Heritage ambassador volunteer jobs

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Visitor Experience Manager (VEM) to play a vital role in leading and shaping the visitor journey at Waddesdon Manor, working Wednesday-Sunday. The successful candidate will  be an  integral part of the Visitor Experience Management Team at Waddesdon Manor ensuring that every visitor enjoys an outstanding experience that is welcoming, inclusive, and memorable.

You will be responsible for developing a culture of ‘exceptional service, every time, for everyone,’ leading by example and inspiring the wider visitor experience team to deliver outstanding customer service. With extensive management experience in a visitor-facing heritage environment, you will act as an ambassador for our visitors across the property, ensuring their needs and expectations are embedded at the heart of all operations.

What you will do:

As Visitor Experience Manager (VEM), you will oversee house-based visitor operations and lead a seamless visitor engagement program - including tours, walks, and talks - ensuring that all audiences enjoy an exceptional and inspiring experience. By maintaining consistently high standards of welcome, interpretation and storytelling, you will enhance visitor satisfaction and foster memorable experiences.

You will play a key role in the growth and evolution of the Visitor Experience department, driving excellence in operations, recruitment, training, customer service, and engagement initiatives. With a strong understanding of heritage best practices, you will contribute to shaping the Visitor Experience strategy, ensuring long-term success and the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs).

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

Operational Management

• Oversee the visitor experience within the house, supporting the Assistant Visitor Experience Manager (AVEM) to ensure a consistently high-quality experience for all guests.
• Ensure impeccable presentation standards aligned with brand guidelines.
• Full compliance of operational policies and procedures.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are engaged with their roles and environment.
• Effective staff planning that aligns with budget and operational needs.
• Strategically plan for the future of the house-based visitor operation by benchmarking against industry leaders, implementing best practices, and managing change, where needed.
• Support the AVEM in the operational delivery of house openings and tours.
• Act as an escalation point for visitor feedback or complaints, ensuring prompt and confident resolution.

Tours & Walks Operation

• Oversee the daily delivery of the public tours and walks program, ensuring high-quality, well-resourced experiences.
• Serve as a central point of coordination between teams and departments to efficiently manage spaces and resources.
• With the AVEM provide motivational and supportive leadership to all guides and volunteers, ensuring visitor expectations remain central to operations
• Collaborate with relevant departments to create scripts and guidance for walks and tour programme delivery
• Train as a guide to cover staff/volunteer shortfalls and maintain consistency in the visitor offer
• Support out-of-hours exclusive access tours, sharing responsibilities with the VE management team
• Develop industry-leading, accessible, and revenue-generating tour visitor engagement programme
• Develop a guide recruitment and training programme.
• Work with the Head of Visitor Experience (HVE), Group Bookings Coordinator, and Marketing team to tailor tours and walks to visitor and group preferences.

People Management

• Line manage the AVEM, providing operational guidance and supporting their professional development.
• Offer strong, motivational leadership to guides and volunteers, serving as an approachable point of contact.
• Recruit, develop, and coach a high-performing, enthusiastic team, setting clear objectives and providing regular feedback.
• Inspire teams to engage with and safely manage the historic environment, fostering a passion for the house, its history, and collections.
• Collaborate with the VE & Volunteering teams to expand and enhance the year-round Visitor Experience volunteering program.
• Lead annual visitor care training for staff and volunteers.
• Provide ongoing role-specific training to ensure high standards of delivery.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with the Head of Visitor Experience to manage staffing and operational budgets, contributing to financial planning.
• Champion accessibility, ensuring all visitor offers meet best practice accessibility guidelines and supporting the AVEM in developing access initiatives.
• Deputise for the HVE and provide operational duty management in the AVEM’s absence.
• Serve as a second duty manager for large events, overseeing a designated site area and making operational decisions.
• Act as a trained First Aider and Fire Marshall (training provided).
• Train as a “White Hat” for Waddesdon’s Disaster Response Team and take a leadership role in major incidents if required
• Support frontline operations during peak times, major events, or staff shortages as required
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in the heritage/museum sector

You will be a great fit if:

You are skilled managing front-line teams and overseeing visitor operations, consistently delivering high standards of service and engagement. You have a passion for heritage and culture and can develop and deliver tours, walks and visitor programs that are accessible, inspiring and memorable. You are skilled at recruiting, training and motivating staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performing team while maintaining operational excellence. You have the ability to respond confidently to visitor feedback and will contribute to the long-term success and growth of the Visitor Experience department.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work within the charity and heritage sector, with all profits going to the upkeep and preservation of the House and Grounds.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role:

• Operational Leadership: minimum of 3 years’ experience in operational and line management within a fast-paced, visitor-focused environment, ideally in the heritage or museum sector.
• Passion for Heritage & the Arts: A genuine interest in heritage, arts management, and the natural world.
• Team Management & Development: Skilled in coaching, team development, and effective communication. Excellent interpersonal skills, adept at building relationships and managing complex stakeholder interests.
• Volunteer Management: Experience in leading and engaging volunteers, with an understanding of how to effectively motivate, recognize, and reward their contributions.
• Visitor Experience & Engagement: Proven passion and experience in delivering exceptional visitor experiences and engagement programmes.
• Strategic Contribution: Strong time management, project management, organisational and problem-solving skills. Familiar with best practices and trends in museums, heritage and visitor attractions, with experience driving operational improvements.
• Collection Care & Conservation: Understanding of historic collection care, conservation, health and safety, and security legislation.
• Communication & Public Engagement: Strong written and interpersonal skills, with experience in public speaking, guiding, or presenting. Ability to remain calm and confident under pressure.
• Financial & Technical Proficiency: Some experience in budget management and commercial awareness. Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, with familiarity in POS and ticketing platforms.

 Additional requirements:

The safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults are of the utmost importance for any role at the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor. Consequently this position will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to uphold the safety and security of all our guests, staff and volunteers.  

Rewards for working with us:

• Waddesdon Discounts – 50% discount in the food-to-go outlets at the Manor. 20% in the Manor gift shop and restaurant, Stables Café, Five Arrows Hotel, and The Bow Pub. 20% discount on special event tickets made available to staff.
• Staff Card - A National Trust staff card entitles two adults and children under 18 years of age free admission to all National Trust properties and 20% discount in NT retail and catering outlets.
• Annual Leave - On starting with us, you will receive 25 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays pro-rata. Stay with us for 3 years and this rises to 28 days, 30 days after five years and 32 days after 10 years.
• Sick pay - If you become ill, one week of sick pay during your first 3 months. This rises to a maximum of 3 months full pay within a rolling 12-month period. After four years you also receive a further 3 months at half pay in the rolling 12-month period.
• Pension - We will top up your pension by matching any contribution you make, up to 10% of your basic salary.
• Income Protection – on completing one year of continuous service, income protection may be available at 50% of basic salary for a maximum of 5 years.
• Life Assurance – a lump sum of 4 times basically annual salary is payable upon death in service.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support – access to a wellbeing platform and fully funded 1:1 counselling service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay – after 12 months of continuous service, you can choose 13 weeks of maternity leave at full pay followed by 26 weeks statutory pay.
• Enhanced Paternity Pay – after 12 months of continuous service, you may take 3 months of paternity leave at full pay.
• And plenty more!

Borders Forest Trust (BFT) are recruiting for a new Chief Executive .

BFT is a charity established to restore native woodland habitats to Southern Scotland, an area with the lowest percentage of native woodlands in mainland Scotland. Since 1996, we have been working towards planting trees, restoring peatlands and other natural habitats, enriching the biological diversity of around 31 sq km in the Southern Uplands. They demonstrate large scale ecological restoration in action, and inspire landowners, statutory bodies, local communities and policy makers to embrace this alternative model for land use and conservation.

The charity’s previous Director has led the organisation for five years, and BFT are in a strong position, ready to develop a new organisational strategy and grow. This is a role of great strategic importance to the charity and the role is varied, with a broad remit.  

The Chief Executive role has organisational responsibility for 12 members of staff, some office based but most out and about across the countryside in which BFT works.  

As Chief Executive, you’ll bring proven senior leadership experience and the ability to get the best from staff and volunteers. A natural communicator, you’ll engage confidently with a wide range of people – from volunteers and donors to policymakers and conservation experts. 

You’ll have experience generating significant income in the not-for-profit sector, alongside strengths in strategic planning and programme development. Passionate about conservation, you’ll be an inspiring ambassador for Borders Forest Trust, able to share our impact and build lasting partnerships that help us achieve our vision. 

This role is hybrid based, with candidates being in the Head Office in Jedburgh (Scottish Borders) once or twice weekly, with other time spent out and about across the geography BFT covers. Applications are welcomed from candidates based across Scotland and the North East. Please note, travel costs to the Jedburgh office for office working days will not be reimbursed. 

To find out more, discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require and to progress an application, please download the Candidate Pack and email us to arrange a chat with our Recruitment team. 

Timeframes: 

Role closing: midnight Monday 13th October – please ensure you have allowed time for a screening conversation with the THINK Recruitment team before the closing date 

1st Stage interviews: 22nd or 23rd October 2025 

2nd Stage interviews: 29th October 2025 

Stonyhurst – Director of Fundraising

Location: Remote working with travel as needed and appropriate time at Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire to deliver the requirements of the role.

Salary: £100,000 per annum.

Contract: Permanent, full-time.

Stonyhurst College, the UK’s leading Catholic co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 3-18, is seeking a high value fundraising expert to design and deliver a high-performing philanthropic programme to ensure long-term sustainability.

Stonyhurst is the oldest continuously existing Jesuit school in the world – founded in 1593 in France, the College moved to its present site in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley near the market town of Clitheroe in 1794. As well as encouraging pupils to achieve their academic potential, the school works to develop well-rounded, competent future adults who can help change the world for others.

Working across the site and the wider community, the Director of Fundraising will lead on the development and delivery of a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the College’s long-term vision and priorities, to help secure transformational giving for Stonyhurst. The role will be responsible for increasing income growth across capital, bursary, endowment and unrestricted giving, with a strong focus on major gifts and sustainable donor relationships, as well as personally managing a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, and cultivating and stewarding six, seven and eight-figure gifts.

The role will involve some travel nationally and internationally to engage supporters and prospects, and the post-holder will be expected to act as ambassador for Stonyhurst, championing their mission and values.

This is a particularly exciting time to be joining Stonyhurst, with a new strategic plan committed to the highest quality of Jesuit formation and the continuous development of the school’s historic estate over the coming years.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, with a track record in building relationships with alumni, partners, stakeholders and donors, and in shaping and implementing effective fundraising strategies to drive income growth. With a strong background in high-value fundraising, they will have personally led the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of high-value donors. Excellent research and analytical skills will be a must, combined with honed interpersonal skills and the proven ability to establish and maintain good relationships with a diverse range of people. Finally, candidates will have an affinity with private education and with the mission and purpose of Stonyhurst.

This role offers a rare opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, based in 1,000 acres of stunning countryside and to join a rich educational tradition that is five centuries old, spanning the globe.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 13th October, 9.00 am. 

National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF) is looking for a new Director to lead our national network and champion rural arts across the UK. We’re seeking an inspiring leader with a collaborative approach to advocate for our members and sector, to strengthen partnerships and support a vibrant network that ensures creativity and culture thrive in every community.

About NRTF

NRTF is an Investment Principles Support Organisation (IPSO) within Arts Council England’s (ACE) National Portfolio. As a national membership and strategic organisation, we unite and champion the diverse parts of the rural touring sector. We advocate on behalf of our members, offering up-to-date information, advice, guidance, professional development and networking opportunities. By sharing news, stories and opportunities, supporting rural touring-focused projects and initiatives, and through our Annual National Rural Touring Conference, we raise the profile of rural touring, embedding its value in the wider cultural landscape. We celebrate the work and achievements of the volunteer promoters, professional artists and organisations who make culture accessible for rural communities. This is an exciting moment to join NRTF as we enter our third decade as an organisation and continue building the profile and impact of rural touring across the UK, while supporting the passionate and committed members at the heart of our network.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Director is the strategic and operational lead of NRTF, responsible for the organisation’s vision, management, performance, and long-term sustainability. They ensure delivery against NRTF’s mission and business plan, champion rural touring at a national level, and act as the primary liaison with Arts Council England, stakeholders, and the wider sector. Working closely with a proactive Board of Trustees, the Director provides leadership on governance and compliance in line with UK Charity Law and NRTF’s Articles of Association, ensuring the organisation operates with transparency, accountability and good practice. The Director is a visible ambassador for rural touring, building strong relationships across the cultural sector, advocating for members, and promoting the role of rural touring in ensuring that creativity and culture thrive in every community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

● Lead and implement NRTF’s Business Plan and strategic objectives.

● Oversee the delivery and evaluation of all funded programmes and initiatives.

● Develop and sustain relationships with our members, including the rural touring schemes, national and regional stakeholders, funders, and policy-makers.

● Ensure alignment with ACE’s Investment Principles and “Let’s Create” strategy.

● Ensure long-term sustainability through innovation, partnerships, and appropriate diversification, ensuring the organisation remains relevant and forward-thinking.

Finance and Fundraising

● Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting in collaboration with the Finance Officer and Treasurer.

● Ensure ACE and funder reporting is accurate and timely.

● Lead on developing new funding opportunities, working with colleagues and freelance support to secure income from trusts, foundations and diversification streams.

Membership and Sector Support

● Foster strong relationships with membership, particularly scheme members.

● Understand and respond to member needs, ensuring services and benefits are relevant.

● Foster a strong member community through events, forums, and networking opportunities.

● Together with the NRTF team, design and deliver initiatives to grow, engage, and retain members.

● Represent NRTF and advocate for member interests at national and international events, conferences, and sector forums.

Project and Event Delivery

● Provide strategic oversight of all NRTF projects, ensuring they are well-managed, impactful and aligned with the business plan.

● Lead and represent NRTF at the Annual National Rural Touring Conference and other national events, with project managers and freelance teams responsible for delivery.

● Foster partnerships with schemes and sector organisations to co-create and deliver events and projects that serve members and raise the profile of rural touring.

Communications and Advocacy

● Provide strategic leadership for NRTF’s communications and advocacy, ensuring consistency of voice and alignment with the business plan.

● Lead sector advocacy and act as spokesperson and ambassador for rural touring.

● Maintain and develop national visibility for rural touring through partnerships, media opportunities and press engagement (with support from NRTF’s freelance press agency).

● Oversee delivery of marketing and communications, working with the Marketing & Digital Coordinator to manage campaigns, content and social media.

● Build strategic partnerships with other organisations, funders, and influencers.

HR and Operations

● Lead on recruitment, contracting, staff management, and HR policy implementation.

● Line-manage employed staff, ensuring fair and effective working conditions.

● Manage Contracts for Services for freelance teams and contractors

● Maintain organisational infrastructure, including IT, office resources.

Governance and Legal

● Support and develop the Board of Trustees, ensuring sound governance practices.

● Organise and service Board meetings, the AGM, and working groups.

● Act as Company Secretary: ensure compliance with charity and company law, maintain registers, and submit returns.

Person Specification

Essential

● Proven senior leadership within arts or cultural organisations.

● Commitment to rural/community engagement.

● Strong understanding of the UK arts funding landscape, especially ACE.

● Demonstrable experience in finance, HR, governance, and fundraising.

● Experience in project delivery.

● Strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills.

● Experience of working and engaging with key stakeholders.

● Experience working with or supporting a Board of Trustees.

● Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

● Evidence of original thinking, idea making and bold ambition.

● Caring and positive leadership style.

Desirable

● Awareness of the ethos, principles and practice of rural touring.

● Knowledge of community arts and engagement, and/or cultural networks.

● Experience in legal compliance and company secretary responsibilities.

● Understanding of contemporary cultural policy and advocacy.

● Experience in digital communications, social media, and PR.

● Experience in event management and programming.

If you are excited by this role but are not sure if you fully meet the person specification, we encourage you to reach out to our Interim Head of Operations, Jo Purseglove to discuss further.

Location: Preston, Lancashire

Permanent | Full-time - 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £77,744 - £83,546

After a remarkable 26-year journey with Caritas Care, including five years as CEO, our current Chief Executive will retire at the end of 2025.  This creates a rare and exciting opportunity to lead this dynamic, well-established and vibrant organisation.  The Trustees are looking for an exceptional leader to take forward and further develop one of the North West's most respected and impactful charities.

About Caritas Care

For 90 years, Caritas Care has been at the heart of communities across Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester.  We are a values-driven charity committed to improving lives and creating opportunities for people across the North West.  Our services include adoption and fostering, support for people with disabilities, rehabilitation programs and community projects, all designed to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive.

About the Role

As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership and operational management, ensuring our services continue to make a meaningful impact.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, your key responsibilities will include:

- Leading the organisation with passion and integrity, upholding our values in everything we do

- Developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance and expand our services

- Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, commissioners and partner organisations

- Ensuring financial sustainability, overseeing budgets and securing funding opportunities

- Maintaining governance and compliance standards, ensuring all activities meet legal, ethical and regulatory requirements

- Inspiring and supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence

About You

We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader who is passionate about making a difference. You will bring:

- Strong leadership and strategic planning skills with experience in a senior management role

- A deep understanding of the charity, social care or public sector, particularly in service delivery and safeguarding

- Excellent financial and operational management skills, ensuring sustainability and growth

- A collaborative approach, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders

- A values-driven mind-set, committed to inclusion, equality and social justice

Why Join Us?

This is more than a leadership role – it is an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference.  You will be joining a charity with deep community roots, a skilled team and a future full of possibility. 

- Lead a well-respected and impactful charity

- Work with a passionate team dedicated to making a difference

- Shape the future of services that change lives

- 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

- Incremental salary scale progression

- Flexi-time and flexible working

- Opportunity to maintain a Social Work England registration

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Work based pension 5% employer contribution (LGPS transfer will be considered for the right applicant)

- Birthday leave after 10 years’ service

- Essential car user post with travel paid at 45p per mile

- Onsite free car parking

If you believe you have the skills, experience and passion to lead Caritas Care into its next chapter, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more about this opportunity and to access the full candidate application information, please visit our vacancies page on our website 

For an informal discussion, please contact Susan Swarbrick, Chief Executive.

Applicants who have previously applied for this position need not reapply.

Closing date for applications:  Wednesday 24 September 2025

Provisional interview dates:  Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 October 2025

Early applications are encouraged as we may close the recruitment process ahead of the deadline if a sufficient number of high quality applications are received