Volunteer Coordinator

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