Who we are

Arc is a leading arts and mental health organisation based in Stockport (North West UK), which explores the relationships between creativity, culture and wellbeing.  We provide opportunities for people to explore their creativity, connect with each other and learn new skills.

Arc has a 25-year track record of producing transformational arts projects which engage and include marginalised groups, promote wellbeing and recovery from mental ill-health, and reach thousands of audiences across the North West.

What we do

Our mission

Our mission is to offer high quality creative experiences, skills and opportunities which promote individual and communal wellbeing, reaching the most vulnerable within communities, recognising the value of creativity to self-worth, resilience and confidence.

Our values

ConnectivityThe arts have an amazing ability to bring people together, enabling us to find strength in ourselves and each other. By connecting through creativity to people and place, we support each other, and develop a genuine sense of belonging.  This has a profound impact on our mental health.

Creativity – Creativity can transform lives  we can be inspired to flourish, to express ourselves, to be more confident and articulate. To take control of our future and to celebrate our journey.

A Voice for Mental Health – There is huge power in being given the space to tell your story and to listen to others’. Exploring and sharing narratives help us make sense of our experiences and our world, reinforcing that we are not alone.

Accessibility – Creative projects need to be open, welcoming, easily accessed and responsive to the needs and interests of participants, but also ambitious, striving for the highest artistic outcomes / values.

Effective & efficient resourcing – We can always seek to improve our model, increase our impact and focus the use of our valuable human and financial resources.

Just a few highlights from 2021/2022

Our venue

In late 2019 Arc relocated to Hat Works, an iconic building in Stockport town centre, which also houses the Hat Museum.  The Arc Centre at Hat Works includes a large art studio, a ceramics studio, offices and a gallery space with a refreshment offer.

Arc now works from this high quality venue, in a central location which over the next 5 years will be transformed by the creation of a multi-million pound transport hub, town-park, and residential neighbourhood.   We have also begun to extend our offer into new areas of Greater Manchester (primarily Oldham and Tameside) in response to demand, and have secured funding towards this work as part of the Greater Manchester Culture Portfolio, in recognition of our regional specialist/leadership role.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our small and dedicated team. We are seeking a highly motivated Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator, to develop meaningful roles and opportunities for volunteers which enable sustainable delivery and increase the profile of Arc. The successful candidate will be organised and have great communication skills, and show the ability to successfully recruit, support and inspire our amazing team of volunteers. This is a part-time fixed term post for 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

Role description and person specification

Job Title Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator
Hours & pattern of work 19 hours part time, to be worked over 3 – 4 days. (full time is 37.5 hours)
Core hours are to be worked 9am to 5pm during the week but occasional evening and weekend working may be needed. 1 year fixed term, with possibility of extension subject to funding. TOIL may be taken by arrangement with line manager
Salary Starting salary in the range of £19,867 – 22,096. (Arc scale point 6 to 14) pro rata.
Responsible to Operations Manager
Responsible for Management and supervision of volunteers
Location The role will be based at Arc Centre, Hat Works, Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport SK3 0EU but travel to other sites may be required at times..
Budgets managed None but will be expected to follow financial procedures in place.
Holiday 25 days + Bank Holidays pro rata, (3 days of allocation to be taken between Christmas and New Year).
Benefits NEST Pension – Arc contributes up to 5% salary, matched by employee.
Probation Period 3 months.
Job purpose Co-ordinate our volunteer programme and liaise with the public and other external agencies on our behalf, working to raise Arc’s profile.

Work with colleagues to identify volunteer opportunities and new roles within the organisation that volunteers can support with and lead on.

Engage with internal and external stakeholder, agencies and communities to recruit volunteers from a wide range of different communities, backgrounds and skills.

Key responsibilities

Key tasks

Volunteer co-ordination and internal stakeholders

Engagement with external stakeholders

General duties and responsibilities

If you have any questions about the role please contact jacqui@arc-centre.org

Specification – experience, skills and knowledge

Experience of volunteer management and coordinating volunteering within an organisation. Essential
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to communicate effectively and thoughtfully with people form a range communities and backgrounds. Essential
Good IT skills, with the ability to use a range of Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Essential
Excellent attention to detail. Essential
Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Essential
Ability to plan, organise and co-ordinate own work. Essential
Ability to remain focused and complete tasks accurately in a fast-paced environment Essential
Knowledge of web collaboration tools, for example Microsoft Teams and Zoom Desirable
Awareness of Microsoft 365 Desirable
Previous experience working in community engagement or arts participation. Desirable

How to apply

Please complete the application form, explaining what attracts you to this position, and evidence of your ability to meet the job description and person specification.

You will need:

Download a Word version of the Arc Job Application Form here

Please submit your application to: admin@arc-centre.org

Deadline for applications: 6pm XXXX XXXXXX XXXXX

Interviews will take place during the week commencing xxxx xxxx xxxx.

Due to the volume of applications we receive for jobs at Arc, we will not be able to inform you if you have not been shortlisted for this role.

Arc is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.