Visitor Services Assistant (1309)

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

We have an excellent opportunity for a Visitor Services Assistant. As part of the Commercial and Onsite Activities department, 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 sanctuary. Whether enjoying the new interpretation centre, exploring the wider sanctuary or finding out about our extensive worldwide work the Visitor Services Assistant is on hand to help visitors explore and discover everything we have to offer.

About you:

· Able to demonstrate 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;

· Able to demonstrate basic I.T. skills (proficient in Word, Outlook and Excel);

· Knowledge and genuine interest in the work of The Donkey Sanctuary;

· Full valid driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

· Provide a warm friendly welcome, help and advice across all Visitor Engagement points, namely the Welcome Area;

· Ensure 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;

· Be an excellent ambassador for the charity, providing visitors with information and assistance;

· Inform visitors about the donkeys, advising visitors of the work of the charity, answering queries and advising on the new visitor facilities;

· Make sure the Visitor Centre is well stocked with literature;

· To respond to face-to-face complaints and feedback, taking prompt and appropriate action to resolve any issues;

· Proactively and promote adopt-a-donkey and our Lottery programme to members of the public;

· Work as part of a team of staff and volunteers that provide 7-day operational cover, with a flexible approach should your assistance be needed on with the many events that run throughout the year;

· Answer emails and telephone enquiries, booking visits, answerphone messages at weekends; Entering new supporter information onto the database as required;

· Work closely with the Visitor Engagement Manager and Visitor Marketing Officer to support the wider strategic visitor engagement plans, carrying out any duty that may be required fulfilling this;

· Provide First Aid for visitors and staff and ensure the Health and Safety of visitors

What we offer in return:

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty – this is a full time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, with weekend work as part of a rota.

Please note:

We would consider a job share for this role.

Benefits:

Competitive pension.

Life Assurance.

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

Wellbeing Team.

Recorded Pilates 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.

Free Parking.

Subsidised restaurant.

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 27 March 2023.

For further information regarding this role, including application instructions, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser:

https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/1327/description

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.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £22,043.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free fitness classes
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount
• Wellness programme

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sidmouth: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Customer Service: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 27/03/2023
Reference ID: (1309)