Volunteer Coordinator

Join us at an exciting time for Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, part of The University of Manchester, as we continue to grow our work as a world-leading destination for science, heritage, culture and public engagement. Home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the award-winning First Light Pavilion and with a vibrant programme of education, special events and visitor experiences, Jodrell Bank welcomes thousands of visitors and learners each year.
The Volunteer Programme was launched through our NLHF-funded First Light Project and now supports a cohort of more than 60 individuals who contribute to activities across the site, enriching the visitor experience.
As Volunteer Coordinator, you will play a key role in developing, coordinating and supporting this welcoming, inclusive and rewarding volunteer programme. You will help volunteers contribute meaningfully across a range of activities, including visitor welcome, hosting, gardens, public engagement, events and work experience placements, while ensuring they feel valued, informed and supported throughout their volunteering journey.
This is a permanent, part-time role, working 0.5 FTE, equivalent to 17.5 hours per week. The role is based at Jodrell Bank and will involve some evening and weekend work to support the Centre’s visitor, events and engagement programme. Jodrell Bank does not currently have a public transport link, so the post-holder will need access to personal transport. This is primarily an on-site role with occasional flexibility for home working.

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and people-focused Volunteer Coordinator to strengthen and develop volunteer engagement across Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement.
You will act as the main point of contact for volunteers, supporting them from recruitment and induction through to scheduling, training, supervision, ongoing communication and recognition. You will work closely with colleagues across Visitor Services, Public Programming, Education, Engagement and Operations to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate volunteer involvement and ensure volunteers are effectively integrated into the work of the Centre.
The role will also lead on the Work Experience Programme, working closely with the Engagement Team to coordinate placements, schedules and administration. You will help ensure opportunities are attractive, accessible and well managed, supporting a positive experience for volunteers, students, colleagues and visitors.
Jodrell Bank is an active research, heritage and visitor site, and the role requires sensitivity to the unique nature of the environment, including the need to balance volunteering activity with conservation, public engagement and the operational requirements of a radio astronomy site.

• Develop and maintain volunteering opportunities across Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, working with colleagues to identify meaningful roles that support visitor welcome, engagement activities, events, gardens, work experience and wider organisational priorities.
• Produce and maintain clear volunteer role descriptions, agreements, schedules and supporting information, ensuring expectations are well understood by volunteers and colleagues.
• Promote and recruit volunteers through a range of channels, including volunteer databases, email, community networks and social media.
• Interview prospective volunteers and complete the necessary administration relating to recruitment, appointment and induction.
• Coordinate volunteer and work experience schedules, ensuring appropriate cover for daily activities, special events and large-scale programmes.
• Act as the main point of contact for volunteers, providing ongoing…