A bit of both. Media coverage created the impression that aid wasn't getting through, which made it more difficult to raise funds, but it has been good to know our work is helping to improve situations. Talking to the people on the ground makes the reality of it hit home.
- What is the main challenge that the marketing team faces?
Balancing our responsibility to inform the public about development with the need to generate income or solicit a response. Modern development is not necessarily about food parcels and babies, but these are issues that people understand, and they generate the greatest response.
- Is everyone on the marketing team a Christian?
Absolutely not. Just as Christian Aid helps people of all faiths and none, the team is made up of people from many different backgrounds.
- Does the team travel to places that the charity has been working in?
Sometimes - it is important for the marketing team to know the ins and outs of our work in the field.
- What are the perks of the job?
We all believe in Christian Aid's approach to development, so there is a huge sense of pride in the fact that our work has a real impact.
- Is there a dress code?
Anything goes, really. Many people come to work in jeans and a T-shirt.
- What are the hours like?
Very good. We are contracted to 35 hours a week, and can claim anything extra back as flexi-time
- Does the marketing team socialise outside office hours? What is the local pub/bar?
There are several local pubs where people congregate on a Friday evening, and several sports teams.
- Describe the marketing team in three words.
Bloody-minded, professional, ambitious.
- What is the company like for training and career progression?
There is a solid team structure and the routes for career progression are clear. We have quarterly objective reviews as well as opportunities for secondments, and a scholarship scheme for those who want to gain qualifications such as MBAs.
- What about the salary and benefits?
They are very competitive, compared both with other charities and the corporate sector.
- Are there any downsides?
Decisions tends to take longer than in the corporate sector. Resources are tight, and income comes from individuals' donations, so we have to be careful how it is spent.
- Is there anything particularly interesting about your office?
We have a fantastic roof terrace, which currently has tomatoes growing on it.
- Is there anything else readers may find interesting about working for Christian Aid?
There are daily presentations and films. For example, as part of Green Week we could watch The Day After Tomorrow over lunch.
FACT FILE
- Christian Aid has 448 UK employees; its marketing and supporter care division has 240 staff.
- Its fundraising spend, including marketing, was 拢14.4m -16% of its income - last year.
- It is more than 60 years old and helped establish VSO, and Fairtrade Foundation.
- Daleep Mukarji is director, Matthew Reed is director of marketing and supporter care.
- Christian Aid is based at 35 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL.