Visitor Services Assistant

Visitor Services Assistant 

We have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and flexible team player with outstanding interpersonal skills to join our Commercial and Onsite Activities department as Visitor Services Assistant.

Position: Visitor Services Assistant (1928)

Location: Sidmouth

Hours: Part Time 16 per week with the opportunity to work up to 28 hours per week

Salary: £13.30 per hour

Contract: Fixed term until 14 September 2025

Closing Date: Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.  

The Visitor Engagement team is the first point of contact for visitors, providing a warm welcome, offering help, advice and information on all aspects of the Charity. Whether enjoying the new interpretation centre, exploring the wider sanctuary or finding out about our extensive worldwide work, you will be on hand to help visitors explore and discover everything we have to offer.

About you:

• Excellent customer service skills; which includes experience of dealing with enquiries and complaints from supporters/members of the public.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

• Basic I.T. skills (proficient in Word, Outlook and Excel).

• Knowledge and genuine interest in the work of The Donkey Sanctuary.

• Full, valid UK Driving Licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Providing a warm friendly welcome, help and advice across all Visitor Engagement points, namely the Welcome Area.

• Ensuring that excellent customer service is a main priority, giving a warm welcome to all visitors and proactively engaging them in the charity at every opportunity.

• Informing visitors about the donkeys, advising visitors of the work of the charity, answering queries and advising on the new visitor facilities.

• Ensuring the Visitor Centre is well stocked with literature.

• Responding to face-to-face complaints and feedback, taking prompt and appropriate action to resolve any issues.

• Proactively promoting adopt-a-donkey and our Lottery programme to members of the public.

• Answering emails and telephone enquiries, booking visits, and entering new supporter information onto the database as required.

What we offer in return:

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty – Fixed term variable hours contract running until 14th September 2025, with a guaranteed 16 hours per week, with the opportunity to work up to 28 hours per week on some occasions over five out of seven days - this is  will include some weekend work. 

Competitive pension.

Life assurance.

31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

Wellbeing team.

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.

Long service awards.

Healthshield plan –

• Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.

• Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.

• Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.

Free parking.

Subsidised restaurant and shop.

Closing date for completed applications: Tuesday 29 April 2024.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.