Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Manchester Cathedral Closing date: Fri, 17 Apr 2026

Role: Human Resources
Contract: Permanent
North West
  • Full time
  • £30k-£40k

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Opportunity to shape and lead volunteering at Manchester Cathedral. Build a diverse, engaged volunteer community, supporting heritage, visitors and outreach, and helping deliver an ambitious project focused on inclusion, skills and shared experiences.

Job Description

Manchester Cathedral is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to lead and develop its volunteering programme as part of the "Our Cathedral, Our City" project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This is a key role in shaping how volunteers contribute to the Cathedral's life, heritage and community engagement.

Volunteering is central to the Cathedral's mission, supporting visitor welcome, tours, events, worship and heritage activity. This role will strengthen and expand that offer, ensuring it is inclusive, well-structured and sustainable.

The Volunteer Coordinator will work across the Cathedral and with Volition Community to integrate existing pathways and build a cohesive, diverse volunteer cohort. The role will lead on developing a volunteer management framework, including recruitment, training, communication and recognition, alongside day-to-day coordination.

A key task will be to undertake a skills and needs audit of current volunteers, identifying opportunities for development, improved diversity and enhanced engagement. This will inform the creation of new and existing roles aligned with the Activity Plan, including supporting interpretation, community partnerships and visitor experience.

The postholder will work closely with Cathedral staff, clergy and the wider project team to ensure volunteering is embedded across the organisation, and will help shape a new volunteer hub to foster a strong sense of community and belonging.

This role requires experience of working with volunteers, strong organisational and interpersonal skills, and a proactive, inclusive approach. It is an opportunity to play a central role in a major heritage project, building a resilient and engaged volunteer community at Manchester Cathedral.

Job Requirements

The Volunteer Coordinator will have experience of working with and managing volunteers, ideally within a heritage, cultural or community setting. They will be confident developing volunteer programmes, including recruitment, training, communication and day-to-day coordination, and able to balance strategic planning with delivery.

Strong organisational and interpersonal skills are essential, with the ability to build positive relationships and create an inclusive, supportive environment. Experience of engaging diverse communities and widening participation is important.

The role requires a proactive, solution-focused approach, with the ability to undertake audits, analyse data and report on impact. Knowledge of safeguarding, equality and data protection is expected.

Candidates should be confident using IT systems, managing competing priorities, and working both independently and as part of a team.

Job Responsibilities

The Volunteer Coordinator will develop and deliver a structured volunteer programme, including recruitment, role design, training and communication. They will undertake a skills audit of existing volunteers to identify gaps, opportunities and development needs.

The role will lead on recruiting and building a diverse volunteer cohort, reflecting the communities of Greater Manchester, and support their ongoing development and engagement. Day-to-day coordination will include rota management, record keeping and responding to volunteer needs.

The postholder will work with staff, clergy and the project team to embed volunteering across the Cathedral, supporting visitor experience, community engagement and interpretation activity. They will foster a positive volunteer culture, ensuring individuals feel valued and supported, and produce regular reports on volunteer activity, outcomes and impact.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Volunteer Coordinator
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Role: Human Resources
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Fri, 17 Apr 2026
  • Location:
    North West
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Volunteer Coordinator

Job: Volunteer Coordinator

Organisation: Manchester Cathedral

Postcode: M3 1SX

How to Apply

Applications should be made by email to Anthony O’Connor, Director of Fundraising and Development at [email protected] , or by post to Anthony O’Connor, Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX, to arrive by no later than 12 noon on Friday 17th April 2026, including both a CV and a covering letter demonstrating the candidate’s suitability for the post Invitations to attend for interview will be issued on Thursday 23 April and will include a pre-interview task. Interviews will be held at the Cathedral on Thursday 30 April 2026.