Direct Mail Production Manager, Nonprofit Fundraising

About Fuse Fundraising

Fuse Fundraising is a full-service direct response fundraising agency that has helped nonprofits build donor value since 2005. We partner with causes we care about to run integrated direct mail, high-value, and monthly giving programs.

Role Overview

The Direct Mail Production Manager plays a key role on the Production Team with independent management of all client and vendor deliverables required from inception to completion for Fuse Fundraising's client base. The Production Manager's role requires the ability to execute multi-level competing tasks error-free and on time. The Production Manager is required to have exceptional attention to detail, creative and analytic skills, excellent client relationship building and strong verbal and written communication skills.

This role is responsible for management of production efforts for direct mail campaigns, from kick-off through final campaign closure in an organized and detail-oriented manner, ultimately producing the finished products to match the client's source documentation and information.

Experience and Capabilities:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of experience in the direct mail industry, specifically direct mail production management
• Excellent organizational and project/time management skills – must be able to handle multiple projects and competing priorities
• Strong customer service skills and proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with staff, clients, and our vendors
• Strong working knowledge of all printing methods, data processing, personalization, mail shop services, and USPS regulations
• Experience managing vendor relationships, bidding, production budgets, invoicing, and postage reconciliation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience in fundraising, marketing, advertising, or agency environments preferred

Specifically:

• Serve as the primary contact for the client and account team on all functions of the production lifecycle
• Manage all production tasks for assigned client accounts, including proofing, setups, and lettershop services
• Participate in weekly internal production meetings with account teams and client meetings as needed
• Translate direct mail marketing strategies into executable production notes and instructions
• Create accurate production specs from the account team's strategy briefs, develop bid sheets, and work with vendors to bid out projects
• Route and track proofs using Fuse's established QC methods and checklists for every step of the job
• Request and track postage for delivery to the lettershop
• Drive production schedules based on client mail dates and provide regular updates to production, account teams, and clients
• Manage invoicing and final cost reconciliations
• Other duties as assigned

Location:

• This is a hybrid role based in our Reston, VA office.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $75,000+, based on experience and qualifications
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off