Role Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Reports To: Heritage Manager
Location: Powderham, Devon
Terms: 16 Hours / Fixed Term Until 31st October 2026 with opportunity to review and extend
Days: Monday - Wednesday 9:30am - 2.00pm and Sundays 12.30 - 5pm
Annual Leave: 30 days per year pro rata depending on working pattern
Pension: Eligible to join the company pension scheme
Salary: £26,000 pro rata (£11,093)
Purpose
The Volunteer Coordinator supports the coordination, organisation and day-to-day running of the volunteers across the attraction.
Working closely with the Heritage Manager and wider attraction team, the role takes ownership of the volunteer programme, ensuring volunteers are effectively recruited, supported, scheduled and engaged across all visitor-facing and operational areas.
The role requires a proactive and organised individual who can work independently, build positive relationships and continuously develop an inclusive and rewarding volunteer experience.
As part of the wider visitor operation, the role contributes to the smooth day-to-day running of the attraction, ensuring volunteers are fully integrated into routine operational activities and supported to deliver a high-quality visitor experience.
Key Responsibilities
Volunteer Coordination and Leadership
The Volunteer Coordinator takes ownership of volunteer planning and organisation across the attraction.
- Lead the coordination of volunteer rotas in line with operational needs
- Ensure appropriate volunteer cover across all areas of the attraction
- Allocate volunteers to roles, shifts and projects effectively
- Maintain accurate volunteer records, availability and communications
- Plan volunteer scheduling in line with public opening, events and programming
- Monitor volunteer activity and identify opportunities to improve processes and engagement
- Act as the main point of contact for all volunteer coordination matters
Volunteer Communication and Support
The Volunteer Coordinator ensures volunteers feel informed, supported and valued.
- Communicate regularly with volunteers regarding rotas, updates and expectations
- Respond independently to volunteer queries and day-to-day issues
- Support volunteers during shifts and on-site activity
- Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive volunteer environment
- Build strong working relationships with volunteers across all departments
- Escalate significant concerns to the Heritage Manager where appropriate
Recruitment, Onboarding and Development
The Volunteer Coordinator leads volunteer recruitment and development activity.
- Coordinate volunteer recruitment campaigns and outreach
- Manage volunteer applications and selection processes
- Deliver onboarding and induction sessions
- Ensure volunteers are fully briefed on roles, expectations and procedures
- Coordinate ongoing training and development opportunities
- Support volunteer retention, recognition and engagement initiatives
- Identify future volunteer needs and opportunities for programme growth
Volunteer Areas and Assignment
The Volunteer Coordinator oversees volunteer activity across key areas of the attraction, including:
- Room stewards
- Welcome and visitor support
- Gardening and outdoor areas
- School and education projects
- Touring support
- Retail support
The role ensures volunteers are appropriately placed, prepared and supported within each area.
Operational Support
The Volunteer Coordinator works collaboratively with the wider attraction team to ensure volunteers are fully integrated into daily operations.
- Work closely with the Heritage Manager and wider attraction team
- Support the smooth integration of volunteers into daily operations
- Assist with operational preparation where volunteers are involved
- Provide regular feedback and reporting on volunteer activity and engagement
- Support continuous improvement of volunteer processes and procedures
- Contribute to routine operational activities, including opening and closing procedures, team communications and visitor support
- Provide practical support with operational tasks, including furniture moves where required
- Respond flexibly to changing operational priorities and short-term support needs
- Work collaboratively across departments to ensure volunteers are effectively supported and deployed
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience working or volunteering in a customer-facing or team-based environment
- Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities
- Ability to coordinate schedules, activities and people effectively
- Practical, reliable and proactive approach
- Confidence working with a wide range of people in a supportive and approachable manner
- Ability to problem solve and manage priorities effectively
- Willingness to work flexibly, including Sundays
- Willingness to deliver tours
Desirable
- Experience coordinating or managing volunteers
- Experience in heritage, tourism, community or charitable organisations
- Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding or training
- Interest in heritage, gardens, education or visitor engagement
Pay: £26,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
