Head of Volunteers

The British Museum enjoys the support of a large team of volunteers who generously contribute their time working with staff across the organisation. This role facilitates this incredible resource, managing all aspects of the volunteering programme, both strategically and operationally. Leading the Volunteers Team, the role is responsible for pro-active recruitment and engagement with volunteers, and delivery of volunteer-led activity in collaboration with colleagues across the Museum. A key aspect of the role is building and promoting a positive volunteer culture.

Key areas of responsibility:

• To shape, grow and deliver the volunteer programme, building positive engagement and overseeing the recruitment, onboarding, training and retention of volunteers ensuring a skilled and enthusiastic volunteer cohort and a high quality of volunteering.
• Working with colleagues across the Museum, facilitate volunteer and staff partnerships and the provision of opportunities to support volunteer engagement.
• Meet the evolving needs of the organisation by developing new and innovative approaches to keep existing volunteers engaged and diversify the volunteers team.
• Develop and deliver a new strategy and plan for volunteering, identifying innovative ways to ensure continued strong and positive volunteer participation, and to ensure diversity and inclusion within the volunteer teams.
• Maintain, review and develop appropriate processes and procedures, in line with relevant Museum policies and procedures and external regulations, to ensure the safety and welfare of volunteers, and management of the programme.
• To manage, support, develop and motivate the Volunteer Team.
• Provide support and advice to departmental coordinators and supervisors of volunteers, ensuring there is compliance with policies and procedures and a consistent approach to volunteering across the organisation.
• Provide strong and motivational leadership for volunteers, providing advice and guidance to both volunteer supervisors and volunteers.
• Organise regular volunteer recognition events including the annual conference, volunteers’ fortnight, annual party and other activities.
• Manage programme budgets, ensuring activity is delivered on schedule within budget constraints.
• Manage, develop and deliver the Museum’s programme of volunteer-led tours, liaising with the Head of Interpretation, ensuring they are engaging for the public, well-run and, when appropriate, generate income.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of the Volunteer programme against objectives and in line with the Museum’s vision.
• Share findings and successes of the programme internally and externally through written reports, publications and presentations.
• Grow and foster an active network of external partners, agencies and stakeholders, utilising this network to share best practice.

About you:

We are looking to hire someone who has a degree and qualifications in a relevant subject, has experience in managing volunteers (in a museum, gallery or heritage site), has excellent organisational and planning skills, has previous experience of line management, has experience managing programmes, has experience working with a wide range of the public, and has excellent communication skills.

About the British Museum:

Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
• Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans.
• Professional and personal development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture.