Senior Manager, Individual Giving

About Smile Train 

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries, and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.  

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Role Summary:

The Smile Trian UK Senior Manager, Individual Giving leads on the development and delivery of the individual donor offline fundraising program, responsible for the acquisition, retention, upgrade and reactivation of individual donors through various channels including Direct Mail, DRTV, Telemarketing and SMS and Print. Employing a test-and-learn approach across the programme and liaising closely with the Digital Fundraising Director and the Direct Marketing Global Working Group, the role contributes to the development of Smile Train’s global fundraising strategy. 

Serving as the local subject matter expert in direct marketing and fundraising data, you will translate complex data into easy-to-understand takeaways for the UK Fundraising Director and senior leadership ensuring that Smile Train is able to efficiently and effectively raise funds to continue transforming the lives of our beneficiaries.  

This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity starting as soon as possible. Ability to travel, when necessary, for agency partner visits and organizational events is required.

Reports To: UK Fundraising Director

General Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the UK Director of Fundraising in the development of the offline Individual Giving Strategy and other key initiatives and keep them updated and fully briefed regarding their implementation

Line-manage the Database Manager and Supporter Experience Officer 

Develop engaging donor acquisition and retention campaigns 

Utilise data to inform and strategically target key donor segments 

Create and execute direct communications to our valued supporters 

Ensure all offline direct marketing campaigns are completed on time and within budget 

Management of all campaign delivery, including post analysis 

Reporting to senior stakeholders on performance of the offline individual giving programme

Specific Responsibilities:

Direct Mail 

Execute offline acquisition and retention campaigns including review of direct mail kit laser and insertion samples for quality control

Effectively manage external agency partners and provide strategic direction on all direct mail campaigns

Conduct testing to optimise creative and evaluate results to make data-driven decisions for future mail concepts 

Manage direct mail creative development, ensure brand compliance and provide directive on content/messaging

Participate in weekly production call with creative and production agencies to review status of deliverables for all campaigns  

DRTV 

Execute all aspects of Direct Response Television (DRTV) donor acquisition program, including:

Set-up of inbound telemarketing and SMS with telemarketing agency

Manage creative review and development

Manage weekly performance review and provide updates and recommendations to vendor

Review and approve media buying plans

Manage source code assignment and upload to database

Management of external creative, media and contact centre agencies 

Strategic planning, performance monitoring and reporting 

Sustainer Program

Manage all monthly Direct Debit and other regular individual donations 

Manage the execution of the donor journey for all regular donors and the conversion, upgrade and reactivation efforts

Other Duties

Working with external agencies, develop effective testing methodology to inform long-term investment decisions  

Execute all offline acquisition campaigns in diversification of new donor sources (e.g. Package Inserts)

Approve cost estimates and media plans ensuring spend to budget across all campaigns

Build and manage the offline individual giving programme budget across all channels

Manage all invoice processing and complete monthly accruals for Finance

Other duties as appropriate for this role.

Essential functions:

Sitting

Supervisory responsibilities: This role also oversees management of the supporter CRM and Supporter Care, line managing the Smile Train UK Database Manager and Supporter Experience Officer.

Required Education and Experience:

5+ years of progressive experience in a direct marketing role, proven track record in planning and delivering effective direct marketing campaigns across a range of channels including Direct Mail, DRTV, Telemarketing, SMS and Print channels 

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field, although an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for this required level of education.

Skilled with modern and traditional marketing and fundraising channels 

Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive decision-making 

Able to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.

Fluency in a donor CRM, experience with Salesforce preferred

Demonstrable organisational, professional, and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate across teams 

Excellent people-management skills with the ability to coach and line manage staff

Excellent project manager who is extremely detail-oriented with strong organisational and time management skills.

Experience of managing creative agencies, printers and external agencies 

Ability to communicate the impact of marketing efforts with data 

Able to function both independently and as part of a global team.

Familiar with the MS Office

Accountability Expectations: 

Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.

Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities. 

Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.

Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role 

Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment 

Compensation Range: £50-£55K   

Travel: Ability to travel, when necessary, for agency partner meetings and organizational events as required

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information:  

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.