Volunteer Manager

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and inspirational Volunteer Manager to join our
team. The ideal candidate will have a background in wildlife conservation, horticulture or
agriculture. Have been doing a similar role for a minimum of three years and will have
demonstrable and relevant experience with regards to volunteer retention, recruitment and
training.

An excellent ‘all-rounder’ is required. Someone who is able to discuss and explain conservation
activities and also knows how to deliver them.

Finally, we are looking for someone who is a team player and prepared to support anyone else at
the CRT as required. This could be dropping all work and assisting with an urgent task if
another member of the team is unavailable, or helping out at an event when a lot of people are
expected.

The Role

The CRT has a number of farms spread across England. Of those, eight have regular volunteer
groups supporting them. We hope to increase this number, and the new Volunteer Manager will be
involved in getting new groups established, and supporting those currently up and running.
Following a re-shuffle, the current Volunteer Manager will be taking on a different role within
the CRT but will continue to support the volunteers at the Dorset Farms. This will allow the
new Volunteer Manager to focus on the remaining farms, so living in or nearby Surrey or West
Sussex would be an advantage.

This hybrid role will involve some working from home. There are desk spaces available at the
CRT Head Office in Comberton, Cambridge, Pierrepont Farm in Surrey and Bere Marsh Farm in
Dorset. This role has the unusual benefit of working alongside the current post holder to allow
for a full handover transition.

Core Responsibilities

• To be the link person between the CRT Trustees, the tenant farmers, the Conservation team
  and the volunteers
• To support and encourage volunteers and staff in the delivery of volunteer sessions
• Have a thorough knowledge of national volunteering policies, regulations and best practice
• To facilitate and lead volunteer and corporate volunteer work parties on the properties
• To maintain volunteer policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date, reflect best
  practice and are communicated appropriately
• To be the named Health and Safety officer for all volunteer activities, ensuring risk
  assessments have been completed, safety briefings given, training provided and that volunteers
  are adhering to the instructions given
• To regularly travel to all CRT sites to identify volunteering opportunities, tasks and to
  ensure compliance with all policies. Ensure consistency to volunteering across all sites
• To create an annual plan of volunteer tasks for all CRT properties, including seasonal
  tasks. Ensure the volunteers have the training and equipment to complete these tasks.
• To work with the Marketing team to create engaging, effective and consistent volunteer
  communication and consultation mechanisms
• At every property, proactively identify and promote future volunteering opportunities, and
  develop volunteer engagement initiatives to attract and retain a wide range of volunteers
• Effective recruitment of volunteers across nine properties, including advising on potential
  volunteer opportunities, role profiles, advertising campaigns, suitable assessment methods and
  attending interviews/selection days (as appropriate), to widen volunteer participation and
  broaden activities
• To ensure all recruitment administration of existing and new volunteers has been completed,
  ensuring compliance with relevant Data Protections and GDPR regulations.
• To oversee the administration of volunteer travel and subsistence claims.
• To effectively and diplomatically manage any volunteer issues which might arise
• To provide Trustees with volunteering evaluation information, assessment and analysis in
  areas such as volunteer numbers, volunteer hours, impact, outputs, activities, skill
  development and training undertaken, as may be required for internal and external reporting
• Frequent use of the CRM database to record volunteer activities
• Helping at events as required

Essential Credentials and Personal Qualities

• Experience of volunteer management
• Knowledge of Data Protection legislations, being prepared to implement any changes within
  the organisation as required
• A highly organised person who can work independently with a positive and enthusiastic
  attitude
• Excellent administration skills
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to write clearly and effectively
  for a range of audiences
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a similar role
• Experience of, or knowledge of working for a charity, conservation or farming business
• ‘Can-do’ positive attitude, willing to adapt to a range of situations
• A commitment to our vision with the ability to convey CRT’s work with confidence and
  credibility
• Sense of humour, integrity, impeccable work ethic
• Having an interest in conservation, wildlife and nature
• Full driving licence, with own vehicle and insurance for business use.

Terms of Appointment

This role is a full-time (37.5 hour) role with a salary of £30,000 per annum.

This role is a hybrid one with a mix of office work and practical work. Full-time hours of
9am-5pm are required. Many volunteer work parties happen on weekends, therefore flexible
working is essential, and Time of in Lieu is provided. Regular travel is to be expected to all
CRT Properties. Mileage will be covered to these sites but a full driving licence and access to
a car will be required as most are very rural and not on public transport routes.

This is a permanent position, although subject to a 6-month probationary review.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Closing date, Friday 4th October at midday.
Initial interviews to be held online, week commencing 14th October
2nd round interviews in-person, week commencing 21st October