Volunteer Coordinator - The Big Cat Sanctuary

Located on site at The Big Cat Sanctuary (TN27 8PU)

Permanent, Part-Time, 3 days a week, includes regular weekend/evening work

Are you a people person with a passion for wildlife and community engagement?

The Big Cat Sanctuary is on the lookout for a friendly, organised and proactive Volunteer Coordinator to help lead and grow our exceptional volunteer programme.

This is your chance to play a vital role behind the scenes at one of the UK’s most respected wildlife conservation organisations. You’ll support our volunteers – the heartbeat of our Sanctuary – ensuring they have everything they need to contribute to our work protecting wild cats and their habitats through conservation, rescue, welfare, breeding and education.

Based at our Sanctuary in Kent, you’ll help enable exceptional animal care and ethical visitor experiences, while supporting a mission that drives global conservation and inspires action for the future of wild cats.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Recruiting, inducting, and supporting a growing team of volunteers across multiple departments

• Coordinating rotas, placements, and training sessions to meet the needs of the Sanctuary

• Building strong, respectful relationships with volunteers and staff alike

• Maintaining volunteer records and communication through systems like Mailchimp and internal databases

• Planning and delivering engagement opportunities, volunteer events, and recognition activities

• Working closely with the wider team to ensure a seamless volunteer experience across the site

• Helping develop new opportunities for volunteering linked to events, fundraising, and conservation projects

What We’re Looking For

• A natural communicator who is confident, compassionate, and highly organised

• Someone who thrives on working with people and supporting others to grow

• Experience in volunteer coordination, HR, community work, or team supervision would be ideal

• A team player who can also work independently, with excellent time management

• Comfortable using systems like Excel, databases, and email platforms (e.g. Mailchimp)

• A genuine passion for animals, conservation, and the values of The Big Cat Sanctuary

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an incredible team working for a meaningful cause

• Spend your days in one of the most unique and beautiful settings in Kent

• Help shape the future of our volunteer programme and make a lasting impact

• Annual salary £18,096.00 (£14.50 per hour)

• 17 days annual leave (based on part-time hours)

• 3 days a week, generally 08.00-17.00

• Employee benefits including sanctuary discounts and access to special events

• A supportive working culture that values wellbeing, inclusion, and passion

Apply now and help us protect some of the planet’s most iconic and endangered species — one volunteer at a time.

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability to nicola.dawkins@thebigcatsanctuary.org