At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising campaigns and engage with donors to support refugees.
- Company: Join UK for UNHCR, the national charity partner of the UN Refugee Agency.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, wellness perks, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; we value diversity and welcome all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact for refugees while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, project management, and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30900 - 34100 £ per year.
Job Description
Position: Senior Officer – Direct Marketing
Contract type: Fixed-term contract until October 2026
Salary: £ 36,403 – 40,448 per annum (FTE)
Hours: Full time (35 hours) or Part time
Reports to: Head of Offline
Location: Mark Square, London EC2A 4EG (hybrid working)
Key relationships:Offline and Digital team colleagues; Finance Director and Finance team; Data team; International Individual Giving colleagues, External agencies and suppliers; Supporters.
JOB PURPOSE
UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's national charity partner, is looking for an ambitious, proactive, team player who can join us as a Senior Officer, Direct Marketing, within the Individual Giving Team.
In this exciting role, you will be responsible for some of our key donor development activities across direct mail, telemarketing, and digital channels. You will be a confident communicator and experienced project manager.
You will be joining a small but high performing team with big ambitions, and you will be playing a vital role in raising funds for UNCHR. If you think you have the relevant skills and crucially, the passion to support the refugee cause, please apply, we’d love to hear from you.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.
Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.
Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.
UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach. The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion.
We are also open to flexibility in many ways, including an element of working from home and flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this at the interview stage, so we can explore what’s possible.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead on the launch of a new RG proposition and ensure that the onboarding and onward journey is fit for purpose.
- Look for opportunities to thank our donors and communicate impact at key moments.
- Work with key stakeholders to ensure we grow our Regular Giving file, through acquisition as well as retention.
- Manage a variety of individual giving fundraising campaigns, from agency briefing, through to launch, meeting six figure campaign targets.
- Work with digital fundraising colleagues to create integrated, multichannel campaigns and an effective, donor-first giving journey.
- Remain flexible and rapidly respond to emergency situations.
- Work with the Data team to identify the best approach to data and segmentation for each project.
- Manage production processes, developing supplier briefs and managing approval stages and end of campaign reviews.
- Manage donor research and mystery shopping as required, using insights to inform creative decisions.
- Manage campaign fulfilment. Monitor responses to identify issues and opportunities.
- From time-to-time support with Donor Care activities if required.
- Ensure cost effective fundraising, manage individual campaign budgets and identify opportunities to improve ROIs.
- Stay up to date with issues affecting displaced & refugee communities, campaigns from international teams and reports from the field. Scope new fundraising themes.
- Share creative and insights with UK colleagues, global markets and HQ, participating in training seminars, workshops and international skill shares where applicable.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Experience
- Experience of working in a fundraising environment.
- Experience of scoping, briefing in, managing, and delivering fundraising campaigns.
- Experience of managing a Telemarketing programme.
- Experience of managing Direct Mail and email fundraising communications.
- Experience of working with suppliers, including budget management, campaign planning and briefing.
- Experience of data file development (in collaboration with Data teams)
Essential Skills/Knowledge
- Able to act proactively and identify new fundraising opportunities.
- Able to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks, meeting programme deadlines.
- Attention to detail and proof-reading skills, and an ability to give coherent and constructive feedback on creative and copy.
- Sound knowledge of key retention and donor development activities.
- Up-to-date knowledge of direct marketing best practice, trends and compliance.
- Numerate, with an ability to analyse results and identify trends.
- Strong presentation, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent stakeholder and relationship management.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Experience in delivering fundraising activities in response to emergencies.
- Experience in delivering Regular Giving proposition and/or onboarding journeys.
- Up-to-date knowledge of direct marketing best practice, trends and compliance.
WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?
You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised.
What else?
Wellbeing
- 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays (or pro-rata equivalent).
- Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing.
- Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
- Office wellness perks.
- Discount on gym memberships.
- Hybrid and Flexible Working.
- Staff socials.
Financial
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
- Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
- Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
- One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Enhanced sick pay scheme.
Development
- Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
- Individual training budget.
HOW TO APPLY
If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.
Closing date: 2 September 2025
Interviews date: Week commencing 15 September 2025
If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please contact UK for UNHCR through our Careers website . We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.
United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.
Senior Officer Direct Marketing in London employer: UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR
At United Kingdom for UNHCR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of refugees. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to employee growth is reflected in comprehensive training opportunities and flexible working arrangements. Located in the heart of London, we offer a vibrant environment where your contributions are valued, and you can truly make a difference in humanitarian efforts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Officer Direct Marketing in London
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Officer Direct Marketing in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Senior Officer Direct Marketing role at UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
