Assistant Vice President, Direct Mail

Job Title: Assistant Vice President, Direct MailDepartment: DevelopmentReports To: VP, Direct Response, Workplace Initiatives & Prospect ResearchFLSA Status: ExemptBand: AVP, L2JOB DESCRIPTION The Assistant Vice President assists in executing the tactics that emanate from the strategic direction for the organization’s Direct Mail program maintaining alignment with the organization’s broader strategic goals. This leader oversees execution, performance, and long‑term growth of a high‑performing fundraising portfolio that generates approximately $9-10 million in net income annually through direct mail, email, and digital campaigns.The AVP is responsible for assisting in expanding and sustaining a broad-based donor pipeline by:Driving acquisition of new donors and strengthening stewardship and retention of existing donorsExecuting on multi-channel fundraising and marketing strategies across direct mail, email, and digital. Managing the stewardship program for donors which includes the automated acknowledgement program, donor services, manual acknowledgement of certain donors, e.g. stock, IRA and DAFEnhancing program performance, increasing donor participation, and ensuring long-term revenue sustainability in support of HBCUsABOUT UNCF The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: This role works in close partnership with the Vice President, Direct Response, Workplace Initiatives & Prospect Research, contributing to strategic planning, program performance, and long-time growth. The AVP will play a key role in advancing priorities, strengthening operations, and ensuring continuity of leadership within the program. Direct Mail Strategy & Campaign ManagementLead the execution of comprehensive direct mail strategies to drive donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, and upgradesOversee the planning and execution of integrated multi-channel campaigns (direct mail, email, digital, SMS)Develop and refine annual campaign premium offers, segmentation strategies, and test plans to optimize performanceRevenue Growth & Performance OptimizationManage direct mail revenue and net income goals, ensuring consistent and increasing performance against targetsEvaluate and interpret campaign performances, donor trends, and key metrics (response rates, ROI, retention) to inform strategyDrive testing methodologies and continuous improvement practices to increase donor engagement and lifetime valueDonor Lifecycle & EngagementDesign and manage donor journeys from first gift through sustained engagementDevelop strategies to grow one-time, monthly, annual giving and payroll deductions to deepen donor relationships and increase revenuesEnsure consistent, compelling donor messaging aligned with organizational prioritiesProgram Operations & Vendor ManagementDesign and oversee relationships with external vendors, including agencies, printers, and data partnersEnsure efficient execution of campaigns, including production timelines, budgets, and deliverablesPartner with internal teams to maintain data integrity, segmentation accuracy, and reporting consistencyFinancial Management & ReportingDevelop and develop and manage budgets for direct mail including forecasting and expense trackingMonitor and report on revenue performance and provide regular reporting and insights to VP, Direct ResponseEnsure accurate tracking and recording of contributions in partnership with internal teamsTeam Leadership & CollaborationAssist in working collaboratively with marketing, communications, and other development teams to align messaging and campaign execution as assigned by VP, Direct ResponsePartner with VP, Direct Response and senior leadership to support strategic priorities and program growthPerform other duties as assigned (Work with staff of Workplace Initiatives. Prospect Research & Donor Services subdivisions as assigned to learn and understand their processes.)SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESNo supervisory responsibilities.QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. 8–10 years of experience in fundraising, with a strong emphasis on direct response or grassroots fundraising. 3–5 years of management experienceProven success managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns and driving revenue growthExperience working with external vendors and campaign production processesOTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Demonstrated strong multitasking and prioritization skills; ability to drive up to six daily projects from planning to delivery without delays.Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skillsDemonstrated creative writing skillsStrong analytical and data-driven decision-making skillsDeep understanding of donor behavior and direct mail performance driversExperience with CRM (Raisers’ Edge, Luminate Online) systems and donor databasesAbility to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines in a fast-paced environmentStrong communication and leadership skills*The goal is to develop and position the incumbent to successfully transition into a Vice President role.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Benefits include:Medical, Dental & VisionVacation, Sick & Personal Leave Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)Flex Spending Accounts403(b) Retirement AccountHoliday Savings PlanAnnual Incentive Pay Salary Range: $150,300.00 To $160,000.00 per year (Salary is commensurate with experience.) This is a hybrid position: 4 days in-person, 1-day remote work schedule, located in UNCF’s Washington DC Headquarters building.Background checks required.UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V