The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland (TDSI) works as part of 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. 

We now have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and professional individual with outstanding interpersonal skills and a strong customer service ethic to join our busy Fundraising Team. As Visitor Services Manager, you will manage the onsite retail shop and Visitor Centre and will play a vital role in ensuring that every visitor’s experience of the Sanctuary is positive and memorable, helping win over hearts and minds for the charity’s worldwide work.

About you:

• Demonstrable experience in a management position in a related visitor services or retail background.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience of effectively engaging with the general public (including public speaking).
• Proven people management abilities, including performance management;
• Proven success in a sales environment, including demonstrable success in meeting and exceeding targets.
• Proficient I.T skills (Word, Outlook and Excel).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Ensuring excellent customer service is the main priority, giving a warm welcome to all visitors and engaging them with the charity at every opportunity.
• Leading, managing, motivating, coaching, and recruiting staff and volunteers to ensure a smooth operation, ensuring your team fully embrace the highest customer service standards.
• Designing and implementing a tailored visitor engagement journey, developing a clear plan of activities to encourage greater numbers of new visitors, and ensuring the team provides visitors with informative and inspiring talks and tours.
• Responsibility for the visitor facilities at the Sanctuary (including car parks, toilets, walkways, bins, signage etc.), maintaining a high standard of health, safety, and welfare protocols.
• Ensuring that all health and safety policies are implemented and provide first aid to visitors, volunteers, and staff. Ensuring all staff are aware of their responsibilities regarding health and safety and have received suitable training.
• Understanding the need for training and development of all individuals and taking a proactive approach in training employees on all elements relevant to their jobs.
• Identifying and engaging with key groups in the local community, attending regular networking opportunities and nurturing key tourism collaborations and partnerships.

What we offer:

Based at The Donkey Sanctuary, Ireland, Liscarroll, this is a full-time, permanent contract working 39 hours per week, 5 days over 7, including weekend work as part of the team rota.

Benefits:  

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance.
• 30 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 35 with 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, 0ffers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets and access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
• Free parking.

Closing date for completed applications: Thursday 2 May 2024.

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.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.