Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Direct Marketing & Participation will manage the development and execution of a sophisticated, omni-channel campaign schedule aimed to drive alumni donor participation, build lifetime loyalty, and raise maximum spendable dollars for WashU’s top Annual Fund priorities. In addition to coordinating the day-to-day aspects of our direct marketing appeals, this role will oversee the strategy and administration of key annual giving programs.

The Associate Director reports to the Director of Annual Giving Programs and will be a part of the Direct Marketing Programs workflow team, in close collaboration and partnership with Advancement Communications and other internal partners and external vendors.

Job Description:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Marketing Campaigns and Appeals:

• In close collaboration with our Advancement Communications team, plan and coordinate the daily management of a large variety and volume of direct marketing projects.
• Facilitate the proofing, editing, review, approval, and production processes for each appeal, as appropriate.
• Develop segmentation strategy and other data variables needed for each campaign. Identify, document, and track all testing factors. Build campaign ‘workbooks’ to organize projects based upon appeal versions and audience segmentations. Support data set finalization, merge proofing and testing, and assist in resolving any data-related issues.
• Secure final approval for all Annual Giving appeals; manage the ‘send’ process for all mass-email communications.

Strategy and Schedule Management:

• In partnership with Advancement Communications, Annual Giving leaders, and other key stakeholders, oversee the planning and execution of an annual solicitation and communication schedule.
• Facilitate appropriate strategy development processes for direct marketing campaigns and programs. Analyze historical appeal response and campaign performance reporting; seek peer benchmarking; research industry and market trends, etc.
• Coordinate direct marketing projects to ensure they are successfully completed on time and within budget; manage vendor relationships and communication, as appropriate. Coordinate with donors and gift officers for challenge campaigns. Track tasks, timelines, and other standard operating procedures within our project management software; ensure marketing schedules and communication calendars are maintained and regularly updated.
• In collaboration with Annual Giving leadership, Advancement Communications, and our school and unit partners, support the execution of unit-specific Annual Fund appeal and project requests in accordance to standard operating procedures.

Donor Retention Efforts:

• Lead the strategy and implementation of direct marketing campaigns focused on annual donor retention, including monthly renewal reminders, specific ‘year-end’ efforts, and lead volunteer and staff phonathon-type internal events.

Corporate Matching Gift Program:

• Oversee strategy development and manage the day-to-day activities of our corporate matching gift program.
• Establish annual goals and develop strategic communications plan for alumni, donors, and matching organizations outreach.
• Facilitate marketing efforts for donor’s matching gift retention, eligibility, and/or documentation; plan regular stewardship touches, and support specialized campaigns throughout the fiscal year.

Faculty and Staff Giving Program:

• Oversee strategy development and manage the day-to-day activities of our faculty and staff giving program.
• Establish annual goals and develop strategic communications plan to engage and solicit WashU staff and faculty.
• Coordinate payroll deduction retention, renewal, and acquisition efforts; ensure stewardship touches are planned and appropriate benefits/communications are being issued.

Recurring Giving Program:

• Oversee recurring giving strategy, establishing annual goals and executing a strategic communications plan to educate and encourage our alumni audiences to setup annual, quarterly, or monthly gifts.
• Track activities, generate reports, and provide regular updates of various metrics pertaining to duties of this role, as needed. Collaborate with colleagues on programs and projects that overlap with those stated above. Assist, as necessary, with Annual Giving Programs and other relevant University Advancement events and campaigns. Undertake additional projects or perform other duties as assigned by the Director and Executive Director of Annual Giving Programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three to four years of experience in nonprofit advancement/development/fundraising, program/project management, or a field requiring the application of similar skills including marketing, advertising, communications, donor relations, etc.
• Significant experience planning and managing complex programs, projects, or marketing campaigns: setting timelines and priorities, analyzing data, working with complex reporting and data sets, coordinating work among multiple teams, maintaining vendor relationships, developing and managing organized systems of processes and protocols, etc.
• Understanding or awareness of nonprofit operations, annual giving fundraising, and direct marketing/persuasive marketing and communication strategies.
• Knowledge of university environment; experience working in educational/nonprofit organization setting is a plus.
• Maintaining working relationships with vendors, internal subject matter experts, and other partners is critical to the success of this role.
• Working knowledge of and proficiency with standard office equipment, hardware, and software; advanced skills within Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience using database, website/online form solutions, and other software platforms. Familiarity with Salesforce, BlackBaud, MyEmma, ThankView, Workday, SmartSheet, or ClickUp a plus.
• Strong analytical processing skills to make decisions from data and reporting metrics.
• Well-developed critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution abilities. Ability to quickly think on their feet, identify resources, and make informed decisions.
• Exceptional at relationship management. Comfortable interacting with a variety of diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships. Skilled at expressing empathy and providing premium customer service.
• A desire to work collaboratively with colleagues. Comfortable facilitating the work of teams and individuals, including peers, students, and volunteers. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to relay detailed instructions and provide or solicit feedback.
• Demonstrated strength in organizational, time management, and project management skills. Must be able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines under pressure. Strives for accuracy and lends extensive attention to detail.
• Committed to professional growth and remaining informed of annual giving, higher education, and other industry trends and best practices.
• Comfortable and nimble in learning new software systems, processes, and protocols.
• Ability to listen carefully, learn quickly, and work effectively in a complex organization.
• Willingness to accept feedback, direction, and coaching.
• Committed to display honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic. Capable of handling confidential information appropriately and professionally.
• Familiarity with and appreciation for the mission of University Advancement programs and the activities of the department. A desire to play a meaningful role in the university’s community and to share in the community’s commitment to education and research.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years of related experience.

Salary Range:

$55,600.00 – $94,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one’s qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Benefits Statement:

Personal:

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness:

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family:

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

EEO/AA Statement:

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement:

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.