Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. For many of those affected, a blood stem cell donation from a matching donor represents their best, and sometimes only, chance of beating this devastating disease. Despite being treatable and potentially curable, blood cancer today remains the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK, and still claims the lives of more children in the UK than any other disease. We launched in the UK in February 2013 with a key mission to increase the pool of lifesaving blood stem cell donors, as we believe that not one single person suffering with a blood cancer should die because they are unable to find a matching blood stem cell donor. We are part of DKMS (The Foundation for Donating Life), a global family of organisations that started in Germany in 1991 around one family's search for a donor. Dr. Peter Harf and Prof. Gerhard Ehninger founded DKMS in honour of Harf's wife, Mechtild, who had sadly lost her battle with blood cancer. The worldwide search for donors still goes on today for every single person in need of a lifesaving blood stem cell donation. DKMS has grown to become the world's largest stem cell donor centre. Today over 7.5 million potential donors have registered and over 64,000 stem cell donations have taken place, to give all these people a second chance of life. We work towards achieving our mission by raising awareness and empowering people to register, and to join our campaign by taking action in their communities, schools, Universities and companies; working with volunteers and organisations throughout the UK to inspire and register more people.
About us
DKMS is a charity dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders. We work to raise awareness, recruit stem cell donors, and raise funds to give more people with blood cancer a second chance at life. DKMS also support patients from the day of diagnosis and assist their families and friends in organising events to encourage more people to join the donor register. By becoming a part of DKMS, you can play a critical role in rallying community support and providing hope when it’s needed most.
About the role
As a Student Ambassador, you will be at the forefront of our mission to combat blood cancer. You’ll lead efforts at your university or college to raise awareness about blood cancer, recruit donors, and organize fundraising events. Whether it’s through running donor drives, collaborating with other student groups, or simply spreading the word, you’ll be making a real difference. Only 7% of the UK’s eligible population are on the stem cell register join us in our mission to register more people as potential lifesavers.
Key Responsibilities:
• Create and develop ‘The Stem Cell Society’ and ensure the group fulfils the aims of DKMS UK
• Establish and Lead: Create and develop ‘The Stem Cell Society’ at your university or college to support DKMS’s mission.
• Organise Events: Plan and deliver monthly donor recruitment drives between January and April, plus one fundraising event during the academic year.
• Collaborate: Build partnerships with other student societies and local communities to raise awareness of blood cancer and promote DKMS.
• Training: Attend an initial volunteer induction in London and participate in annual refresher training.
• Community Engagement: Support local donor registration drives in your area, when possible.
Minimum Time Commitment
Student/s will ideally commit to a minimum of one academic year at their Stem Cell Society
Skills/Experience
• Leadership: Ability to inspire and recruit students to join the society.
• Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
• Organization: Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Initiative: Proactive in planning and executing events. Understanding of University Culture: Knowledge of your university’s unique community.
• Bonus: Previous experience in charity work or event planning is a plus!
What you can expect from DKMS
We’ll be here to support you in your role and will provide you with:
• Training & Support: Comprehensive training and ongoing support, including coaching in digital marketing, public speaking, and running donor drives.
• Resources: DKMS materials to support your activities.
• Guidance: Ensuring your activities meet fundraising regulations and best practices.
• Recognition: We will acknowledge your contributions and achievements.
• Professional Development: A professional reference after one year of volunteering.
• CV Workshop: Support with applying for internships and employment
• Virtual Experience: A virtual visit to our Collection Centre or laboratory in Germany.
Other Benefits
You will develop and sharpen many skills including:
• Marketing and promotional strategies
• Customer service expertise
• Social media management
• Experience in the charity sector
• Event planning and outreach
• Community volunteering and engagement
Want to Know More? If you’d like to learn more before applying, please contact us at 020 8747 5657 or email: volunteering@dkms.org.uk
Email: volunteering@dkms.org.uk for an application pack.
Please note, you will need two references when applying. One professional, one character.
Start Date: 13-09-2024