This is a part-time position, 3 days per week or the equivalent hours, with flexibility offered in the hours worked.
THE IRISH HERITAGE TRUST WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO: Established in 2006, The Irish Heritage Trust CLG (IHT) is an independent non-profit which cares for, protects and brings to life a variety of historic houses, gardens and parklands in Ireland, in a financially sustainable manner, while developing innovative visitor experiences at these beautiful places: Fota House & Gardens (Cork); Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens (Wexford); and Strokestown Park & the National Famine Museum (Roscommon).We are headquartered at No.
11 Parnell Square East in Dublin, where works have commenced on a conservation-led refurbishment which marks the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic Georgian building.
It is set to become an inclusive cultural centre dedicated to celebrating and sharing Irish poetry, heritage and culture with the public.
Our guiding motto is People, Place, Participation and we engage with and connect individuals and communities to these special places through participation including membership, events and a vibrant volunteering programme across all of our historic properties.
Strokestown Park is a unique visitor attraction which comprises Strokestown Park House, one of the best-preserved Palladian Mansions in Ireland; the National Famine Museum, telling the story of the Great Irish Famine; Walled Gardens & Woodlands; Café and Gift Shop.
In 2015, the Irish Heritage Trust took responsibility for the property with the help of private philanthropic support from individual directors of the Westward Group to continue to safeguard this unique heritage site for future generations.
The Trust managed the large-scale redevelopment of the National Famine Museum and Visitor Centre which opened in 2022.
The new National Famine Museum brings compelling stories from the Famine powerfully to life for visitor of all ages and offers an enhanced visitor experience.
Strokestown Park is also the start of the National Famine Way, the 165km historical trail from Roscommon to Dublin, mostly along the Royal Canal ending at the Famine statues in Dublin Docklands, close to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: Reporting to the General Manager, this position will be responsible for managing, developing and coordinating a growing team of volunteers and a busy volunteer programme.
The volunteering cohort are those who give their time, skills & commitment freely to IHT to carry out various tasks & projects inside the House and National Famine Museum as well as around the grounds & gardens.
Volunteers provide support and expertise in a wide range of areas including tour guiding, gardening and horticulture, event support, conservation and restoration.
Key elements of the role will include: Work with the General Manager to develop a strong team of volunteers to support Strokestown Park.
Attract, recruit and induct volunteers as needed.
This includes volunteers drawn from the community as well as corporate partners.
Develop a recruitment plan as well as a plan for recognising and retaining volunteers.
Coordinate volunteer activity, work planning, uniforms and rotas, supporting and participating in volunteer activities.
Develop and maintain a volunteer communication plan.
Ensure that the overall training needs of the volunteers are identified, and that appropriate training is developed and delivered.
Accompany volunteers in training where appropriate and provide them with constructive advice and feedback.
Work with the General Manager, Curator, Head Gardener and Event Coordinator to ensure the relevant volunteers are supported and trained whether in delivering tours, assisting in the gardens or providing event support, etc.
Implement the volunteer daily log and record the results of these reports weekly.
Build external relationships so that Strokestown Park will benefit from developments in the voluntary sector.
Input and participate with the Volunteer Coordinators from other IHT properties and IHT HR Manager in developing and progressing the IHT Volunteer Strategy and Programme.
THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED: Minimum of 2 years work experience, ideally with experience working with volunteers or in recruitment, training or planning work schedules Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Excellent organisation, planning and team-building skills Good broad based IT skills, ideally with database experience Ability to develop social media content & output Enthusiastic, hardworking and a willingness to get involved Skills: Volunteer Management People Management Recruitment Benefits: Pension Death in Service Employee Assistance Programme Staff Discount Discounted Healthcare