At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the Volunteers’ Office and oversee daily volunteering programmes.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a historic institution with a collection spanning over two million years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Other info: Interviews are on 19 August 2025; applications close on 8 August.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing volunteer-led programmes in a world-renowned museum.
- Qualifications: Experience with volunteers and databases, excellent time management, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Role Summary
Volunteer Manager
Learning and Programmes
Full-time: 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)”
Permanent
£ 35,928 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 8 August
About the role:
This role manages and oversees the Volunteers’ Office on a day-to-day basis; to ensure the smooth running of all volunteering programmes; to supervise the work of the Volunteer Co-ordinators and the Administrator; and to support the Head of Volunteers with the development of new volunteer- led programmes and upcoming changes to the programme as part of the Museum’s Masterplan.
Key areas of responsibility:
To work with colleagues in the Volunteers’ Office and across the Department of Learning and Programmes to manage existing volunteer programmes and to support, develop and deliver new volunteer programmes.
- To supervise and oversee the day-to-day work in the Volunteers’ Office
- To provide guidance and support to the Volunteer Co-ordinators and the Administrator in their day-to-day work
- To support the Head of Volunteers in the development of new volunteer-led tours and provision for private groups and individuals
- To contribute to the development of volunteering at the Museum
- To manage the recruitment and selection of new volunteers
About you:
We are looking for someone who has an experience of working with volunteers and databases, has previous experience of recruiting volunteers, is diplomatic and persuasive, has excellent time management skills, and is able to prioritise their own workload.
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.
You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery .
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 (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
- 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
Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description.
The interviews are expected to take place on 19 August 2025.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to .
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: . Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the new minimum salary threshold of £41,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here:
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. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Volunteer Manager - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and promotes professional growth. As a Volunteer Manager in London, you will enjoy generous annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, and unique opportunities to engage with world-renowned collections while contributing to meaningful volunteer programmes. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, the Museum stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Manager - London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Manager - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like THE BRITISH MUSEUM, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of THE BRITISH MUSEUM and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
