Visitor Engagement Manager

At The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, we’re dedicated to developing deeper knowledge and better practice on how to give every horse and pony their best life. As part of our Fundraising and Marketing Communications team, the Visitor Engagement Manager will develop and implement our new visitor engagement strategy to enable people to connect with our rescued horses and ponies through an exceptional visitor experience across our Sanctuaries in Devon – in Totnes, Newton Abbot, Yelverton and Holsworthy.  This role plays a pivotal part in improving the Sanctuary’s brand and profile and raise income to fund its charitable objectives.

About the role

·       Reports into the Director of Fundraising and Communications.

·       You will be based at our Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre near Totnes. 

·       This is an annualised hours contract based on 37.5hours per week with flexibility to work weekends, holidays and evenings.   The role is fixed term for 12 months with potential to become permanent.

·       Salary Band: E - £38,046 with access to private health and corporate discounts

·       Please note that this role is subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check, and you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK.

What You Will Be Doing:-

Here's your chance to make a real impact! As our Visitor Engagement Manager, you'll lead the development and implementation of our new visitor engagement strategy to enable people to connect with our rescued horses and ponies through an exceptional visitor experience across our Sanctuaries in Devon – in Totnes, Newton Abbot, Yelverton and Holsworthy. 

Help build a visitor destination

You'll be at the forefront of developing and executing our visitor engagement strategy to enable meaningful public engagement, with a particular focus at our Coombe Park Equestrian and Education Centre which we aim to open as a visitor attraction with hire facilities from 2025. 

Commercialise our facilities
Develop and commercialise hire of our indoor and outdoor arenas, and from 2025 our equine riding simulator, while balancing the needs of our working sanctuary.

Create memorable events
Develop and execute a programme of high-quality engagement events for the public and equestrian community.  This also includes facilitating drop-in sessions for the Charity’s supporters and maximising existing income-raising schemes such as visiting to adopt a pony and in-memoriam.

 Lead by example

Recruit, train, supervise and motivate visitor engagement team members and volunteers, ensuring they provide exceptional customer service.

Oversee daily operations of visitor engagement services across all sanctuaries, including facilities, ticketing, information desks and customer support.  You will work collaboratively and communicate effectively with managers and staff at these multi-sites.

 Network with purpose
Expertly network in the South West to establish The Mare and Foal Sanctuary as a visitor destination and manage our membership with relevant destination management organisations.   

Stay on top of trends
Monitor visitor feedback and conduct surveys to continuously improve services and programmes. Analyse visitor data and trends to inform decision making and strategic planning.

Keep visitors safe

Ensure compliance with health and safety, accessibility standards and other relevant Charity policies and procedures.

 Manage the budget
Manage budgets and resources for visitor engagement activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency, and aim to meet key performance indicators and annual budgeted income.

What You Will Bring:-

·       Strong background in hospitality and customer service

·       Proven track record of developing and implementing successful and commercially viable visitor destinations

·       Strong leadership and management skills

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

·       Ability to think creatively and strategically to solve problems and enhance visitor experiences

·       Flexibility to work weekends, holidays and evenings regularly.

·       Knowledge of equine care and welfare desirable but training provided

·       Driving licence essential – business mileage paid from nominated base

Why Join Us

We’re the place for people who want to make a difference to the lives of foals, horses, and ponies.

As part of our Mare and Foal Sanctuary team, you'll find yourself surrounded by supportive individuals who share your passion for equine welfare and supporter care. We value work-life balance and offer flexibility to accommodate your needs, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally.

About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the largest equine welfare charity in the South West peninsula dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of horses and ponies who have suffered neglect, abuse, and trauma. We also deliver a range of Equine Assisted Services with our rescued horses and ponies. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has five sites across Devon and is providing life-long loving care to over 600 rescued equines.