Manager of Direct Marketing

Young America’s Foundation (YAF) is committed to ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.

This role can be executed from YAF’s National Headquarters in Reston, Virginia. For the exceptional candidate, this role can be executed virtually within the United States. The Manager of Direct Marketing will report to YAF’s Chief Operating Officer.

About the role

Young America’s Foundation seeks an experienced, strategic, and results-driven Manager of Direct Marketing to lead and execute YAF’s direct mail and donor-focused copywriting efforts. This individual will play a critical role in advancing YAF’s fundraising, donor engagement, and mission-driven communications through compelling written content. The ideal candidate is a seasoned writer with a proven track record in direct response fundraising, strong project management skills, and a deep understanding of conservative principles. The role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on execution—developing persuasive copy, overseeing mail strategy and cadence, and collaborating across departments to ensure messaging is philosophically aligned, effective, and mission-focused.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of YAF’s direct mail program, including acquisition, cultivation, renewal, and special appeals
• Write, edit, and oversee high-impact fundraising copy for direct mail, email, donor communications, and related development materials
• Develop compelling messages that clearly convey YAF’s mission, programs, victories, and funding needs to supporters
• Collaborate closely with YAF’s Digital Marketing & Communications, Development, and Supporter Records teams to ensure consistent messaging and integrated fundraising campaigns across YAF’s digital, email, and direct mail efforts
• Manage direct mail schedules, production timelines, and coordination with internal teams and external vendors
• Interpret performance data and donor analytics to refine messaging, improve response rates, and optimize fundraising results
• Maintain YAF’s brand, voice, and tone across all donor-facing materials
• Review and approve copy created by external agencies, distributing to appropriate staff for edits and collaboration
• Work with leadership to craft messaging for major initiatives, capital projects, and high-profile campaigns
• Ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance in all written materials
• Stay current on best practices in direct mail fundraising, donor engagement, conservative messaging, and emerging AI tools relevant to fundraising communications
• Draft regular reports on YAF’s direct mail program for YAF’s senior leadership and board
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Deep commitment to Young America’s Foundation’s mission, values, and principles
• 3-6+ years of experience in direct mail fundraising, copywriting, or donor communications
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to write persuasive, donor-centered copy that drives results
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Experience working with outside vendors, printers, and mail houses preferred
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with senior leadership
• Self-starter with a proactive, flexible, and solutions-oriented approach
• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive donor information
• Commitment to compliance with YAF policies and procedures as outlined in the YAF Staff Manual

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $120,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• YAF pays 100% of health, dental, and vision insurance premiums
• 403b retirement plan
• Paid vacation and comp time