Summary

We're looking for a creative individual who can ensure that everyone feels welcome at our property. You will plan and deliver projects to inspire the volunteer and learning experience at Mount Stewart. This is a role that will help develop deep connections with the community and develop opportunities for local people to get involved with the National Trust.

The post holder will be responsible for creating relevant, appropriate opportunities for our community to connect with the work of the National Trust and to regularly visit Mount Stewart and enjoy the opportunities at the property and in the wider landscape as part of their engagement. Key to the success of this role will be the management of key stakeholder relationships from local council to other NGO’s.

Along with excellent training and community engagement experience, we are seeking an individual with exceptional relationship management skills and a strong understanding of what drives successful partnerships.

This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Access NI check.

What it's like to work here

 Mount Stewart house, gardens and demesne and the wider landscape of East Down offer a deeply rewarding visitor experience. The garden is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership, reflecting the rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. We've brought back the elegance and charm of the house when it was home of Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century and on display is a magnificent collection of historical artefacts and works of art. The recent acquisition of the demesne has allowed us to open up a network of walking trails around the estate which allow visitors to fully appreciate the beautiful landscape and the wildlife that make their home here including our endangered native red squirrel. 

You will be joining a highly motivated team, who excel at achieving and delivering the very best experience for everyone who is involved with our property. 

What you'll be doing

Your style of delivery and ability to influence will nurture the confidence and capability of our leaders and line managers as they develop their own volunteer management skills, ensuring we offer an outstanding volunteer experience across a diverse range of roles and teams. You’ll be passionate about leading for Inclusion and Diversity and you’ll champion our property ambition to make sure that everyone feels truly welcomed and able to get involved in our sites in their own way. 

You will promote and plan for great volunteering, learning and community involvement and support the creation of new offers and approaches. You will continually develop and review our community involvement, learning and volunteering offer, seeking to involve volunteers in all we do and grow support for our work with people who live in our vibrant landscapes.

You will manage a team of staff and volunteers who will deliver the outstanding and inspirational learning experiences you develop which promote our conservation work.

Who we're looking for

To be successful in this role you'll need to have the following.

• Be a key member of the Property Leadership Team, reporting into the General Manager.
• Lead for our Inclusion and Everyone Welcome ambition.
• Work with the Property Leadership Team to review and develop our Volunteering and Community ambition.
• Coach our line managers to continuously improve their confidence and capability in managing and leading our team of over 375 enthusiastic volunteers.
• Develop relationships with new and existing stakeholders, coaching our managers to develop their confidence and capability in holding positive stakeholder relationships.
• Network with local Volunteer and Community managers, sharing skills and knowledge with less experienced colleagues.
• Be a strong people manager, enabling, empowering and encouraging colleagues across the properties.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.