INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY We're looking for a creative and thoughtful individual with a strategic and collaborative mindset who will work to ensure that everyone feels welcome at our East Down National Trust places. Taking a co-development approach, the role holder will plan, deliver and support projects and ways of working that will deepen community connections and develop opportunities for people and partners to get involved with the National Trust in ways that are meaningful and mutually beneficial. This is a permanent and full-time opportunity to become our Volunteering and Community Manager and join the Property Leadership Team for the East Down portfolio. This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. What it's like to work here Part of the East Down Portfolio of National Trust places, Mount Stewart is a place that has been touched by the various generations who have loved it. Whilst always respecting the past and finding inspiration from its history, Mount Stewart has been unafraid of change throughout the generations, endeavouring to remain relevant in modern times. A much-loved home for the Londonderry family, Mount Stewart has a fascinating history intricately connected to both Irish and British affairs, as well as pivotal events in European history, from the Congress of Vienna to both World Wars. The estate's influence and legacy are seen not only in political and diplomatic spheres but also through its artistic and cultural contributions.The gardens at Mount Stewart, the creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry, are renowned for their innovation and uniqueness, blending whimsical Classical and Gaelic mythology with exotic plants sourced from around the globe. Last year we welcomed over 220,000 visitors and have ambitions to grow our appeal further. Click here for more information about Mount Stewart. The East Down Team is also responsible for caring for over 5,000 hectares of coast and countryside in and around the Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula, one of only three designated Marine Nature Reserves in the United Kingdom. Click here for more information about Strangford Lough and its environs. What you'll be doing Reporting directly to the General Manager, with professional support from internal specialists, you'll bring your passion, knowledge and experience to developing and delivering East Down's strategic plan for volunteering and community outcomes.As a member of the Property Leadership Team, you will champion how we embed a range of meaningful public benefit in all we do, working alongside your colleagues to ensure our places' relevance and usefulness to existing and new audiences.Partnership approaches will be key to your work, as you seek to find new ways for the communities around East Down to benefit from our places. Through coaching, facilitation and effective planning, you will increase the confidence and capability of the wider team to deliver great volunteering and community focused outcomes, whilst being instrumental in creating a collective, flexible and inclusive environment for existing & future volunteers, communities and partners. You will nurture the confidence and capability of our wider team as they develop their own volunteer management skills, ensuring we offer an outstanding volunteer experience across a diverse range of roles and teams and you will work to ensure that the voices of our volunteers are clearly heard, valued and included across the portfolio. A significant part of your time will focus on leading our Children and Young People ambition, supporting the National Trust to utilise the amazing cultural and natural heritage we care for to engage and benefit young people through a range of initiatives, for example our schools programme, engagement with partners who support youth groups and through careers engagement. You will be supported in this planning and delivery by a dedicated team you will lead. Who we're looking for We would love to hear you if you're: able to strategically plan, implement and evolve volunteering and our work with communities committed to increasing and diversifying participation through relevant and accessible opportunities for more people, including children and young people confident coaching colleagues, creating a positive, flexible and inclusive environment for volunteers, communities and partners experienced with creating a culture where Volunteering and Community work is planned and resourced, sustainable and efficiently managed understand how to proactively involve people especially through change able to build, grow and diversify relationships with community groups and partners adept at ensuring accurate data and improving systems and processes in response to feedback 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. • Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary • Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18) • Rental deposit loan scheme • Season ticket loan • EV car lease scheme • Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts • Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria. • Flexible working whenever possible • Employee assistance programme • Free parking at most Trust places Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you. Closing Date: 26 January 2025 Interview Date: 05 February 2025 We do not accept CVs or covering letters for Northern Ireland vacancies. Please fill out the online application form on the National Trust Jobs website. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applicants regardless of religious beliefs, political opinion, race, sex, marital status, age or disability. To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page. If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page. EqualOpportunities Statement The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here. Safeguarding Statement The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre. Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early. ADZN1_UKTJ