At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our volunteer programme, supporting passionate individuals in wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join The Big Cat Sanctuary, a leading UK conservation destination.
- Benefits: Earn £14.50 per hour, enjoy 17 days annual leave, and access unique employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values wellbeing and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while working in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer coordination or community work is ideal; passion for animals is a must.
The predicted salary is between 14.5 - 14.5 £ per hour.
Location: Headcorn, Kent - Own transport required
Salary: £14.50 per hour (£18,096 actual)
Job Type: Permanent, Part Time - 3 days per week including regular weekend/evening work
About us: The Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the UK's most remarkable conservation destinations. Our mission is to protect wild cats and their habitats through Conservation, Rescue, Welfare, Breeding, and Education.
About the role: The Big Cat Sanctuary is on the lookout for a friendly, organised and proactive Volunteer Coordinator to help lead and grow our exceptional volunteer programme. You'll support our volunteers - the heartbeat of our Sanctuary - ensuring they have everything they need to contribute to our work protecting wild cats and their habitats through conservation, rescue, welfare, breeding and education.
Key duties:
- Recruiting, inducting, and supporting a growing team of volunteers across multiple departments
- Coordinating rotas, placements, and training sessions to meet the needs of the Sanctuary
- Building strong, respectful relationships with volunteers and staff alike
- Maintaining volunteer records and communication through systems like Mailchimp and internal databases
- Planning and delivering engagement opportunities, volunteer events, and recognition activities
- Working closely with the wider team to ensure a seamless volunteer experience across the site
- Helping develop new opportunities for volunteering linked to events, fundraising, and conservation projects
About you:
- A natural communicator who is confident, compassionate, and highly organised
- Someone who thrives on working with people and supporting others to grow
- Experience in volunteer coordination, HR, community work, or team supervision would be ideal
- A team player who can also work independently, with excellent time management
- Comfortable using systems like Excel, databases, and email platforms (e.g. Mailchimp)
- A genuine passion for animals, conservation, and the values of The Big Cat Sanctuary
What we offer:
- Be part of an incredible team working for a meaningful cause
- Spend your days in one of the most unique and beautiful settings in Kent
- Help shape the future of our volunteer programme and make a lasting impact
- Annual salary £18,096.00 (£14.50 per hour)
- 17 days annual leave (based on part-time hours)
- Employee benefits including sanctuary discounts and access to special events
- A supportive working culture that values wellbeing, inclusion, and passion
Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role. The Big Cat Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Coordinator in Headcorn
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like The Big Cat Sanctuary directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on The Big Cat Sanctuary’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Coordinator in Headcorn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Volunteer Coordinator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Volunteer Coordinator, customise your documents to fit the vibe of The Big Cat Sanctuary. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Big Cat Sanctuary
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of The Big Cat Sanctuary. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with The Big Cat Sanctuary's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
