Assistant Director, Direct Response

Job Description

The Assistant Director for Direct Response is responsible for planning, implementing, and optimizing direct response fundraising campaigns that generate philanthropic support for Texas State University. The Assistant Director supports strategic fundraising communications and donor initiatives that strengthen philanthropic participation across Texas State University. This position develops and executes multi-channel fundraising campaigns designed to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors while supporting pipeline development. This role analyzes engagement and campaign performance data to identify opportunities for growth and translate insights into actionable fundraising strategies. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with Donor Engagement, Alumni Engagement, and Major Gifts to align communications with fundraising priorities and strengthen the donor journey from participation to deeper philanthropic investment.

Job Duties

• Analyze donor engagement metrics, fundraising campaign performance, and communication effectiveness to identify opportunities for growth and optimization.
• Translate campaign and engagement data into actionable recommendations supporting donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, and upgrade strategies.
• Develop and execute direct response fundraising communications in partnership with Advancement Marketing across email, social media, web, print, and emerging channels.
• Lead communications strategies supporting giving days, crowdfunding efforts, and targeted fundraising initiatives.
• Develop audience segmentation strategies and donor journeys that strengthen participation and philanthropic engagement.
• Collaborate with Donor Engagement, Alumni Engagement, and Major Gifts teams to align messaging with fundraising priorities and donor engagement goals.
• Support planning, development, and execution of integrated fundraising campaigns across multiple channels.
• Conduct message testing and evaluate audience performance to improve fundraising outcomes and communication effectiveness.
• Review fundraising communications to ensure consistency in messaging, tone, accuracy, and alignment with advancement priorities.
• Absorb and utilize approved generative AI tools to draft, edit, summarize, or enhance communications while exercising professional judgment and adhering to university privacy and data security policies.
• Able to travel and willing to work occasional evening and weekend hours as required for events and advancement initiatives.

Additional Information to Applicants

This position holder must have the ability to leverage approved generative AI tools to draft, edit, and summarize routine communications, while exercising professional judgment and adhering to university privacy and data security policies. This position may involve optional participation in evening or weekend events that support departmental outreach and campus engagement; staff are invited, but not required, to take part in these activities in coordination with their supervisor.