<p>Job Description</p> <p>The Senior Manager of Direct Response Central Campaigns is part of the Direct Response team within the Communications and Marketing division at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for designing, executing, and tracking central solicitation campaigns. The Senior Manager will provide strategic input for each campaign, as well as determine the executional elements (audiences, channels, assets, KPIs) and be responsible for facilitating the successful completion of each campaign.</p> <p>This position works closely with the entire Direct Response team, the Marketing Technology team, and the rest of Communications and Marketing. In addition, the Senior Manager will liaise on a daily basis with the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) division, including partners in schools and units across the university, in order to get feedback and collaboratively develop strategy. The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, adept at managing multiple priorities, and have a passion and interest in using marketing principles to drive fundraising.</p> <p>Reporting directly to the Director of Direct Response, this position does not have supervisory responsibility. This role requires a keen eye for attention to detail while ensuring adherence to strategy. In addition to executing campaigns with excellence, this position also seeks someone who is passionate about turning campaign data into insights for future campaigns and won't shy away from the numbers. This role is hybrid, but does require the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus as needed for in person meetings and events.</p> <p>The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt is a dynamic and deeply collaborative group. The division, with all of its departments and sub-teams, serves as the institution-wide center of excellence for communications and marketing, developing and executing strategies that inform, engage and inspire others to participate in Vanderbilt University's global academic and research mission. The division is a key strategic adviser and partner for other divisions in the university, providing comprehensive plans and thoughtful analysis on messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team continuously seeks innovative solutions to new and emerging challenges in order to deliver results at scale to advance the larger mission, values and priorities of the university.</p> <p>Duties and Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Develop, implement and monitor central solicitation campaigns (6-10 per year), as part of a coordinated effort to achieve overall annual donor and dollar goals for the Direct Response team. Project manage all aspects of each campaign, including writing campaign briefs, managing asset development (e.g. emails, web ads, print mail), and approvals therein. </li><li>Develop key marketing metrics and reporting for each campaign, aligning them with the overall strategy of the Direct Response team, and monitor these metrics to make adjustments to programs based on results. Work closely with the Marketing Technology team to gain familiarity with data processes. </li><li>Work with the Director to determine unique, first time, and reactivated donor goals for the fiscal year. </li><li>Be an active participant in team-wide strategy and brainstorming sessions to assist in developing fiscal year plans. </li><li>Think creatively and pragmatically with a willingness to consider many options, problem solve and take directives as necessary. </li><li>Demonstrate ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and communicate results of a comprehensive, strategic communications and marketing program. </li><li>Demonstrate strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills, including assigning work, setting direction, and using a strengths-based approach to feedback. </li><li>Communicate clearly and regularly upwards to leadership and across to other team members in Communications and Marketing, as well as other units. Escalate inefficiencies and challenges to the Director regularly. </li><li>Demonstrate excellence in written communications skills and a sense of what is appropriate for the brand. </li><li>Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion. </li><li>Demonstrate understanding of the university's mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications strategies. </li><li>Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences-including students, faculty, coaches, staff, families, leadership, alumni, donors and vendors. </li><li>Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex and results-oriented projects with both quick turn-around requirements and long lead times. </li><li>Operate in a highly organized fashion with attention to detail on all projects. </li><li>Work outside regular business hours as needed in order to perform job responsibilities, including being officially on-call. </li><li>Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities. </li><li>Perform other relevant duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>A bachelor's degree is necessary. </li><li>At least 5 years of professional experience in communications, marketing or related field isnecessary and 7+ years is preferred. </li><li>At least 5 years of experience in higher education fundraising and/or marketing is strongly preferred. </li></ul>