We are looking for 6 enthusiastic young people (age 18-30) who want meaningful work experience to develop skills around cultural heritage, maybe also with an interest in electronic music. You need to be based in or near Manchester and available June to Dec 2025, approx 4 hours per month.
According to your interests and what skills you want to develop, you choose your contribution to the project with the Volunteer Coordinator.
You will be working with the Delia Derbyshire (DD) and Delia Derbyshire Day (DD Day) Archives to help to unlock the heritage relevant to DD Day 2025 10th anniversary project. The DD & DD Day Archives are held at John Rylands Research Institute and Library (JRRIL) in Manchester. You can also learn how new heritage is collected and deposited as we add to the DD Day archive at JRRIL with this project.
We will provide:
- useful work experience and support from our experienced staff
- useful training in non-violent communication, anti-racism and well-being/behaviour management
- a fun and meaningful development opportunity
- 1-2-1 mentoring meetings with the Volunteer Coordinator & Project Manager to support you with personal goals and professional development
- experience of working as a team in a collaborative way
- reasonable travel expenses and refreshments at meetings
- £150 voucher on completion of the project
- opportunity to be part of the development of our growing arts heritage organisation. We are passionate about equal opportunities and increasing diversity of people involved and represented in heritage. We have a strong track record in designing and delivering fun and empowering experiences, with the arts acting as a powerful vehicle for learning about the heritage and history of electronic music
- Signposting and references for future work opportunities
This opportunity is aimed at adults under the age of 30 in an effort to offer opportunities for a wide range of younger people to develop a career in the heritage sector, nurturing future leaders and build community for the future of the heritage sector.
Job Requirements
According to your interests and what skills you want to develop, you choose your contribution to the project with the Volunteer Coordinator. Examples of project activities:
- take part in a volunteer induction and team building day at the beginning of the project
- produce, present and promote a podcast series about DD and DD Day heritage
- produce and present a radio show for DD Day 2025 (with support and training)
- curate and present a cultural heritage event for DD Day 2025 (22 November at Manchester Central Library & online) including website and social media promotion
- project marketing – social media and web content creation
You will be fully supported by a dedicated and experienced Volunteer Coordinator.
Job Responsibilities
Commitment: approx 4 hours per month for 6 months = approx. 24 hours total commitment
When: June-December 2025
Where: Online meeting (approx 1 hour per month) and in-person (2 hours per month) at a Manchester city centre venue, approx 1 hour independent work or attending events per month
How to Apply
Deadline for applications: 10am, Friday 16 May 2025
We will get in touch with you by 21 May.
Please send us:
a short written statement (1 page of A4 maximum)
OR
a short video (5 mins maximum),
OR
an audio recording (5 mins maximum)
In your application, please tell us:
1) About yourself: your age, where you live, your interests, strengths and work experience (including studying, volunteering and unpaid work for family etc).
2) Why you want this opportunity.
3) Why we should choose you!
4) Contact details for one reference from an employer, teacher, family friend or someone similar who can tell us how great and reliable you are 🙂
Please only apply if you can commit to the full project (June to December 2025).
If you have any questions or want to talk through this opportunity, please feel free to contact us at deliaderbyshireday@gmail.com