Assistant Vice President, Direct Mail

Job Title: Assistant Vice President, Direct Mail

Department:   Development

Reports To:    VP, Direct Response, Workplace Initiatives & Prospect Research

FLSA Status:  Exempt 

Band:              AVP, L2

JOB 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 donors


• Executing 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 DAF


• Enhancing program performance, increasing donor participation, and ensuring long-term revenue sustainability in support of HBCUs

ABOUT 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 Management

• Lead the execution of comprehensive direct mail strategies to drive donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, and upgrades


• Oversee 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 performance

Revenue Growth & Performance Optimization

• Manage direct mail revenue and net income goals, ensuring consistent and increasing performance against targets


• Evaluate and interpret campaign performances, donor trends, and key metrics (response rates, ROI, retention) to inform strategy


• Drive testing methodologies and continuous improvement practices to increase donor engagement and lifetime value

Donor Lifecycle & Engagement

• Design and manage donor journeys from first gift through sustained engagement


• Develop strategies to grow one-time, monthly, annual giving and payroll deductions to deepen donor relationships and increase revenues


• Ensure consistent, compelling donor messaging aligned with organizational priorities

Program Operations & Vendor Management

• Design and oversee relationships with external vendors, including agencies, printers, and data partners


• Ensure efficient execution of campaigns, including production timelines, budgets, and deliverables


• Partner with internal teams to maintain data integrity, segmentation accuracy, and reporting consistency

Financial Management & Reporting

• Develop and develop and manage budgets for direct mail including forecasting and expense tracking


• Monitor and report on revenue performance and provide regular reporting and insights to VP, Direct Response


• Ensure accurate tracking and recording of contributions in partnership with internal teams

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Assist in working collaboratively with marketing, communications, and other development teams to align messaging and campaign execution as assigned by VP, Direct Response


• Partner with VP, Direct Response and senior leadership to support strategic priorities and program growth


• Perform other duties as assigned (Work with staff of Workplace Initiatives. Prospect Research & Donor Services subdivisions as assigned to learn and understand their processes.)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No 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 experience

Proven success managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns and driving revenue growth

Experience working with external vendors and campaign production processes

OTHER 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 skills

Demonstrated creative writing skills

Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills

Deep understanding of donor behavior and direct mail performance drivers

Experience with CRM (Raisers’ Edge, Luminate Online) systems and donor databases

Ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Strong 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 & Vision

Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave 

Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)

Flex Spending Accounts

403(b) Retirement Account

Holiday Savings Plan

Annual 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