Description

Job Description Summary: The Assistant Director, Direct and Email Marketing, drives data-informed marketing initiatives that increase donor participation and engagement for the Wake Forest Fund. This role develops and executes integrated campaigns across direct mail, email, text, and digital platforms, using segmentation, analytics, and automation to deliver personalized and measurable results.

Working collaboratively across Advancement teams, the Assistant Director leverages CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and digital analytics to optimize outreach, streamline processes, and enhance the donor experience. The position manages campaign timing, testing, and performance tracking to ensure continuous improvement and ROI growth.

Through a blend of strategic insight, technical proficiency, and data-driven decision-making, this role strengthens the University’s fundraising outcomes and deepens connections with alumni, parents, and friends.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions:

Plans, manages, and optimizes multi-channel marketing and fundraising campaigns (direct mail, email, text, and digital) for the Wake Forest Fund including all its subcomponents, Academic Departments, and Campus Initiatives. Coordinates marketing support for donor events, including but not limited to Reunions, and Unrivaled.
Develops and implements a detailed annual fundraising plan—including measurable goals, solicitation strategies, and a coordinated communications calendar—to increase participation and annual giving revenue.
Creates effective segmentation strategies to identify and engage distinct prospect groups with targeted, resonant messaging.
Designs and executes A/B testing and other data-driven approaches to continuously improve campaign performance.
Conducts ongoing data analysis to track progress toward fundraising goals and campaign effectiveness; prepares reports and insights that inform strategic decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
Sources stories and content to write, edit, and proofread appeal letters, emails, and text messages that inspire donor engagement and investment.
Manages Wake Forest Fund web pages and social media channels to ensure timely, engaging content; monitors emerging digital fundraising, social media, and UX trends, incorporating best practices into the Wake Forest Fund’s digital presence.
Serves as the unit expert for Blackbaud Direct Marketing software and any future marketing tools; partners with AIT and outside vendors to ensure timely system integrations, upgrades, and updates.
Manages pledge reminders for all open annual and multi-year pledges.
Coordinates with Advancement and external mail houses for all University Advancement direct marketing needs.
Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people’s lives every day. 
Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Aptitude for critical thinking and problem solving; ability to think strategically about the potential implications of information found and willing to make judgment calls as appropriate.
Demonstrate a strong sense of intellectual curiosity and the motivation and ability to apply information in innovative ways; an orientation to process improvement.
Superior ability to assess the relative value of a variety of information and sources and to synthesize and interpret relevant prospect data into coherent, well-written documents and visual presentations.
Effective communicator with the ability to work well with all colleagues and possess the ability to be courteous and diplomatic in verbal, written, and visual communication strategies.
Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to changes in the work environment, changing methods to best fit the situation; ability to work well under pressure and maintain flexibility.
Ability to organize workflow and coordinate activities.
Ability to treat sensitive and confidential information with the highest discretion.
Ability to deliver exceptional customer service and treat parents, donors, and prospects accordingly.
General knowledge of the University, including our campus partners. 
Ability to learn new skills as needed.
Proficiency in Windows, Word, Excel, Access, the internet, and other relevant software. Proficiency in the operation of standard office equipment. Database management skills and typing accuracy.
Ability to demonstrate practical communication skills both verbally and in writing.
Accuracy and attention to detail regarding print media and data management.
Ability to design effective and efficient processes with an appropriate level of auditable control.
Ability to multitask and meet deadlines. 
Ability to research and resolve office management problems and questions.
Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours, as needed.
Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Accountabilities:

Responsible for own work.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

Sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Note: This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee’s supervisor.