Meet the expert: Imogen McCaw

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There are dozens of great PR and marketing jobs on s1jobs but no two are exactly the same. Some are for global organisations, others for a variety of small businesses.

Circles20181005_Smallmarketing1Imogen McCaw is Marketing Officer for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, based in Edinburgh, and today she reveals what it’s like to work for a small charity.

 

So what’s it all about?

We open a fantastic selection of gardens across Scotland to raise money for charity. This year we’ve just under 500 garden open days, from castle grounds to cottage gardens, formal walled gardens to wildlife-friendly meadows.

Garden openers can choose to donate up to 60% of the proceeds to the charity of their choice, the net remaining 40% is donated to Scotland’s Gardens Scheme beneficiaries.

 

What’s your own background?

My degree was in Philosophy and Psychology (MA) and I graduated from The University of Edinburgh. They were both fascinating subjects and left so many doors open to me post-graduation. Unsure of my next step, I secured a number of paid internships in marketing, sales and communications.

 

What’s your role with SGS?

I’ve worked here for over a year now, which seems unbelievable as it’s gone so quickly. I started working part-time and was given full hours a couple of months later.

As Marketing Officer I organise the day-to-day marketing, social media and newsletters, write and edit blogs and build our press relations.

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme also has volunteer social media ‘gurus’ and communications volunteers so I train and support them.

We’re currently organising storytelling events with The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, so I’m wearing a number of different hats for this . . . events management, project manager, PR and marketing!

 

What’s different about PR and marketing with SGS as opposed to a larger organisation?

Firstly, I work with a lot of volunteers. They send out press releases to local newspapers and many run district Facebook pages.

Like many charities and small organisations, I work with a smaller budget and resources, so you get creative with what you have!

 

What do you enjoy most?

That’s a hard one. I think the most amazing thing is meeting so many wonderful people who are ‘doing their bit’ to help their community. So many of the charities supported by open days are small, local charities. The money raised makes so much difference, and really does help keep the places and groups running. So that’s a real feel good aspect of my job.

 

Have you been inspired to take up gardening?

Of course! My indoor plant collection is growing alarmingly!

 

If Imogen’s story has inspire you to grow your own career, check out the latest PR and Marketing vacancies on s1jobs.