Associate Director, Direct Marketing & Participation

Posted on 08/17/2022

Washington University in St. Louis

Clayton, MO

The Associate Director of Annual Giving Programs (AGP) will oversee the Direct Marketing & Participation (DMP) team’s donor and alumni engagement programs. This role will coordinate a variety of annual campaigns that engage diverse audiences (alumni, parents, faculty/staff, students, and friends) to drive donor retention, acquisition, and outreach efforts through multiple communication channels. Additionally, the Associate Director will oversee the operations of the WashU Digital Engagement Center, which encompasses our Phonathon, texting, and ThankView campaigns; as well as our Corporate Matching Gift and Faculty & Staff campaigns, among other giving programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Digital Engagement Center – Responsible for the holistic operations of the WashU Digital Engagement Center. Own the relationship and oversee the contracted vendor’s scope of work and annual strategy for the student calling “Phonathon” program. Coordinate fundraising resources (scripts, reference sheets, collateral, messaging) to be consistently updated and available to Student Ambassadors. Enforce and support the standard operating procedures of complex data management and reporting systems. In partnership with Engagement Center Manager, facilitate the management of WashU Ambassadors (60-75 student employees) including: recruitment/hiring and onboarding, approving weekly time reports, planning professional development, social, and motivational activities/events, etc.
  • Digital Communications Campaigns – Project manage solicitation and other engagement campaigns through phone, text, and video channels. Ensure successful execution of Phonathon’s omni-channel outreach, coordinated via contracted vendor, through student callers, texting, ThankView videos, email, and direct mail. Collaborate with AGP and other UA teams to organize and prioritize calling and texting strategies; facilitate text message and ThankView campaigns that fall beyond the scope of Phonathon vendor. Expand and lead crowdfunding, social media, and other/emerging digital communication efforts to solicit and engage WashU audiences.
  • Direct Marketing Programs – Lead key direct marketing programs, including Corporate Matching Gift, Faculty/Staff Giving, and License Plate Program. Strategize and execute annual strategies to solicit, acquire, renew, and retain donors. Coordinate campaigns to encourage WashU faculty and staff to support the Annual Fund through payroll deduction or other giving opportunities. Research and integrate industry trends to enhance these and other annual giving campaigns.
  • Donor Retention & StewardshipDevelop strategic efforts for personal stewardship of Annual Fund donors and facilitate one-to-one renewal efforts. Organize events throughout the fiscal year to activate student participation in the Annual Fund cycle (eg, “Thank-a-Thon”) and catalyze UA staff renewal outreach (eg, “Renew-a-Thon” or “Staff Phonathon”).
  • 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 AGP 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 fundraising, program/project management, or a field requiring the application of similar skills including marketing, advertising, communications, or public relations.
  • 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.
  • Maintaining working relationships with vendors, internal subject matter experts, and other partners is critical to the success of this role.
  • Knowledge of information systems and IT terminology/concepts is highly preferred.
  • Experience working with student Phonathon programs is highly preferred, but not required.
  • 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.
  • 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, Phonathon systems (such as RNL Engage), Workday, SmartSheet, Box, or ClickUp.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Pre-Employment Screening: 

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement: 

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

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.

To apply for this job please visit wustl.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com.