Job Summary:

Working closely with the Director, Direct Marketing, the Assistant Director is responsible for strategically using direct/data-driven marketing tactics to increase annual operational giving and engagement from various University constituencies.

Engaging in strategic process management with other teams in the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations department and other campus clients, this position ensures consistent, integrated messaging to engage and build relationships with the University’s base of supporters.

The Assistant Director, Direct Marketing Communications reports to the Director, Direct Marketing and is part of the Annual Giving team within Development and External Affairs.

Essential Functions:

• Marketing Execution: Create and execute communications for a variety of channels, including email, mail, web and social media. Process involves the development of key client deliverables which include, but are not limited to, receiving direction from clients, designing communications (i.e., mail/email) within templates, working with external vendors for mail execution, setting up emails in email provider’s system, sending tests and receiving approval from clients to ensure information is correct, providing/uploading lists, scheduling and deploying mail and email sends.
• Strategic and Process Management: Work with the Director to develop strategy for the annual giving fundraising efforts, including detailed planning of annual solicitation and alumni communication that aligns with the department’s overarching strategic plan. Follow emerging trends and best practices in fundraising trends and technologies and incorporate them as appropriate to create integrated marketing fundraising campaigns with measurable results. Provide strategic input on ways to improve current practices and processes, etc.
• Creative: Work with Marketing and Communications team to ensure all outbound content meets University style and standards. Write or collaborate with team members on copy generation and proofreading, provide design recommendations and feedback on layouts and modify existing email templates using HTML, if needed. Provide feedback and recommendations on web content and design, making routine updates on web forms and general sites as needed.
• Data Integrity: Request and obtain constituent data for multi-channel communications. Format lists to meet requirements of provider and upload files to providers’ online accounts. Communicate with SMU Records department and other campus partners for unsubscribes, non-deliverable mail, and other records updates obtained from marketing efforts.
• Quality Control/Marketing Data: Track and report on managed direct marketing campaigns to share effectiveness with clients and department leads, including email open rates, click-through rates, gifts generated, site analytics and other available statistics. Perform data quality checks and audits for routine web and social media communications, including online registration pages and registration links. Coordinate with campus partners and Annual Giving team to ensure appropriate messaging and timing amongst all emails and any corresponding direct mail pieces, as needed. And, other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education and Experience:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong creative writing skills and ability to produce concise, error free materials. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential.

Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Must also demonstrate the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment that is deadline driven. Strong project/program management skills are essential.

Candidate must have strong critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively gather and analyze data, as well as develop and implement a strategic plan. Strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify, analyze problems and devise solutions are essential.

Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially in utilizing and manipulating reports and spreadsheets. Knowledge of CRM (such as Blackbaud Enterprise) and familiarity with direct marketing programs, is preferred.

Experience with HTML, WordPress, highly preferred. Experience with Asana or project management software is a plus.

Deadline to Apply: September 6, 2019

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].