Manager, Extra Gift Appeals

About the role

Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters is seeking a full‑time Manager, Extra Gift Appeals to lead the strategic and tactical execution of Direct Marketing’s cultivation program. The role focuses on revenue generation, performance analysis, expense management, and trend analysis, working closely with the Director of Annual Giving to align strategies with fundraising objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated, omni‑channel direct marketing plans for the cultivation program, ensuring short‑ and long‑term revenue objectives are met.
• Assist the Director of Annual Giving with strategic planning and annual program budgeting, performing detailed analysis of past and recent results.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on creative, content, and segmentation to align messaging with overall strategy.
• Maintain compliance with industry guidelines and standards.
• Input and maintain campaign data in Blackbaud CRM, including creating marketing records, uploading segmentation files, and tracking campaign costs.
• Approve print counts and pricing, ensuring expenses align with budget before production sign‑off.
• Research, recommend, and implement cost‑saving strategies to maximize return on investment (ROI).
• Lead the execution of new innovative strategic initiatives as directed by leadership.
• Ensure consistent application of defined strategies during campaign execution to create cohesive marketing plans and optimal supporter experiences.
• Partner with the Director to set strategy for each campaign, prepare creative/copy, and track expenses and revenues.
• Monitor and analyze effectiveness of new and existing strategies, using historical analysis and future projections to refine approaches.
• Provide strategic direction to internal and external partners for development and implementation of plans.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on offline and online direct marketing campaigns, recommending adjustments based on performance and external factors.
• Apply data trend analysis to enhance donor experience for micro‑segments of donors, prospects, and other constituents.
• Identify opportunities for new initiatives and incremental improvements based on market trends and research.
• Work with leadership to select audiences for omni‑channel campaigns and conduct ongoing data analysis.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners.
• Research and monitor competitive information, industry trends, and environmental factors impacting current programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 4–5 years of direct marketing experience with a proven ability to drive revenue and donor retention.
• Understanding of direct marketing best practices and industry trends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated relationship‑building skills at all organizational levels.
• High proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (required).
• Experience with Blackbaud CRM (a plus).
• Strong analytical, planning, time‑management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multifaceted projects and work independently in a fast‑paced, multitasking environment.
• Leadership and guidance capabilities for fundraising professionals and volunteers.
• Self‑starter attitude with the ability to succeed both independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (including spouse and dependent coverage).
• Three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with partial employer match.
• Tuition reimbursement.