We are currently in the midst of one of our most important elections.
We’re looking to fill three positions on our Executive Committee, along with a Trustee to guide the SPA to its best potential so we can keep helping student journalists across the UK and Ireland.
Our work encompasses a lot more than some people realise, from planning conferences down to every last detail to securing donations from media organisations. Right now, the Executive positions that need filling include a Communications Officer, Conference and Events Officer and Sponsorship Officer.
We’re assuming you’re here because you have some interest in what being our Sponsorship Officer entails. Let’s have a look at what you could be doing.
What is the Sponsorship Officer role?
The Sponsorship Officer is responsible for coordinating the finances of the SPA. This includes securing advertising and sponsorship revenue to allow us to continue the work we do – we are a charity, after all!
They also keep the budgets balanced for our events and conferences, which we hope will take place in-person this year. It’s all about making good financial decisions that make sense for our goals and maintaining good connections with our supporters.
Each member of our Executive Committee is expected to provide a level of support to our Regional and Project Officers, which will be elected later on in the year.
This role will last for one year.
Can you give me an idea of what I might do?
Absolutely! You’ll be expected to start your term with us by checking in on our donors and partners and brainstorming ideas for securing further financial support throughout the year. You won’t be expected to do it by yourself – we’re a team that pride ourselves on mutual support.
You’ll work with other committee members to work out pricing and sponsorships for our National Conference, along with other events that crop up throughout the year. We find goodie bags to be a big draw, and need companies to send us things to fill them with!
Each committee member gets given an SPA email to keep tabs on their week to week communications – yours will mostly be used to scope out funding opportunities with partners old and new.
Can I run, and what time will I commit?
Anyone who is an individual member of the SPA or part of a member publication can run!
Please note that if you were part of a member publication this academic year (2020/2021), your membership is still valid.
Although the time commitment varies throughout the year – such as during the planning for our National Conference – the majority of the time we anticipate the role will take up to 1-2 hours per week.
What makes a good Sponsorship Officer?
The ideal candidate should have a good understanding of the issues facing students and student publications. Somebody who is well-organised, experienced in financial management (for example, as Treasurer of an SU society) and confident in approaching potential donors (making them as excited about the SPA as we are!) would be perfect for the role. Experience, however, isn’t essential. Ultimately, we want someone who cares, and is committed to the core aims of the SPA.
You should also be committed to the advancement of student journalism, respect diversity of thought and the benefits of collaboration, have the desire to work as part of a team of volunteers, and build successful working relationships.
We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, including Ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities to consider applying for this role.
How can I run?
The deadline to nominate yourself is Wednesday 23 June at 5:00pm, and you can do so through filling out this simple google form. After this point, you’ll be asked to submit a manifesto and a short video pitch explaining why you’re the best candidate for the role. Voting will open from Monday 5 July until the 9th.
If you have any questions, please email SPA Chair Charlotte Colombo on chair@spajournalism.com
This position will be elected on a First Past The Post basis.
Best of luck!