Production Specialist, Direct Response

Position Summary: Responsible for production of all direct response program elements including annual planning, schedules, writing, design, printing, proofing, reporting and analysis of program impact. Works closely with a variety of vendors and internal departments to ensure timely delivery of all aspects of direct response program.

Essential Job Functions:

Plan and Track Campaigns

• Partner with internal departments and fundraising/marketing vendors to develop annual direct response plans, schedules, budgets, and performance goals.
• Oversee all production aspects of the direct response program, ensuring timely, on-budget delivery.
• Track and report campaign performance, providing monthly financial summaries and weekly status updates.
• Manage all budgets, expenses, and vendor relationships related to the direct response program, including project specifications, bid reviews, and vendor selection.

Coordinate Fundraising Initiatives

• Collaborate across Unity departments and with external partners to plan and execute direct response mail and online campaigns.
• Manage the design, production, and mailing of all direct response packages and premiums.
• Ensure campaigns align with organizational goals, messaging, and brand standards.
• Oversee postal compliance, permits, postage, and inventory management.
• Work closely with printers, letter shops, paper brokers, and fulfillment vendors to meet schedules and resolve production or delivery issues.

Analyze and Optimize Performance

• Collaborates with the fundraising/ marketing vendor along with Unity leaders to analyze results, test strategies, and improve direct response program performance.
• Supports data-driven decision-making to maximize donor response and retention.

Other Responsibilities

• Partners with a variety of internal teams to strengthen donor relationships and increase engagement opportunities.
• Continuously refines workflows and communication across internal teams and vendors to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maintains regular, reliable attendance on-site.
• Follows all company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Uses the electronic time management system for attendance and time-off requests.
• Cross-trains and serve as backup for Publishing and Direct Response Production Manager on circulation production program and magazine and book publishing program as needed.

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, direct response marketing or related field; OR equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• Three years of experience in marketing, direct response or fundraising program coordination preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
• Solid forecasting and budgeting skills.
• Proven ability to initiate and direct priorities based upon strategic initiatives outlined with program leaders.
• Direct mail certification or advanced credits in direct mail and/or marketing, preferred.
• Commitment to continuing education in fundraising best practices.
• E-philanthropy experience, preferred.
• Advanced time management skills and ability to balance multiple projects of varied priority, and uphold quality while meeting strict deadlines.
• Knowledge of postal regulations.

Computer Skills:

• Advanced end-user of MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

PreferredBackground/Experience:

• Understanding of response metrics and profitability.
• Experience with Jira or other project management tools.

Competency Statement(s):

• Excellent organizational skills to meet strict deadlines and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with all levels within the organization.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Activity

Frequency

Inside Work

C

Outside Work

N/A

Use of Hands/Fingers

C

Lifting /Carrying: 20 lbs Max Individually

O

Reach: Overhead and Forward

O

Climb- Stairs/Ladders

N/A

Sitting/Workstation

C

Traveling

N/A

Exposure to Hazards

N/A

Excessive Noise

N/A

Exposure to Temperatures

N/A

Operate Computer

C

Talk/Communicate

C

Operate Company Vehicles

N/A

Standing/Walking

O

Taste/Smell

N/A

Stoop/Kneel/Crouch/Crawl

N/A

Read/See

C

Operating Company Equipment: Copier, Fax, Telephone System, Basic Office Equipment

F

Personal Protective Equipment

N/A

N/A Not Applicable Activity - Not applicable to this occupation

O Occasionally Position requires this activity up to 0-27% of the time (02.5 or < hrs/day)

F Frequently Position requires this activity up to 27-61% of the time hrs/day)

C Constantly Position requires this activity up to 61-100% of the time (5.5 hrs/day)

Additional Information

Work Environment: Office Environment

Acknowledgment

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of Activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.