Direct Response Unit Manager

Job Description

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers seeks a Direct Response Unit Manager is responsible for developing and implementing the Society's direct response marketing, developing strategy, and leading and supporting staff. In collaboration with the Major & Planned Giving Unit, the Direct Response Unit works within the Mission Advancement Department. It is responsible for inspiring, maintaining, and upgrading existing donors and acquiring new ones to support Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. The Direct Response Unit Manager is expected to develop a comprehensive, multichannel relationship-building program, including cultivation and communication while recommending short and long-range direct response plans and programs that include directing all activities, programs, and personnel within the Direct Response Unit. Maximize direct response income through direct mail, digital cultivation, and other direct response fundraising techniques. Monitor, evaluate, and report on all direct mail fundraising initiatives. Develop and recommend alternative fundraising and cultivation programs. Coordinate graphics, printing, and acquisition programs with outside vendors as needed.
Campaign Strategy & Execution
• Develop and implement multi-channel direct mail fundraising strategies aligned with Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers' mission to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors.
• Create compelling campaigns that resonate with Catholic donors, ensuring alignment with Church social teachings.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors (copywriters, designers, mail houses) to execute compelling donor appeals.
• Segment donor lists for targeted and personalized mail campaigns to optimize response rates.
• Manage multiple direct mail appeals, including seasonal campaigns (e.g., Lenten, Advent, Year-End Giving).
Donor Engagement & Fundraising
• Craft compelling donor messaging to foster engagement and deepen connections with Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.
• Utilize segmentation strategies to tailor appeals to different donor audiences, including major donors, monthly givers, and lapsed donors.
• Implement strategies to improve donor retention, reactivation, and lifetime value.
• Coordinate follow-up communications (email, digital, phone) to enhance direct mail effectiveness.
Analytics & Performance Optimization
• Track and analyze campaign performance, measuring key metrics such as response rates, average gifts, and ROI.
• Conduct A/B and other testing on messaging, formats, and mailing schedules to optimize results.
• Provide regular reports and insights to leadership, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or equivalent experience.
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) and ACFRE (Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive) preferred.
• Minimum 10-15 years of substantial and proven related, non-profit fundraising experience, with an extensive focus on direct mail.
• Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Proven strategic planning development success is required; ideally with experience in raising funds in the Catholic arena.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective in cross functional collaboration with solid interpersonal skills.
• Highly proficient in project management with proven success in leveraging donor databases to identify growth opportunities, goal development, target audience selection, tracking and evaluation, planning, organizing and directing.
• Experienced in the use of all digital marketing tools (websites, email, and social media).
• High level of computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office and spreadsheets.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm

Salary: $100,000 per year

We offer an outstanding work environment, opportunities for career development and competitive benefits. EOE.

About the Employer

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers - also known as the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, Inc. - was founded in 1911 with the support of the Bishops of the United States to be the chief mission outreach of the Catholic Church in the United States. We currently serve in 20 countries worldwide - especially among the poor.