Scheduled Hours
37.5
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director Annual Giving and Volunteer Experience, the Senior Director of Direct Marketing and Participation is a forward-thinking, highly innovative partner who leads a team of professionals to develop and execute sophisticated multi-channel, university-wide, direct marketing fundraising strategies. This role creates, oversees, and drives the strategy to increase and diversify the number of donors and philanthropic dollars to WashU, with an emphasis on support of the annual fund. Additionally, the Senior Director will manage a team of individuals focused on the WashU Engagement Center’s efforts to strategize and implement initiatives utilizing our student advancement ambassadors to increase involvement, pride, and loyalty between the university and its community.
The ideal candidate is a data-driven, strategic thinker with a passion for leveraging modern fundraising and annual giving marketing practices in support of higher education. This person is a collaborative team player and will have experience in direct marketing, emerging fundraising technologies, and staff management.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develops a strategic plan to segment and solicit alumni, parents, and friends to increase donors to the Annual Fund and the university. This includes strategic analysis of past performance of appeals and solicitation methods, acquisition rates, retention rates, and industry trends. Closely monitors return on investment and makes data-based decisions to guide future fundraising strategies. Reports on overall results to internal and external constituencies, as needed.
- Develops key strategies for retention, acquisition, and stewardship of donors to the Annual Fund based on affiliation, class year, and interest. Serves as the final approver on all direct marketing materials and confirm that recommended messages and graphics align with the strategies for each appeal. Verifies that all WashU audiences are appropriately included in the direct marketing schedule.
- Collaborates closely with key departments in University Advancement including by not limited to Advancement Communications, Analytics, Data and Reporting, Advancement Systems, and Donor Relations, on fundraising projects and campaigns including but not limited to WashU Giving Day, Loyalty Society, Engagement Center, License Plate Program, Matching Gift Program and emerging technologies.
- Works closely with other colleagues in University Advancement to align program goals with the overall philanthropic goals of the university.
- Oversees the technology used to support direct marketing efforts for all university constituents including engagement center system/vendor, and the data analytics system/vendor. Assists with the development of websites, including online gift forms.
- Manages data as it relates to direct marketing, including responsibility for data hygiene, segmentation, and other issues related to ensuring accurate and useful data for direct marketing including editing and proofreading publication content.
- Manages professional staff responsible for the WashU Giving Day, Loyalty Society, Engagement Center, premium fulfillment, License Plate Program, and Matching Gift Program.
- Stays up-to-date on the latest fundraising trends, technologies, and strategies and implement them as appropriate.
- Additional duties as assigned and in support of the EAGP team.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Physical Effort
Equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Relevant Experience (6 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability and flexibility to work outside of the normal workday/office hours including evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications:
No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Skills:
Analyze Information, Annual Giving, Contract Development, Detail-Oriented, Diplomatic Approach, Donor Communications, Donor Development, Donor Management, Email Marketing, Interpersonal Communication, Marketing Campaign Development, Marketing Campaign Strategy, Multi-Media Marketing Campaigns, Multitasking, Oral Communications, Program Implementation, Project Management Software (PMS), Relationship Building, Salesforce (Software), Social Influence, Sound Judgment, Supervisory Management, Volunteer Leadership, Workload Prioritization, Written Communication
Grade
G16
Salary Range
$96,000.00 - $169,300.00 / 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.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
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
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
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.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/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.