At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community heritage project and engage local volunteers in exciting activities.
- Company: Join the Nautical Archaeology Society, a passionate team dedicated to coastal heritage.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for outdoor work and involvement in local events.
- Why this job: Be a key player in connecting communities with their rich maritime heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience with community groups, strong communication skills, and a creative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) is seeking an enthusiastic and community-focused individual to lead an exciting new National Lottery Heritage Fund project 'Coastal Pasts - Connecting Community with Coastal Heritage at Sandwich Bay' aimed at developing and mentoring a self-sustaining local heritage volunteer community group in Sandwich Bay, Kent. This group will be dedicated to the research, recording, and communication of the area’s rich maritime and environmental heritage. The NAS has been investigating this site for eight years and already has an archive of archaeological records as well as significant local connections to individuals and relevant organisations.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives on bringing people together, values co-creation and community ownership, and can turn collective enthusiasm into structured, impactful activity. You will coordinate existing local interest, foster new involvement, and build a self-sustainable group structure that will outlive the life of the three-year funded project.
Key Responsibilities- Community Group Development: Build and facilitate the formation of a self-governing heritage volunteer community group. Identify and train volunteers to take on roles such as Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Outreach Lead. Foster inclusive participation from diverse community members.
- Project Coordination & Co-Creation: Co-develop with the local community a programme of activities based on community interests, including guided low-tide walks, heritage and beach-monitoring sessions, talks, exhibitions and school outreach, research, archival investigations and digital storytelling, support development of digital access to the beach and its heritage. Coordinate logistics for events, fieldwork and volunteer activities.
- Communication & Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact between local volunteers, the NAS, and other partners and stakeholders. Build relationships with government, local councils, public agencies, conservation groups, businesses, and local educational institutions. Represent the group at local festivals and events.
- Training & Capacity Building: Organise and sometimes deliver training in areas such as heritage recording, volunteer management, and public engagement. Mentor volunteers in fundraising and sustainable group governance.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Track project outcomes and volunteer participation. Support external evaluators with data and community feedback.
- Sustainability Planning: Support the group in identifying funding opportunities and developing a sustainable financial resource model.
- Essential: Experience working with volunteers or community groups, strong organisational and time management skills, ability to manage flexible and sometimes irregular working patterns, confident communicator across a range of audiences, creative thinker with a proactive and adaptable attitude, basic familiarity with the heritage and/or environmental sectors, strong interpersonal skills, IT literacy.
- Desirable: Knowledge of Kent’s local history and geography, experience managing or being involved in co-created or participatory projects, familiarity with heritage recording and/or digital interpretation tools, fundraising and/or small group governance experience, familiarity with social media campaigns and content creation.
- Based within logistically feasible reach of Sandwich Bay or the willingness to move.
- Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather.
- Occasional travel and weekend/evening work required.
- DBS check (to be arranged by NAS).
- Clean UK driving licence and own car.
To apply, send your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) by 24th June 2026. The cover letter should summarise your previous experience that is relevant to this job, and explain why you would be a good fit for this position.
Community Heritage Project Officer (Part-Time) in Maidstone employer: Nautical Archaeology Society
The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to community engagement and heritage preservation. As a part-time Community Heritage Project Officer, you will have the unique opportunity to lead a meaningful project in Sandwich Bay, Kent, while benefiting from professional development through training and mentorship. Join us in making a lasting impact on local heritage and enjoy the flexibility of working within a supportive team that values co-creation and community ownership.
Contact Details:
Nautical Archaeology Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Heritage Project Officer (Part-Time) in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, spend some time researching Sandwich Bay and its local heritage. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your people skills! In your conversations, highlight any past experiences where you've successfully brought people together or led community projects. We want to see how you can turn enthusiasm into action!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss co-creation! Think of examples where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This role is all about teamwork, so let’s see how you can foster that spirit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Heritage Project Officer (Part-Time) in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for community engagement and heritage shine through. We want to see how much you care about bringing people together and making a difference in Sandwich Bay!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience with volunteers or community groups. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to manage flexible working patterns.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your cover letter to a maximum of 2 pages, as requested. We appreciate clarity, so get straight to the point about why you’re the perfect fit for this role and how your skills align with our project goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to read what you have to say about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nautical Archaeology Society
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the local community around Sandwich Bay. Understand its history, key stakeholders, and current initiatives. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can effectively engage with the community.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of your experience working with volunteers or community groups. Highlight any roles you've taken on, challenges you've faced, and how you’ve successfully motivated others. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire a self-sustaining group.
✨Prepare for Co-Creation Discussions
Think about how you would approach co-developing activities with the community. Prepare ideas for guided walks, workshops, or outreach events that align with local interests. This shows you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing your vision for the project. Be prepared to explain how you would build relationships with various stakeholders and communicate effectively across different audiences. Confidence in your communication will leave a lasting impression.
