David H.
About me
| David H. | |
| Sociology | |
| Sociology | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Vanbrugh | |
| 2015 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Senior Acquisition Marketing Manager | |
| International Rescue Committee | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Charity and voluntary sector | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2022 |
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A day in the life of a Senior Acquisition Marketing Manager in the United Kingdom
I now manage a team of fundraisers and use sociology and marketing theory and practice in everyday life to make a positive impact on the lives of people around the world facing disaster, conflict and uncertainty.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, including the conflict in Ukraine and the crisis in Afghanistan. We help to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. And we are proud to fight for a world where women and girls have an equal chance to succeed.
What do you do?
I lead a team of fundraisers and marketers who work to acquire and develop new sources of income from individuals across the UK working with international colleagues to communicate the work of the IRC to convince people that their donation will be used effectively.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
Like many fundraisers I left my degree in Sociology at York and did a master's degree in Marketing. I was engaged with sociology and wanted to use these skills but also wanted to dedicate my career to a greater good rather than profit. After completing an internship with the department of sociology at York I went into university student recruitment before landing a job at Marie Curie, followed by another charity gaining more experience. I now manage a team of fundraisers and use sociology and marketing theory and practice in everyday life to make a positive impact on the lives of people around the world facing disaster, conflict and uncertainty.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
Yes, I always knew I wanted to work in the public sector, not for profit. However, didn't know how, and didn't know skills & roles required by charities. I'm happy to help anyone seeing to enter the charity sector.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Working to respond to the Turkey Syria Earthquake in February 2023. The Earthquake happened in the early hours GMT on a Monday. By 11am we were fundraising to support our response. By mid afternoon we were on calls with rapid response teams deploying to the disaster area to coordinate the response and align with our fundraising messaging. By the end of the first day we'd raised more than the previous weeks combined to support our response from the kindness of everyday citizens. In total the campaign ran for a month and raised 7 figure sums. This was a day where your individual impact as a small cog means the world to people facing disaster and really exemplifies the feeling of working in fundraising
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Culture is ambitious, we're not standing still- but rather people rely on us to think of new ways of fundraising, and to develop existing ways. It's a fast paced environment where everyday you feel your impact
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I didn't do many that were relatable, although I dedicated my undergraduate thesis, and postgraduate thesis to furthering my own knowledge of fundraising and getting curious with consumer behavior
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Look at charity job sites and get yourself acquainted with various skills and knowledge required.
Look for paid internship possibilities and/or short term contracts for summer jobs
Volunteer where possible to better understand voluntary processes and funding- YSIS is a good example at York.
Finally reach out where possible to have a coffee and find out more
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
I'm happy to have informat chats where desired - from roles in the charity sector, types of fundraising, fundraising ideas for small/no budget campaigns
Next steps...
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