Learning Volunteer Engagement Manager

Job Description

About Us

The Natural History Museum is both a world-leading science research centre and the most visited natural history museum in Europe. With a vision of a future in which both people and the planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity’s needs with those of the natural world.

It is custodian of one of the world’s most important scientific collections comprising over 80 million objects. The scale of this collection enables researchers from all over the world to document how species have and continue to respond to environmental changes - which is vital in helping predict what might happen in the future and informing future policies and plans to help the planet.

We are at a pivotal moment in our history as we launch a new strategy setting out our role as the natural world faces increasing threats. Building on our world-leading collection, global reputation for science and as one of the world’s leading visitor attractions, the NHM has ambitious plans leading up to the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Waterhouse Building in 2031, making this a truly exciting time to be part of the NHM team.

Diversity and inclusion matter to us.

Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.

We welcome applications from everyone – diversity, inclusion and the feeling of belonging matters to us. By attracting people to work for us from a broad range of diverse backgrounds we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.

About the role

As part of a team of three, the Learning Volunteer Engagement Manager role supports the delivery and growth of our Learning Volunteer Programme, designed to offer anyone over 18 the support and training to bring the Museum’s collections and research to life, making them accessible to all, through inspiring learning experiences.

This role will be responsible for recruiting new volunteers to the Learning Volunteer Programme through methods aimed at reaching currently under-represented demographics, as well as leading a programme of induction, training and continuing enrichment that supports volunteers in their role at the Museum.

They’ll develop high-quality, accessible, and enjoyable activities, with and for volunteers, to facilitate with young audiences and families in our galleries, exhibitions and outdoor spaces including the Museum’s transformed gardens. This will include working in collaboration with volunteers and local audiences to develop and pilot these activities.

The role will also support work to scope and develop broader participation opportunities for those under the age of 18, delivering on one of the Museum’s strategic priorities, to engage and involve the widest possible audience.

About you

You’ll have experience in developing inspiring science learning activities for families and young people in an informal setting, have managed an ongoing volunteering programme before, and will be committed to recruiting volunteers from all backgrounds by helping us make our programme more accessible. You’ll also be passionate about the natural world and be excited about our mission to create advocates for the planet.

Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.

Find out more here

What we offer

• 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
• Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across the country, such as the British Museum, V&A, National Gallery, Royal Academy and Tate
• Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including a free digital Tastecard, discounted cinema tickets and corporate membership of English Heritage sites (including Dover Castle and Stonehenge). For more details, visit https://www.cssc.co.uk
• Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
• Staff discounts at a range of local businesses and services
• Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
• Season ticket, bicycle and rental loans
• Eye care vouchers
• Professional development opportunities - We are committed to the professional development of our staff and offer a range of courses to ensure they reach their potential. We also sponsor professional qualifications and job-related professional membership fees.