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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK.
In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.
The Purpose of the Role
IRC’s External Relations (ER) department brings together Fundraising, Communications and Policy & Advocacy functions. With the aim to raise money, awareness and influence for crisis-affected populations worldwide, the department combines knowledge and expertise across multiple national markets.
The IRC fundraising teams are comprised of colleagues and teams working in the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Korea as well as emerging markets delivering direct marketing, content, account management, philanthropy, board liaison, corporate as well as trust and foundation partnerships to support IRC’s national fundraising strategies.
The IRC’s private fundraising capability in the UK has grown significantly over the past five years. Ambitious growth plans are in place to deliver increasing income from the private sector as part of an exciting global External Relations strategy.
The Director of UK Mass Markets is responsible for the leadership and direction of the Mass Markets team in the UK and for securing long-term sustainable income for the IRC through individual donor acquisition, retention and supporter care. You will lead and develop a high-performing team by growing mass marketing audiences and income, developing exciting and targeted campaigns, identifying opportunities for product, channel and audience diversification, and championing UX and a supporter centric fundraising model. The Director will also serve as a key partner to the UK Executive Director as they facilitate cross-team collaboration, accountability and success among all private fundraising teams in the UK (Philanthropy, Global Corporate Partnerships, Foundations & Trusts and Mass Markets). The Director will play a leadership role in IRC UK more widely as a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UKSMT). The UKSMT is collectively responsible for achieving the cross-functional goals of IRC UK’s strategy and actively fostering an inclusive workplace at IRC UK.
This role is responsible for:
I. Securing significant and sustainable funding in the UK for IRC’s work
II. Leading strategic activities that support IRC’s mass market fundraising presence including campaigns for the End-of-Year, World Refugee Day and emergencies
Scope and Authority
This position has responsibility for delivering the UK Mass Market team strategy and targets and Supporter Care within the overarching Global Mass Markets strategy and UK Strategic Plan.
Responsibility for Resources:
This post will have responsibility for three direct reports (1x Senior Acquisition Marketing Manager, 1 x Retention Marketing Manager, 1 x Donor Services Assistant) and a substantial expenditure budget. The role is part of the global Mass Markets team and is matrix managed by the Executive Director in the UK and the Global Vice President of Mass Markets.
Key Working Relationships
Internal:
• Counterparts and senior leads in global Mass Markets team
• UK SMT: Directors of Strategy and Delivery, Communications, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Finance, People and Culture, Awards Management
• Global peer-level team: Directors and Heads of Mass Markets for Korea, Germany, Sweden, USA and Global Mass Market Support Leads
• Digital team members (UK and global)
• Global Creative Studio and Brand
• Senior Director for Retention
• International Operations team, incl. data & analytics roles
Key Accountabilities
· Aligned to the overall Global External Relations Strategy, develop, implement, monitor and report on IRC UK’s fundraising and supporter engagement strategy.
· Lead fundraising campaigns (acquisition, retention, mid-level) that deliver unrestricted income to enable IRC’s work. Channels include e-mail, direct mail, inserts, Facebook advertising, new forms of social media, and adwords, as well as telemarketing etc.
· Develop a supporter engagement programme that focusses on developing and deepening long-term relationships and drives retention rates.
· Develop and deliver an innovation programme, ensuring fundraising products and activity are at the forefront of the UK sector and allow IRC to cut through to new audiences.
· Deliver outstanding supporter services, ensuring supporter interactions are dealt with professionally and appropriately.
· Contribute strongly to overall Global External Relations strategy and budget development during the budgeting and investment request process.
· Lead, inspire, develop and performance manage the UK Mass Markets team.
· Ensure effective collaboration between the UK-based leads of the Foundations and Trusts, Global Corporate Partnerships, and Mass Markets teams, in executing comprehensive, aligned donor engagement strategies across the UK.
· Collaborate with other UK leaders on the UK Senior Management Team, holding collective accountability for achieving the goals of the UK strategy and advising on the wider management of IRC UK to support those goals.
· Reporting to the UK Board of Trustees, including presentations to the full Board and the External Relations Committee as required.
· Representing IRC in the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Fundraising Directors group.
· Be the senior contact for all mass marketing partnerships with third party supplies.
· Act as senior voice in cross-market working groups and committees.
· Network and build external profile of the IRC UK Mass Markets team by attending relevant fundraising and sector events, and building other external stakeholder relationships.
· Input into effective risk management of mass marketing income by accurately assessing opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis, and iterating the programme based on results.
· Accurately forecast, monitor and report on income and expenditure budget lines.
· Keep up to date with sector developments in individual giving, digital fundraising to ensure IRC is at the forefront of fundraising developments.
· Work closely with Mass Markets team in other national markets (i.e. Korea, Germany, Sweden, US) and the International Operations team to ensure all engagement is coordinated, and where appropriate, synchronised.
Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:
· Driven, motivated and proactive with a solutions-based attitude and resilient in the face of setbacks.
· Proven ability to manage, meet and monitor fundraising budgets and Key Performance Indicators.
· Excellent organisational skills, especially the ability to manage a complex, varied and substantial workload.
· Ability to understand legal frameworks and requirements, and implications of decisions in the best interest of the charity.
· Excellent verbal and written English and the ability to produce well designed and high-quality proposals and reports.
· Institute of Fundraising, Cass or comparable qualifications would be an advantage.
Experience:
· Extensive experience of individual giving (or mass marketing) and digital fundraising and ideally, mid value and legacy giving, within a large or medium global charity, including a proven track record of both acquisition and retention.**
· Launching new channels and products with success.
· Comprehensive understanding and experience of audience and donor segmentation, analytical modelling such as LTV and use of insights to drive strategy and performance.**
· Experience and understanding of creative process and relationship with brand identity through different channels and audiences.
· Proven track record of success in a leadership, line management, recruitment, performance management and talent retention.**
· Demonstrated history of being an empowering and supportive manager to front-line fundraisers.
· Experience working for a centralised, international organisation would be a strong advantage.
· Experience using Salesforce an advantage.
Criteria in the Person Specification marked with ** are the minimum criteria in line with our commitments under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme in the UK.
UK based candidates who state that they have a disability and meet these criteria, will be invited to interview.
The mission of the IRC is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster.



ABOUT THE ROLE
The Access Interns Programme, a partnership between The Kartik Foundation and Variety, provides disabled young people with meaningful corporate internship opportunities to support their career aspirations. For many disabled young people, accessing work experience can be challenging due to societal barriers, lack of support, and limited opportunities. Access Interns is designed to break down these barriers, ensuring that participants gain valuable work experience, professional skills, and industry connections to help them succeed in their chosen careers.
The Access Interns Programme Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of the ACCESS INTERNS programme, overseeing the internship placement process, employer engagement, and student support. This includes managing the selection process, coordinating placements, ensuring workplace accessibility, and tracking the programme’s impact.
The role also involves working closely with corporate employers to create inclusive work environments, supporting interns throughout their placements, and expanding engagement with schools, employers, and industry leaders to ensure disabled young people have equal access to high-quality career opportunities.
ABOUT VARIETY
In the UK, there are more than 1.3 million disabled children and over 4 million children living in poverty. Variety exists to improve their lives. We believe every child has a right to live their best life and reach their full potential, whoever they are. We fund and deliver life-changing programmes that enhance their quality of life and give children and young people across the UK a better future.
Over the past 75 years we have supported over one million children by funding almost 6,000 Sunshine Coaches, almost the same number of wheelchairs, and giving thousands of grants to individual children, schools, youth clubs and other organisations for specialist equipment.
In addition, each year thousands of children take part in day trips, special events and educational activities as part of our Variety Great Days Out programme and every single day we are improving more young lives. We do it with practical, tangible help, that makes a real and immediate difference.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Programme Management
· Managing the Access Interns Programme, ensuring it is delivered to a high standard and in line with Variety’s policies and procedures
· Working with the Chief Executive Officer to set annual internship placement targets, manage the Access Interns budget and develop the Access Interns Programme.
· Overseeing the end-to-end process of the programme, from student recruitment and employer engagement to placement coordination and post-internship evaluation.
· Adhering to Variety’s Safeguarding policies and procedures and working with the Head of Programmes, by recognising that interns are vulnerable adults, and taking responsibility for their safety, welfare, and well-being throughout the programme.
· Identifying opportunities to expand and enhance the programme, ensuring it remains impactful, sustainable, and aligned with Variety’s strategic goals.
· Developing guidance materials, training sessions, and workshops to prepare students for internships and support their professional growth
· Working with the Programme’s team to input & manage programme data and reporting.
· Tracking and reporting on Programme Impact and analysing data to ensure continuous improvement.
Logistics and Coordination
· Coordinating interview schedule, employer meeting, and onboarding sessions to facilitate successful placements.
· Managing communication with interns, employers, schools, and other stakeholders, ensuring all parties are well-informed and supported.
· Organising online disability awareness training for corporate employers as part of the onboarding process, ensuring employers understand best practices for supporting disabled interns and creating accessible workplaces.
· Ensuring all necessary documentation, contracts and agreements are completed and maintained in line with Variety’s Policies and Compliance standards.
Budget and Income Generation
· Managing the Access Interns Programme budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost control.
· Generating income from the programme, including securing corporate partnerships and funding opportunities to sustain and expand Access Interns.
· Working closely with the fundraising team to assist in converting Access Intern partners into Corporate Donors for Variety’s wider work.
· Working with the Chief Executive Officer to set financial targets and explore additional funding streams.
· Monitoring expenditure, tracking income, and providing financial reports on programme performance.
Student Outreach & Support
· Manage the application and selection process, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment.
· Working closely with students to support their career development, including
- CV writing and cover letter workshops
- Interview preparation sessions
- Professional skills training (e.g. workplace etiquette, communication skills, and confidence-building)
- One-on-one mentoring and guidance
· Provide guidance and support to interns throughout their journey, from pre-placement preparation to post-internship follow-up.
· Responsible for marketing to schools and colleges to increase awareness and participation.
· Ensuring students understand their rights and workplace accommodations, advocating for inclusive and accessible internships.
· Visiting schools and colleges to promote the programme, engage with students, and increase participation from disabled young people.
Employer Outreach & Support
· Building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate employers to ensure a positive and productive experience for employers participating in the programme.
· Acting as the primary point of contact for employers, providing guidance and support throughout the internship process.
· Working with employers to develop meaningful internship opportunities, ensuring placements align with both business needs and student development goals
· Addressing any challenges or concerns that arise during placements, acting as a mediator where necessary.
· Delivering pre-placement briefings for employers, setting expectations and promoting inclusive hiring practices
· Gathering feedback from employers to continuously refine and improve the programme.
Customer Service and Administration
· Working with Operations Team and external partners to devise and deploy scalable on-boarding and internship management systems.
· Providing excellent customer service to applicants and prospective applicants, giving advice and guidance over the phone, in person and via email.
· Collecting and collating impact and monitoring data.
· Providing administrative support for other Programmes depending on workload, capacity and department demand.
Other Duties and Partner Support
· Assisting with events, reporting, and stakeholder engagement related to Variety’s wider mission and partner organisations.
· Collaborating with internal and external teams to support strategic initiatives that align with the goals of the Access Interns Programme.
General Responsibilities
· Negotiate placements and work collaboratively with employers to ensure meaningful learning experiences for interns.
· Applying knowledge of disabilities, relevant laws (e.g. Equality Act 2010), and reasonable adjustments to ensure that both interns and employers receive the necessary support for a successful and inclusive internship experience
· Expand the programme’s employer network, targeting organisations in corporate sectors to enhance placement opportunities.
· To work cross functionally with other departments, regions and countries.
· To achieve the highest standards of safeguarding for the young people who complete a corporate internship by Variety by complying with all appropriate Policies and Procedures.
· Working within Variety’s Data Protection policies at all times.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential:
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Proven experience in managing programmes or projects, including planning, delivery, and evaluation.
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Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (e.g., employers, schools, students).
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Knowledge of disability rights, accessibility requirements, and the Equality Act 2010.
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Understanding of safeguarding principles and experience working with vulnerable adults or young people
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively.
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Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
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Competence in collecting, analysing, and reporting data to measure impact and inform improvements.
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Confident using Microsoft Office and CRM or database systems.
Desirable:
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Delivering or coordinating training sessions for employers or staff.
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Experience managing budgets, monitoring expenditure, and reporting on financial performance.
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Familiarity with employability skills training, CV writing, and interview preparation.
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Experience organising workshops, meetings, or onboarding sessions.
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Ability to promote programmes to schools, colleges, and employers.
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Using impact data to drive continuous improvement.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your CV with a cover letter explaining why you’d make a great candidate for this role. Applications will close on Friday 9th January 2026 at 5pm with interviews taking place week commencing 12th and 19 January 2026.
Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.
MAIN BENEFITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Location: Variety HQ, Camden Town, London (hybrid working, 3 days in the office per week)
Hours: 9am to 5pm
25 days holiday (we also normally give between Christmas and New Year off, but this is not contractual). In addition, after one year's continuous service, there will be an extra 2 days annual holiday for every complete year of service, up to a maximum of five days' extra holiday.
Pension 7% ER contribution, Life Assurance 4x annual salary, Company sick pay scheme, medicash benefit.
EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Inclusion is one of our key values and it is our ambition to recruit great people from diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment/identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity and or marriage/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.