National Trust
Senior Community, Participation & Volunteering Manager
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Senior Community Participation and Volunteering Manager
We’re looking for a Senior Community Participation and Volunteering Manager to lead community engagement and development and implementation of outreach programmes to support the successful delivery of the recently launched Mourne Gullion Landscape Connections project. You’ll work alongside the wider project team, partners and stakeholders to support the successful delivery of the project’s development phase initially.
This role is hosted by the National Trust and works across a range of partners and funders. It is a fixed-term position until August 2028. As this is a partnership role, applications will be shared with project partners (Mourne Heritage Trust, NI Water and Newry Mourne & Down District Council) as part of the assessment process.
Mourne Gullion Landscape Connections is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can come together to sustain and restore the Mourne AONB and Ring of Gullion AONB landscape.
This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Access NI check.
What it's like to work here
You’ll work as part of the established Forever Mournes partnership which means being part of a supportive, purpose-driven team, collaborating closely with partners to deliver positive outcomes for people, place and nature. You’ll benefit from a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, where different perspectives are valued, and strong relationships help shape meaningful, lasting impact across the Mourne Gullion landscape. You’ll report to the Forever Mournes Project Manager.
Your contractual location will be Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum and you’ll be required to work 40 to 60% of your time working in a non-home location. This can include a National Trust or partner office. Some travel throughout the project area will be required. Occasional travel may be required to other parts of Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK.
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We're hosting recruitment drop-in sessions, giving you the opportunity to meet the team & learn more about the position.
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Newcastle
Thursday 6th August 2026
2.30pm - 6.30pm
Donard Room, Newcastle Centre, 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle, Co Down, BT33 0AA -
Newry
Tuesday 11th August 2026
3.00pm - 7.00pm
Mall Suite, Canal Court Hotel, Merchants Quay, Newry, BT35 8HF
What you'll be doing
You’ll be responsible for development and maintenance of positive, trusted relationships with communities and key stakeholders across the Mourne Gullion Landscape Connections project area, facilitating collaboration and engagement to support the successful development and delivery of inclusion, heritage, and community-focused project outcomes. You’ll lead on planning and delivery of community engagement activities and events, while overseeing development and implementation of the outreach education, skills and heritage programmes.
You'll work collaboratively across a wide-ranging partnership, helping to build shared understanding, strengthen relationships and coordinate efforts across organisational and land ownership boundaries to deliver the Mourne Gullion Landscape Connections project. You'll champion a collaborative approach, bringing together partners, landowners and stakeholders to break down barriers, align expertise and deliver shared conservation outcomes.
Further detail on the Mourne Gullion Landscape Connections project can be found in the information pack attached to this vacancy.
Who we're looking for
You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by previous roles or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively;
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- Significant experience of increasing inclusive community participation through a wide range of activities, including volunteering
- Proven success developing and delivering innovative, people-centred community outreach programmes
- Excellent understanding of good practice in community engagement, stakeholder management, inclusion & diversity
- Experience applying participatory approaches across a range of settings
- Knowledge of social trends, audience motivations, barriers, and factors affecting participation of the social trends
- Excellent communication, influencing and team-working skills
- Proven ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships with partners, participants, and volunteers
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
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