Marketing & Communications Executive in Sutton Coldfield

ACN United Kingdom is a Catholic aid organization, recognized as a papal foundation since 2011, dedicated to supporting Christians worldwide who face persecution, oppression, or material need. Established in 1947, ACN facilitates an average of 6,000 projects annually in nearly 150 countries. Our mission is supported entirely by private donations, enabling us to provide aid through information, prayer, and action. As a valued member of a globally respected organization, you will contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference.

Main Purpose

Providing key support to the Head of Marketing, this full‐time post works closely with the Fundraising & Marketing Team, Finance Team and other Heads of Department in driving up income from Individual Giving and in support of objectives set out in ACN UK's overall Strategic Plan. The Marketing & Communications Executive will focus on agreed aspects of the fundraising and marketing strategy, which contribute to effective fundraising and ACN's core aim of providing more aid to the Church in need around the world. The role requires you to be in the Sutton office 3 days a week.

Responsible For

• Direct Marketing
• Editorial responsibility and research, commissioning and writing for the ACN magazine mailing.
• Support the execution of integrated marketing campaigns – direct mail, web, email, social media and podcast.
• Create content across multiple platforms including direct mail, web, email, social media and podcast.
• Provide support to the Head of Marketing and the Direct Marketing Executive in the conception, content creation, and production of direct mail appeals and administration of the mailing process including invoices and stock management, in line with agreed OKRs and financial and non‐financial targets.
• Proofing and support for weekly email marketing (ENews), including Buddy cover, as required.
• Collaboration with Direct Marketing Executive on the video schedule, including overseeing the creation of long‐form and short‐form video content for direct mail appeals and other fundraising events.
• Marketing of the Press and Public Affairs (PAPA) 'Break the Silence' podcast, and development of a fundraising/marketing podcast brand.
• Responsible for researching, planning, editing and production of Welcome Pack and other fundraising materials, including commissioning content from PAPA and other teams.

Marketing Activities

• Oversee the welcome and conversion journey for new benefactors including the creation of marketing materials, as well as working with our marketing agency.
• Support the marketing department in building and maintaining a strong brand for ACN, with clear, consistent key messages and visual identity across all departments.
• Under the Buddy system, keeping up to date with data processes and liaising with the Data Manager to deliver accurate data selections, as required.
• Briefing and day‐to‐day liaison with external agencies, including overseeing copy and artwork development through to final print and dispatch.
• Research and write relevant content for niche Catholic interest group publications e.g. Catholic Women's League, to drive traffic to ACN's website.
• Support the marketing department with all aspects of promotional marketing materials, and content creation, as and when required.

Planning

• Contribute to the planning and implementation of the direct mail appeals, taking responsibility, as required, for parts of the programme.
• Support the Direct Marketing Executive in the planning and sourcing of appropriate case studies and images for the Christmas Gifts of Faith campaign.
• Oversee the conception and implementation of the fundraising magazine by coordinating with key departments.
• Co‐ordinate with the Press and Public Affairs department on guest scheduling for the Break the Silence podcast.

Video Production

• Support all aspects of video production, including liaison with external video editors.
• Where appropriate offer support and advice to the other departments on video production.

Deputising

The Marketing & Communications Executive will deputise for the Head of Marketing, as required.

Person Specification

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, English or similar.
• Extensive experience in Marketing/Communications.
• Strong copywriting and editorial ability with significant experience of writing, editing and proofing content.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience of working with designers, marketing agencies and video editors, and an understanding of print and production processes.
• Experience of working with CRM databases such as Raisers Edge database or similar.
• IT literate: Microsoft Office suite essential, especially Excel and Teams.
• Knowledge and experience video editing skills and ability to use Adobe Premier Pro would be an advantage.
• Creative and practical.
• Strong writing skills with aptitude for writing sales and marketing copy.
• Strong organisational skills – able to prioritise and willing to "own" distinct areas of work.
• A self‐starter, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Tenacity, persistence and flexibility.
• Willing to learn and to undertake online and offline training.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Motivated by the cause supported by Aid to the Church in Need, with a good understanding of the Catholic Church.
• Ideally experience of or an interest in the charity sector.
• A good understanding of marketing principles.