Volunteering Advisor

Overview:
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct.

Role Profile:
ZSL is looking for a Volunteering Advisor to provide advice, guidance and support to ZSL managers and Volunteer Supervisors in the engagement of volunteers across our London Zoo, Science, Conservation & Policy, and Business Support Services directorates. This role will assist the ZSL Volunteer Manager to develop, promote and implement volunteer management best practice across ZSL, whilst contributing to the development and integration of new volunteering initiatives in line with ZSL/London Zoo strategy.

This role will line manage our part-time Volunteer Administrator also based in London. Some flexibility is required for occasional evening and/or weekend events. The role will involve a mix of home working and hot-desking on site.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

- Contribute to the strategic development of Volunteering across ZSL (alongside the Volunteer Manager and wider Volunteer Management Team) supporting the development of a professional, inclusive and attractive volunteer scheme.
- Promote and implement volunteer management best practice across ZSL, focussing on providing guidance, advice and support in all aspects of volunteer management and the respective ZSL procedures to Volunteer Supervisors across our London Zoo, Science, Conservation & Policy, and Business Support Services directorates.
- Plan and deliver ZSL-wide volunteering events and activities.
- Support the Volunteer Management Team with ZSL volunteer scheme organisation and administration as needed.

Person Specification:

- Relevant degree or other professional qualification.
- Demonstrable experience feeding into the development of organisation-wide volunteer engagement and deployment strategy to meet an organisation’s business needs.
- Significant experience of coordinating teams of volunteers, inspiring them to reach their potential.
- Experience within people-facing organisations with a focus on excellent customer service.
- In depth understanding of volunteer management best practice and the current trends in the sector.
- Awareness of positive examples of volunteer management practice.
- Good understanding of people-management processes, procedures and considerations.
- Knowledge and understanding of the delivery of excellent customer service.
- Knowledge and understanding of different learning preferences/styles.
- Awareness of breadth and needs of audiences attending UK attractions.
- Awareness of the work of ZSL is desirable.
- Excellent interpersonal skills (including sensitivity and tact), with proven ability to communicate effectively with volunteers from different backgrounds, and staff of all managerial levels.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience of tailoring the delivery of content for varied audiences, including volunteer briefings and training.
- Excellent project planning and organisation skills.
- Good skill level in using MS Office packages, specifically Outlook and Excel.
- Experience of using people-management software (ZSL uses iTrent, Salespoint and iCIMS).
- Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritise workload.
- Ability to demonstrate a methodical and systematic approach to tasks.

The full job description can be found here.

To Apply:

- The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728._