About the Australian National Maritime Museum
As one of Sydney’s most visited museums, the Australian National Maritime Museum shares our national maritime story across Australia and the world, online, onsite and through research, presentations and travelling exhibitions, and provides must-visit museum experiences that delight and inspire.
We connect our visitors with the oceans and waterways that are the heartbeat of who we are. From deep time to modern Australian and beyond, we explore our past, our present and future as an island nation shaped by sea, offering a sustainable and cohesive vision for the future.
The Museum welcomes over 2.5 million local, interstate and international visitors annually, and is supported by a thriving and passionate staff, membership, volunteer and education base. Find out more at https://sea.museum.
The key duties of the position include:
About the Role
The Museum Volunteers Coordinator and Trainer is responsible for the recruitment, training, rostering and day to day operations of the museum’s volunteer program. This role plays a crucial part in fostering a dynamic and engaged volunteer community that enhances visitor experiences and supports the museum’s operations. The coordinator will work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to ensure a rewarding and impactful volunteering experience. The role will also assist the Volunteers Team Lead in delivering the Museum’s Volunteering Strategy.
Please note: This recruitment process is intended to fill both current and future vacancies. While the position on offer is ongoing, a merit pool of suitable applicants may be established to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions within the next 18 months.
Key Accountabilities
Under limited direction, this position is responsible for delivering the following functions:
- Assist with developing and implementing strategies for the recruitment of volunteers across various museum programs and initiatives including Guiding, Fleet and Administration.
- Coordinate the onboarding process, including orientation, induction and mentoring for new volunteers.
- Create and facilitate training workshops and resources to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Identify areas of required mandatory and optional training courses.
- Assist with the design and management of volunteer programs that align with the museum’s goals, ensuring they are engaging and beneficial for both the museum and the volunteers.
- Help to foster a positive and inclusive environment that encourages volunteer participation and retention including organising recognition events, social activities, and appreciation initiatives to celebrate volunteer contributions.
- Serve as the primary point day to day contact for volunteers, providing ongoing support and guidance. Maintain clear and effective communication with volunteers, ensuring they are informed about museum activities, policies, and procedures.
- Maintain the Volunteers CRM including accurate recording of volunteer participation, training, and evaluations.
- Prepare regular reports for management on volunteer activities, statistics, and program outcomes.
- Work closely with museum staff to identify volunteer needs and opportunities across different departments.
- Collaborate with external organizations and community groups to promote volunteer opportunities and engage diverse communities.
Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate their capacity against the following:
- Demonstrated experience coordinating volunteer programs or community engagement initiatives, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse range of volunteers and stakeholders to support organisational objectives and positive participation outcomes.
- Proven experience in developing and delivery training programs.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and engage volunteers.
- Strong organisational and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while working effectively within a team and building positive, productive relationships with volunteers and staff.
- Proficiency in using volunteer management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Qualifications and/or relevant experience required
Desirable:
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience in volunteer management, community engagement, or a related field.
- Training qualifications such as Cert4 or other.
- A passion for the arts, culture, and community engagement, with a commitment to the museum’s mission and values.
Eligibility
This position is open to all eligible members of the community, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability and people from every cultural and linguistic background. To be an eligible member of the community, you must be an Australian citizen. Applications may be accepted from Australian permanent residents who are in the process of acquiring Australian citizenship.
All employees will be required to satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police National Police Check and obtain and maintain a Working with Children Check registration.
Notes
No Applications will be accepted by mail or email. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 3 March 2026.
When applying via our online e-recruitment system, please provide a written application addressing each Selection Criteria. Your current resume is also to be included in your application.
In addition to an application and your resume, the assessment process for this position may also include an interview and referee reports.
Selection for this position will be made on the basis of relative merit which will be assessed against each item of the selection criteria. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for shortlisting by the Selection Panel. As part of the selection process the Selection Panel may invite candidates to undertake online testing, skills-based assessment and provide samples of written work at interview.