Job Description

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we'll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.We're looking for a Community, Partnerships & Volunteering Manager to join the Property Leadership team at Ightham Mote & Knole. This role is central to the development and delivery of our volunteering and visitor offer and the partnerships we develop within our local community.


This is an opportunity to lead for Ightham Mote & Knole's volunteer involvement and grow engagement with communities.



What it's like to work here:Ightham Mote is a beautiful 700-year-old moated manor house, surrounded by stunning gardens and over 500 acres of freely accessible estate. Romantic and picturesque it is nestled in the Kent countryside between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks.


Knole sits proudly in the heart of Sevenoaks. The estate boasts a 1000-acre medieval deer park, historic showrooms with a world-class collection of paintings and furniture, sprawling courtyards, gatehouse tower and conservation studio.


We are passionate about caring for these wonderful properties and visitors are central to everything we do. We are a busy team, who like a challenge and deliver at pace. We work collaboratively as a large portfolio team across two historic sites. We are hands on and work together to get the job done and create exceptional visitor experiences.


Click here for more information about this location



What you'll be doing:Reporting directly to the General Manager, you'll manage the team of Community, Participation & Volunteering staff and a delegated budget. You'll be responsible for the effective recruitment, management, development and retention of Ightham Mote & Knole's valued and highly skilled team of around 800 volunteers.


You'll manage community engagement and partnerships, working closely with property colleagues in the Collections & House and Visitor Experience teams.


Working in partnership with the rest of the Property Leadership Team, you'll strategically plan, implement, and evolve volunteering at Ightham Mote & Knole and our work with communities. Coaching colleagues to increase their confidence and capability, you'll create a positive, flexible, and inclusive environment for volunteers, communities, and partners.


The property portfolio consists of two busy heritage attractions; all staff members work on a rota basis across seven days of the week. Regular weekend and Bank Holiday working is required as part of this role. This role will also include some Duty Management Support cover, alongside other senior staff members.


You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role

Who we're looking forApplications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
Excellent understanding of good practice in community engagement and participatory practice, and experience of applying it in a range of contexts. Excellent understanding of volunteer engagement and experience of innovating volunteering and increasing wider participation Think strategically and demonstrate strong analytical skills. Able to use data and insight to prioritise, make effective choices and decide when and how to engage different audiences Significant experience of partnership working Able to build effective and collaborative working relationships with leaders and wider teams, and to coach people to increase their confidence/capability and increase community engagement and participation - including volunteering.

Additional criteria for all other applicants

experience of leading change and building partnerships across sectors deep knowledge of community engagement, participatory practice and inclusive volunteering strategic thinking and strong analytical skills

The packageThe 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

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)