Case Study

Charity Campaigner & Project Manager

Vanessa Strauss of BITC
Information about Vanessa Strauss
Name Vanessa Strauss
Location London
Company Business in the Community (BITC)

"My job inspires me, and I work with amazing people who have the common goal of making a difference in the world."

Vanessa Strauss

Overview

I’m Vanessa Strauss and I work for a charity called Business in the Community (BITC).
We work with businesses to ensure that they act responsibly in terms of the impact they have on their environment, community and marketplace, as well as within their own workplace.
I actually got involved in this area through doing some temping work.  The combination of working with charity and business to make a real difference in the world was so inspirational that I knew it was what I wanted to do from then on.
My role has quite a heavy focus on food and drink companies, encompassing sustainability, health and education.  It’s varied and rewarding, and I feel lucky to work with a huge range of passionate people.

Tell us about your job – where do you work and what do you do?

I work for Business in the Community, a charity that campaigns to make the world a better place by working with big companies to ensure that they are responsible in their environmental, community, workplace and marketplace activities.  We help businesses create good and positive impacts wherever they operate.

What inspired you to do what you do?  How did you get into it, did you have a plan?

I always wanted to get into something creative like advertising or media.  Through temping with various agencies, I was drafted in on a part time basis to help with events here – one of which was a dinner with the American Ambassador and one of The Prince Of Wales’ charities.  From that point on I was totally inspired to work with businesses and charities to get them to collaborate for the greater good.

Why is your job meaningful?  Both to you personally, and in how it benefits the wider world in terms of climate change and other environmental challenges.

I’m one of the lucky few who can say, without hesitation, that I am absolutely happy in my job.  The work I do allows me to help those who really need it and to meet a most interesting range of people, from the most deprived communities to big city boardrooms.  My job inspires me, and I work with amazingly intelligent, thoughtful people who have the common goal of making a difference in the world.  Everyone has passion and motivation.
On a wider scale, my job feeds into sustainability in terms of agriculture and the food production supply chain.  I work with many food and drinks companies, using their expertise to help children, their families and communities learn about health, food and nutrition, and where their food comes from.

Many jobs in this sector are very new, how long has your job existed?

For 2 years.

What personal qualities do you think have got you where you are today?

Being a good team player, being honest and open with people, and being brave in asking for things.

What are the essential skills for your job?

First and foremost, it’s essential to have the ability to enthuse people and get them to see the value and importance in what you are doing.  Strong communication skills are necessary.  Finally, the ability to ensure that people are confident you will give them a really high quality service when they become involved in your project. 

What qualifications do you have? Are these typical for people in your role?

I have a degree in English.
Most people would have a degree, but not always – many of our staff now in directorial positions worked their way up over a few years.  They proved themselves through their experience, and have been given opportunities to rise through the company.

What do you think most helped you get where you are now?

A few years in project management and campaigning has been really helpful.

Please describe a typical working day

It could involve any of the following:
•  Meeting with companies, preparing proposals and plans for them to support our projects and
    programmes.
•  Meeting with my team, which can involve creative thinking and website design.
•  Sometimes I have to get quotes from suppliers and manage the budget for a campaign.
•  I might have to evaluate the feedback we’ve received from people, then put this into a report for a
    funding body.
•  I get to write press releases and communication plans, talk on the phone, and enjoy a great time with
    my colleagues who are all fantastic.

I usually work 9 to 5, with not much overtime required.  I can also work flexi hours or work from home if needed.  I get to travel nationally, which means different hours at times but that suits me.

What do you enjoy most and least about what you do?

I enjoy mobilising businesses into action and assisting them with making positive changes in as many ways as they can – it’s great seeing the difference we make in people’s lives, and for the planet.  I love getting good feedback, feeling inspired and having a sense of achievement.

The toughest part is reaching targets, setting up systems and managing the finances.

What kind of people do you meet through your work or do you work alone?

I meet everyone from chief executives of big companies to 5 year old children, to teachers, farmers and restaurant owners!

Do you feel well paid for what you do, or is it not about the money?

It’s not about the money, but I do make a fair salary.

Finally, what do you know now about jobs, careers and the future that you wish you’d known when you were at school?

I wish I’d known more about the endless possibilities there are in work that allow you to use all your best qualities, and not having to get pushed into one job that’s the same day in day out.
I also wish I’d understood the power that one individual can have in changing the world, and in believing in yourself – we are all equal, and experience and time will make a success out of whatever we choose to do.

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