Head of Volunteering

Here on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways we are looking to consolidate our position as one of the premier heritage railways in the UK. The revived railway was founded on volunteering and this continues to drive the success of the railway today. Volunteering is pertinent to all departments of the railway and growing volunteer input is at the heart of our future plans. We are looking for a proven leader to take on the mantle of building volunteering within the organisation to new levels.

We can offer you:

• Negotiable salary in the range £37,000 – £40,000 per annum, dependant on experience
• Full time, permanent role
• A minimum of 28 days paid holiday, inclusive of all bank and public holidays
• Enrolment into the Company pension scheme after a qualifying period
• Company enhanced sick pay
• Staff discounts and travel benefits on the Ff&WHR, and on national rail according to the Rail Staff Travel rules in place at the time of employment.

This role will be predominately office and site based as the underlying ethos of this role can only be met through face to face interaction with our volunteer workforce, therefore the successful candidate will need to be based in the Porthmadog area.

The successful candidate will focus on recruitment of volunteers across all levels of the organisation. Developing, maintaining and communicating a volunteer work bank, work programmes and a rolling ‘year ahead’ volunteering planner will be a key part of the role. Additionally you will identify and develop skills gaps including the development of volunteer supervisors and future leaders; and work with the management team to build the capability of managers and their departments in respect of volunteering.

Core Skills:

• Extensive experience of the heritage volunteering sector
• Proven leadership ability
• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience
• The ability to build and sustain relationships with internal and external partners at all levels
• Strong communication skills both verbally and written
• Fully competent in the use of IT
• The ability to manage your time and prioritise your workload effectively to meet the many demands of the role
• Membership of a relevant professional body would be an advantage
• The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh is desirable

The ideal candidate will be able to communicate a clear vision and engage others to deliver it; and will have the ability to influence direct and non-direct reports to deliver the strategic plans across the whole organisation whilst maintaining a leadership role.

Applicants for this position must have the existing right to work in the UK. The Festiniog Railway Company is not able to offer sponsorship of Visa applications.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £37,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Sick pay

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/10/2025