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Senior Associate Director, Direct Marketing & Participation - University Advance

Washington University in St. Louis, Kansas City, MO, United States

Salary: $65,900 - $78,000

Job 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.
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