Volunteer Co-ordinator

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC625351
Salary Range: £28,697 - £31,573 per annum
Work Location: Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 30 November 2026
Interview Date: 9 December 2026

Royal Victoria Country Park is seeking an enthusiastic and people-focused Volunteer Co-ordinator to lead and develop our thriving volunteer programme. Working across one of Hampshire's most popular country parks and the iconic Royal Victoria Chapel, you will play a key role in supporting volunteers who contribute to heritage, conservation, visitor services, events and community engagement activities.

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow volunteering within a busy and diverse countryside setting. You will recruit, train, support and inspire volunteers, ensuring they have a positive and rewarding experience while helping to deliver services that benefit visitors, the local community and the park environment.

As the primary point of contact for volunteers, you will work closely with staff, community groups and partner organisations to develop new opportunities, strengthen engagement and recognise the valuable contribution volunteers make to the success of the park. You will also support wider operational activities, including events, visitor services and Duty Officer responsibilities.

What you’ll do:

This varied role combines volunteer management, community engagement, operational support and partnership working.

You will:

• Lead the recruitment, induction, training and development of volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteer rotas, communications and deployment across a range of activities and services.
• Support volunteer groups involved in heritage, conservation, visitor services, events and community projects.
• Develop new volunteering opportunities that support park and heritage objectives.
• Organise volunteer recognition initiatives, social events and appreciation activities.
• Build positive relationships with community organisations, schools and local partners.
• Monitor volunteer participation and impact, maintaining accurate records and reporting on outcomes.
• Support delivery of park events, exhibitions and visitor activities.
• Act as Chapel Duty Officer on a rota basis and provide operational support during events and busy periods.

What we’re looking for:

We're looking for someone who is passionate about volunteering and community engagement, with the ability to build strong relationships and motivate others.

You will have:

• Experience of recruiting, coordinating and supporting volunteers, community groups or similar teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience of organising events, activities or public engagement programmes.
• A proactive and flexible approach, with the confidence to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good administrative, digital and marketing skills, including experience of maintaining records, producing communications and supporting promotional activities.
• An understanding of volunteer management principles and associated safeguarding, health and safety and data protection requirements.

Experience within heritage, countryside, environmental, visitor attraction or community settings would be advantageous, as would experience of delivering training, partnership working or volunteer development programmes.

Why join us?

We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace, where talent is truly recognised and developed. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of and where you are empowered to be your best and believe in creating a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

To find out more about what we can offer you in return, please see our benefits package.

Royal Victoria Country Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and benefits from a dedicated volunteer community that makes a significant contribution to everything we do. This is an opportunity to lead and develop a well-established volunteer programme, help people connect with their local heritage and environment, and make a real difference to both volunteers and visitors alike.

If you're passionate about people, communities and volunteering, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Information:

Volunteer Co-ordinator Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Joanne Basham, Visitor Services Officer on joanne.basham@hants.gov.uk or 07784 263618.

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Job Segment: Volunteer Coordinator, Nonprofit