My occupation:

Relationship Marketing Manager, Dial Before You Dig (Vic/Tas)

My responsibilities:

Marketing communications and strategy development, stakeholder relations, membership acquisition, sponsorship and public relations.

What inspired me to get involved in skilled volunteering:

During the latter stages of my MBA I undertook some social marketing studies, which led to new interest in the broad complexities of marketing for the non-profit sector and charities in particular. Already having some experience in satisfying the varied demands from multiple stakeholders in my full-time role, I feel it’s worthwhile to dedicate some time towards the marketing needs of charities too.

Which organisations have I fulfilled wishes for:

Earlier this year, I worked with St John Ambulance Victoria’s fundraising division to develop some copywriting concepts for its 2010 campaign. More recently, I again worked with St John Ambulance to develop a TV and viral marketing campaign for its “Switch Off” fundraising appeal.

A bit about the wishes I fulfilled, what I achieved and their outcomes:

St John Ambulance Victoria wanted to refresh its pitch for First Aid Services Volunteers. I helped with new copy development, using insights to St John Ambulance and its target audience to create some concepts that would be immediately effective and campaignable for the longer term. Later on, we worked on a media campaign to promote St John’s “switch off you mobile” appeal, engaging some other 3^rd parties to create material for TV and viral communications.

What the community group gained:

St John has delivered some timely and effective communications campaigns for vital community appeals, and added to its networks and inventory of insights for future campaigns.

What I got out of volunteering my time and skills:

For any marketer, opportunities to work with other professionals to solve new problems in different environments will ultimately enrich you professionally.

Tips for Community Groups and volunteers working together:

The ultimate purpose of coming together is to get right outcome, but the process of true collaboration will be rewarding to the individuals involved.