At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for Brixham's iconic sailing trawler, Vigilance.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving maritime heritage.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in finance and project management while making a difference.
- Why this job: Be a key player in conserving a historic vessel and shaping its future.
- Qualifications: Skills in accountancy, financial management, and grant management are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with a dedicated team of volunteers and contribute to heritage conservation.
Can you take the helm of the finances of Brixham's most iconic sailing trawler? Vigilance needs a new trustee to lead on all financial matters. Please read on to discover more about this key role in conserving this stunning historic vessel.
The role of Treasurer underpins the success of the whole venture. Our retiring finance lead doesn't himself sail, but has been driven by an overriding wish to see Vigilance's red sails continue to grace the Bay, for years and decades to come. We hope the next person to fill this role - whether sailing or not - will find that aspiration enough to drive success.
Qualifications
Besides key skills that include accountancy and financial management, experience of obtaining and managing Lottery and other charitable grants would be very useful.
Responsibilities
Launched in 1926, Vigilance is an historic Brixham sailing trawler, the last built by Upham's boatyard, one of only two remaining in Brixham, and seven in the world, from the hundreds that once formed the fleet. After many years in use, and numerous repairs, she underwent major works at the historic No 1 Slip in Devonport, the yard of W. Stirling and Sons, to save her for the next hundred years. The principle phase of work, to rebuild the frame, hull and deck costing Β£1.6 million, was funded by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (Β£1,120,000); the National Lottery Heritage Fund (Β£250,000) and other private donations. Needless to say this enormous project requires a considerable amount of skilled financial expertise, planning and control, and our new trustee will be central to this.
Vigilance returned to Brixham in spring 2025, beginning a period of fitting out and crew training, after which Vigilance will once again take visitors and others out to sea under sail, and when in port be open to non-sailing visitors. Although all activities are undertaken by volunteers, costs remain significant, and ongoing financial management is vital to success both for day to day running and to cope with future repair and maintenance needs. Our new trustee will be key to ensuring that we achieve this success.
Of great importance is to have an understanding of the world of Lottery and other charitable finance, and ideally to have a feel for heritage projects, their value and the reasons they exist. It goes without saying that budgetary planning and financial control are key to the role. We have a recently recruited financial volunteer who undertakes day to day financial tasks and administration, and our outgoing treasurer will continue to be available for induction and advice to ensure a smooth start for his successor. Fundraising itself is undertaken by other exiting trustees. Our new Treasurer will be central to our success as Vigilance embarks on her second century.
Treasurer/Finance Lead - Volunteer in Brixham employer: Vigilance of Brixham CIO
Contact Detail:
Vigilance of Brixham CIO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Treasurer/Finance Lead - Volunteer in Brixham
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sailing and heritage sectors. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others who share your passion for preserving history. You never know who might have a lead on opportunities!
β¨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to chat with potential contacts or during interviews, let your passion for Vigilance and its mission shine through. People love to see genuine interest, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your financial management skills and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of Vigilance. Think about specific examples where you've successfully managed budgets or secured funding.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Donβt miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Treasurer/Finance Lead - Volunteer in Brixham
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you care about Vigilance and how you can contribute to keeping her legacy alive.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience you have in finance, especially with charitable organisations or heritage projects. Weβre looking for someone who understands the financial landscape of grants and funding!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vigilance of Brixham CIO
β¨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accountancy and financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss specific financial strategies you've used in the past, especially those related to managing grants or heritage projects. This will show that you understand the financial landscape of the role.
β¨Show Your Passion for Heritage
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for heritage projects like Vigilance. Share any personal experiences or connections you have with historical vessels or conservation efforts. This will help convey your commitment to the mission and values of the organisation.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges the organisation might face financially and how you would address them. Prepare to discuss scenarios involving budgetary planning and financial control, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
β¨Engage with the Team
Remember, this is a volunteer position, so showing that you can work well with others is crucial. Be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences and how you plan to collaborate with existing trustees and volunteers to ensure the success of Vigilance.