At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a community heritage project and engage local volunteers in exciting activities.
- Company: Join the Nautical Archaeology Society, dedicated to preserving coastal heritage.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Perfect for creative thinkers who love working outdoors and engaging with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Empower your community while exploring rich maritime history at Sandwich Bay.
- Qualifications: Experience with community groups and strong communication skills are essential.
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) to 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 Sandwich employer: Nautical Archaeology Society
The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about community engagement and heritage conservation. Located in the picturesque Sandwich Bay, Kent, this part-time role offers unique opportunities for personal growth through hands-on project coordination and volunteer mentoring, all while contributing to the preservation of local maritime history. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community and develop your skills in a supportive environment dedicated to co-creation and sustainability.
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 Sandwich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, spend some time researching Sandwich Bay and its local heritage. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your people skills! Since this role is all about building relationships, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with volunteers or community groups in the past. We want to see that you can bring people together!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Think about how you can contribute to the project right from the start. Come up with ideas for activities or initiatives that could engage the community and demonstrate your creative thinking during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself fresh in their minds and shows your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Heritage Project Officer (Part-Time) in Sandwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for community engagement and heritage shine through in your cover letter. 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 via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your CV and cover letter directly, and it helps us keep everything organised.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nautical Archaeology Society
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the local history and heritage of Sandwich Bay. Familiarise yourself with the Nautical Archaeology Society's past projects and their impact on the community. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experiences to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous work with volunteers or community groups. Highlight specific examples where you successfully built relationships, organised events, or trained others. This will demonstrate your ability to foster inclusive participation and lead a self-sustaining group.
✨Prepare for Co-Creation Questions
Expect questions about how you would co-develop activities with the community. Think of creative ideas that align with local interests, such as guided walks or digital storytelling. Presenting innovative concepts will showcase your proactive attitude and creativity.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to communicate with diverse audiences, so consider how you can adapt your message for different stakeholders. Being a confident communicator will set you apart in the interview.
