Case studies: Volunteers project manager: Ali Thomas

Ali is the volunteers project manager for the Natural History Museum in London. She has a BA in Ancient History and Archaeology.

I started as a volunteer at the museum and shortly after was offered a short-term contract in a support role in the volunteer office. This gave me valuable experience that helped secure my current role when the opportunity arose.

My role is to develop, manage and coordinate the Behind the Seen volunteer programme and the volunteer projects that involve over 330 volunteers across a range of departments within the museum. I work closely with staff in order to make sure that volunteer projects run as smoothly as possible and are mutually beneficial to volunteer and museum alike. I am heavily involved in the recruitment, training and management of volunteers. I also have strategic responsibility for the volunteer management infrastructure of the Behind the Seen programme and liaise with other volunteer programme managers to ensure our volunteer policies and procedures are current and up to date.

My job is very variable and depends very heavily on my main objectives for the year. There is also an open door policy with regards to volunteers and volunteer managers who are seeking support and advice, so you don’t always know what you’re in for on a daily basis. A ‘typical’ day could cover anything including a new volunteer project, recruitment and enrichment sessions for volunteers, liaising with staff members, reinforcing the volunteer manager infrastructure, and volunteer award nominations. It could also include volunteer inductions, policies and procedures and the more creative elements of volunteer e-newsletters and celebrations for National Volunteers’ Week.

What I enjoy most about my job is the variety within it. I work with scientists, volunteers, students, museum professionals and the public and no two days are the same. Volunteers continuously surprise me with their dedication, commitment, passion and enthusiasm for the museum. The scientists and museum professionals always amaze me with their knowledge and passion too. The challenge is managing people’s expectations from both parties - those seeking volunteer support on projects (what’s feasible and what’s unrealistic) and those looking to take part (what can we offer you and what you will be getting out of it). We’re in a very privileged position at the Natural History Museum where demand for volunteering opportunities far outweighs available projects and capacity so this challenge is particularly relevant to the museum/heritage sector and my job.

My longer-term career ambitions are to complete an AMA (Museums’ Associateship), which I have recently signed up to, and potentially go on to study for an MA in Museum Studies.