Senior Associate Director of Direct Marketing & Participation

Senior Associate Director of Direct Marketing & Participation

Company: Washington University in St. Louis

Job Location:

Category: Development and Fundraising

Type: Full-Time

Washington University in St. Louis – University Advancement

Location: St. Louis, MO (West Campus)
Hiring Range: $65,900 – $78,000

The Opportunity: Drive the Pulse of Philanthropy

At WashU, we believe every alumnus has a story and a stake in our future. We are looking for a Senior Associate Director of Direct Marketing & Participation who is more than just a tactician—we need a strategic architect.

In this role, you won’t just send mail; you will design sophisticated, omni-channel journeys that turn alumni pride into tangible impact. You will help lead the charge in evolving our culture of philanthropy, using data-driven insights to reach thousands of alumni and build a lifetime of loyalty.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Campaign Strategist: Lead the end-to-end development of sophisticated omni-channel outreach campaigns, ensuring our message reaches alumni exactly where they are—whether that’s in their inbox, on their doorstep, or in their social feeds.
• Participation Catalyst: Design innovative solicitation strategies that move the needle on alumni donor participation and secure critical funding for WashU’s top Annual Fund priorities.
• Community Builder: Pioneer new initiatives that foster a culture of philanthropy on campus, bridging the gap between current students and our global alumni network.
• Collaborative Partner: Act as a key bridge between Advancement Communications and Donor Relations, ensuring every touchpoint feels personal, cohesive, and impactful.

Who You Are:

• An Advancement Pro: You have a background in nonprofit development, alumni relations, or high-level direct marketing where persuasion and participation are the primary KPIs.
• A Sophisticated Marketer: You understand segmentation, testing methodologies, and how to tell a story that resonates across different generations of constituents.
• A University Ally: You thrive in an academic environment and understand the unique nuances of higher education fundraising.
• Data-Fluent: You are comfortable handling confidential donor data (HIPAA trained) to inform strategy and track campaign ROI.

Why WashU?

• A Legacy of Excellence: Join one of the nation’s premier research universities during an exciting era of growth.
• A Mission with Meaning: Your work directly funds scholarships, research, and campus priorities that change lives.
• Full Benefits Suite: This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) staff position within the University Advancement family, offering a stable, collaborative, and mission-driven work culture.

Requirements at a Glance:

• Experience: Proven track record in nonprofit direct marketing, annual giving, or communications.
• Location: Based in beautiful St. Louis, MO (West Campus).
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends for high-impact events and campaign launches.

Ready to lead our next great campaign? We are looking for a visionary who sees the person behind the data point. Apply today to help shape the future of Washington University.

Apply Now