Volunteer Development Manager

Are you passionate about creating exceptional volunteer experiences and shaping an inclusive, thriving volunteer community? The RHS is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Development Manager on a 12month contract (sabbatical cover) to help deliver our Vision for Volunteering and support the meaningful involvement of over 1,400 volunteers across our Gardens and Libraries.

About the Role

Based in Londong (Vincent Square) or Wisley,

In this influential role, you will champion best practice in volunteer engagement across several RHS sites, ensuring every volunteer feels welcomed, valued and able to contribute to our strategic goals. You will provide guidance, support, and expertise to Volunteer Supervisors across our Gardens and Libraries, helping to achieve the RHS Vision for Volunteering.

A central focus of this role is developing an inclusive volunteering culture, by removing barriers, improving accessibility, and actively broadening the diversity of our volunteer community. You will help streamline processes, refine systems, and cultivate environments that empower volunteers to thrive.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will work closely with Volunteer Managers at RHS Garden Wisley and RHS Garden Bridgewater, the central People Team and multiple internal teams, collectively working towards the implementation of the Vision for Volunteering.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in volunteer management across multiple sites
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Excellent collaboration and relationship‑building skills
• The ability to influence, support, and guide colleagues across multiple locations
• A proactive, solution‑focused mindset and a passion for continuous improvement

If you are motivated by empowering others, increasing impact, and supporting a dynamic volunteer programme at scale, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

Our careers portal here provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.