in a timely manner
● Provide support and guidance to the team to aid a positive volunteer experience, driving volunteer engagement initiatives and feedback opportunities
● Perform DBS checks for new volunteers
● Run an analysis on our current processes and identify areas for improvement. Create an action plan for redesign, including new processes, policies and documentation
● Implement new volunteer strategy, including training to the staff team as needed
● Work across departments to identify corporate volunteer offerings and create the necessary documentation and processes in place to implement corporate volunteer days
● To contribute and implement all WCGM policies and procedures, including safeguarding, equal opportunities, behavioural expectations, respect policy and Health and Safety policies
● To attend meetings and training as required
● To work within the aims WCGM CIO, to reflect community participation, environmental and financial sustainability and promotion of links between food, health and wellbeing
● To carry out all responsibilities and activities within an equal opportunities framework
● Any other duties which may on occasion be required to meet the charity’s needs potentially:
1. To cover other sessions at the project as agreed with staff
2. Involvement in the delivery of outdoor activity/events/workshops’ at the project with adults and children, groups and those with special needs.
3. To work with the team in delivering community events
4. Promote good public relations with all project users and visitors
● Liaise with the WCGM team effectively
● Operate within and adhere to WCGM’s policies and procedures
This job description will be used as a basis for individual performance review between the post holder and the Line Manager
The job description covers only the main responsibilities. Specific objectives will be set and reviewed periodically and may change to meet the changing needs of the service,
The post holder will comply with the employing authorities 'Terms and Conditions' including Equal Opportunities Policy, Child Protection Policy, Health & Safety, Confidentiality Guidelines and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
About you
Person Specification: Experience and qualities
Essential:
● Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
● Minimum two years experience managing volunteers, including recruiting and supporting individuals through the volunteering process
● Experience in managing corporate volunteer days/ sessions
● Proven comprehensive experience of using CRM systems or a dedicated VMS
● Evidence on understanding volunteer motivations and experiences
● A self-starter with the ability to work on own initiative and manage limited hours efficiently
● Ability to identify areas for growth and/ or improvement
● Comply with and be committed to the principles of equal opportunities
● Essential values and behaviours:
1. Open and Honest
2. Flexible, adaptable, accepting of and ability to positively lead the team through change
3. Solution Focussed
4. Non-Judgemental and supportive
5. Professional behaviour
6. Forward thinking
Desirable:
● Previous experience of volunteering (either professional or personal)
● Experience or comfortability in creating marketing materials
Successful recruitment for this role is subject to a reference and DBS check.
What we offer
- A meaningful role within a supportive, values-driven charity.
- Flexible working hours and an inclusive team environment.
- The chance to make a lasting difference in community resilience, wellbeing, and sustainability.
- The opportunity to shape the future of two thriving community sites in Margate
How to apply
Please respond to this advert by:
1. Sending us
- your CV
- your covering letter which should be no longer than 1 page of A4 explaining why you are applying for the role and how your experience meets the Volunteer Strategy & Development Lead Job Description and Person Specification to: [email protected]
As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment and believe that different perspectives and experiences strengthen our work and community. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.
Closing date: 23.59 on the 14th June 2026
Interview dates: week commencing 21st June 2026
Pay: £15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
