Volunteer Support Organiser (Cover)

About Wikimedia UK

Wikimedia UK is the UK charity that promotes and supports Wikipedia, its sister projects, and other open educational resources in the UK. "Open" refers to information which is available for copying, reuse and modification, including for commercial uses, without cost or restriction other than attribution. Following the principles of Wikipedia, we are a volunteer-led organisation, and volunteers have a central role in all our activities.

We were established in 2008 and are one of over forty similar associations in countries around the world, recognised by the Wikimedia Foundation but operationally and legally independent. We work with individuals, museums, universities, businesses and media companies to make freely licensed content available and to help other people re-use open content. We seek to have a close relationship with other open content organisations in the UK, and with the global community of Wikimedia readers and editors.

Our annual budget is around £740,000 and we are approaching 300 members. There are approximately 15 million people in the UK who regularly use Wikimedia projects and 15,000 people who regularly contribute to them. With ambitious plans for growth and an active Board of Trustees, we are now entering an exciting new phase.

We are looking for a Volunteer Support Organiser member of staff on a four month leave cover contract. The role will involve managing the engagement and development of volunteers in the programme of activities and work of Wikimedia UK. We would particularly welcome applicants with an understanding of, and experience of our mission.

Applications are welcome. The closing date is 5pm BST on 26th of August 2014. Applications cannot be accepted after that date.

If you would like to ask any questions about this position, contact Katie Chan at katie.chanwikimedia.org.uk or 020 7065 0990.

Job description

Job Title: Volunteer Support Organiser (Cover)

Hours: Full time (35 hours per week). The role may include evenings and some weekend work, with time off in lieu.

Location: The office of Wikimedia UK near Old Street, London.

Timescale: For four months; starting 8th September 2014 until the end of December 2014. This role will be for a fixed term.

Remuneration: c.£25,000 per annum depending on experience, pro rata

Benefits: 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus public holidays

Objective

The objective is to support and promote the work of Wikimedia UK, which includes Wikipedia and other open content.

To do this, the Volunteer Support Organiser will need to:

• Support the CEO by managing the engagement and development of volunteers in the programme of activities and work of Wikimedia UK.
• Be part of the office team delivering the Wikimedia UK plan.
• Build a relationship of trust with the Board and the broader Wikimedia community.
• Be accountable for the budgeting and resources for volunteer support and programme of events.
• Plan, monitor and sustain the growth and participation of the Wikimedia Volunteer community.

Key responsibilities

Management duties

• Work with the CEO to develop a range of activities appropriate to the needs of Wikimedia UK and its volunteers.
• Report to the CEO and office manager ensuring that expenditure is controlled in line with relevant budgets.
• Prepare regular, publicly available reports to the CEO and Board on the volunteer programme of the charity, including assessments of success and ensure these are openly available.
• Be responsible for all aspects of working with volunteers to make them professionally supported and productive.
• Handle all documentation regarding the volunteer events and support the administrator in accounting for them financially.
• Encourage and promote the involvement of volunteers and ensure that volunteers are provided with opportunities to support and participate in the organisation.
• Work with the Programme Manager to ensure that all events are managed safely with proper risk assessments undertaken.
• Liaise with The Wikimedia Foundation and other chapters to develop good practice and where appropriate share the planning and delivery of events.

Project Management

• Prepare, run and evaluate the events detailed in the Wikimedia UK plan.
• Work with volunteers to ensure the greatest possible involvement of the Wikimedia UK community in its activities.
• Monitor the delivery and financial security of Wikimedia UK’s programmes that support volunteering.
• With the Programme Manager ensure health & safety and insurance matters are in order for all staff, volunteers and visitors at events.
• Support and propose the development of new projects.

Person specification

Experience

• An understanding of the Wikimedia UK volunteer community.
• Experience of supporting volunteers and volunteer-run projects.
• Proven experience of project management involving the public and partner organisations.
• Experience of organising a wide range of activities and events.
• An understanding of delivering training at a variety of levels.
• An understanding of the charity and not-for-profit sector (desirable).
• Experience of working effectively with a team of volunteers.
• Track record in budgeting and of achieving financial balance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Passionate about the aims and values of Wikimedia UK.
• The energy to support the CEO in growing and supporting the volunteer community.
• Good people management skills, with the ability to involve and inspire volunteers working remotely over geographically dispersed locations.
• Excellent software skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets, Internet procedures, and database applications.
• Excellent project management abilities.
• Flexible approach, with the capability to be a team player and identify and manage opportunities and risk.
• Logical, clear thinking, diplomatic and patient approach.
• Understanding of working with and managing volunteers; the ability to learn quickly and integrate within the Wikimedia community.
• Ability to work flexible hours and locations as required.
• Undertake training as required.
• An understanding of Internet technologies, in particular wikis.
• An understanding of the culture and policies of Wikimedia communities.
• Knowledge of other languages (desirable).

Application process

How to apply: Please download the application form (Office, OpenDocument, PDF) and send a completed copy to: richard.nevellwikimedia.org.uk with 'Volunteer Support Organiser (Cover)' in the subject line.

Deadline: August 26th 2014 at 5pm BST.

Please ensure you give details of why you feel you would be the best candidate for this post with reference to the key tasks and your relevant experience, using examples. Please also explain your understanding of and commitment to the Wikimedia ethos with personal examples to demonstrate this. We will need two referees whom we can approach.

Background information

• Equal Opportunities: Wikimedia UK has a commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in both services to our members and clients, and in the employment of people, and expects all employees and volunteers to understand and promote its policies in their own work. Our office is fully accessible, and all reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure equality of opportunity for applicants, employees and volunteers.
• Fire, Health and Safety: Wikimedia UK is committed to a healthy and safe working environment and expects all its employees to consider and integrate health and safety in all work activities.
• Data Protection: Wikimedia UK holds sensitive data on its members, volunteers, donors and those using its services. All employees are required to maintain an awareness of data protection responsibilities and to execute all relevant duties with tact, discretion and due respect to confidentiality of clients, members and staff.