Volunteer Engagement Officer (Part-Time – Freelance)
Organisation: Friends of Rowntree Park
Location: Remote (with occasional on-site work at Rowntree Park, York)
Hours: Around 7 hours a week – with flexibility across 48 weeks
Salary: £14.50 p/h (total £4823 for the year*)
Contract Duration: 1 year (grant-funded)
*There may be the opportunity to add to this for those able to take on design and social media elements linked to the role as well. The 7 hours a week is an approximate and this may include more or less some weeks.
About Us
The Friends of Rowntree Park is a small community-focused charity dedicated to maintaining and enhancing Rowntree Park in York. While the park is managed by the City of York Council, budget cuts have necessitated our charity’s increased involvement. We provide volunteer opportunities that not only improve the park’s physical space but also promote physical, mental and social wellbeing across diverse groups in the community. Volunteer opportunities include things such as gardening, conservation, litter picking, and running or helping with community events and projects. We are a small charity that has a big impact.
To grow and sustain our efforts, we are recruiting a Volunteer Engagement Officer (VEO) to strengthen our volunteer programme, attract volunteers from diverse backgrounds and build deeper community partnerships. This pivotal role will ensure that more people can benefit from the opportunities and improved wellbeing that come from participating in and enjoying Rowntree Park.
Role Purpose
The Volunteer Engagement Officer will focus on:
- Recruitment and retention: Expanding our volunteer base by reaching diverse individuals and groups and maintaining a supportive, engaging experience for all volunteers.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Developing systems to track volunteer impact and programme outcomes, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Community partnerships: Building strong relationships with local organisations, schools and businesses to grow and sustain volunteer participation.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment and Retention
- Advertise volunteer opportunities through citywide platforms, local organisations and targeted outreach.
- Review and improve recruitment and retention strategies to meet the charity’s objectives.
- Act as the first point of contact for new volunteers, including liaising with social prescribing leads and welcoming specific groups.
- Support volunteer leaders with clear communication, advertising opportunities and providing ongoing communication.
- Maintain an up-to-date volunteer database, tracking inductions, contact details and compliance with policies.
- Celebrate volunteering efforts by sharing photographs and success stories with the Charity Manager for social media and newsletters. Also planning additional ways to celebrate volunteer efforts.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Conduct periodic surveys, gather oral feedback and collect photographic evidence to assess programme effectiveness.
- Track volunteer hours and contributions, coordinating with volunteer leads.
- Prepare reports, case studies and impact data to showcase the programme’s benefits and outcomes.
Community Partnerships
- Build relationships with local charities, schools and organisations to encourage workplace and group volunteering.
- Coordinate with the City of York Council’s ECO Team and York Cares for collaborative initiatives.
Other Duties
- Assist with grant applications, reviews and monitoring as required.
- Facilitate new volunteer-led projects and initiatives.
About You
This role would suit someone…
Skills and Experience
- Experience in volunteer coordination, community engagement, or a similar role is useful though not essential if you can demonstrate transferable skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse groups.
- Excellent organisational skills, with experience managing databases, scheduling and record-keeping.
- Competence in using social media and other communication tools to promote activities and opportunities.
- Confidence in presenting ideas and engaging with stakeholders, including volunteers, community groups and organisations.
- An understanding of the benefits of volunteering for individuals and communities, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity.
Desirable
- Experience with grant applications and reporting.
- Design skills for creating social media assets and posters.
- Knowledge of green social prescribing.
- Familiarity with the York area and its community networks.
Working Environment
This is a home-based role with flexibility in working hours. Occasional on-site work outdoor at Rowntree Park or attendance at meetings may be required. You would need to have access to your own computer.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and/or a cover letter (no more than 2 A4 sides) outlining your suitability for the role to the Charity Manager, Abigail Gaines, via email: hello@rowntreepark.org.uk by 24th of February 2025.
Please do not hesitate to get in contact with any queries before applying.
This post is subject to receipt of two satisfactory references. Please note, this job description is subject to change. With any significant change, we will ensure this is discussed with you before any final approvals and or commitments.
