Direct Marketing Specialist

This is a hybrid position based in Yarmouth, MA; Washington, DC or US Remote

The Direct Marketing Specialist will contribute directly to two essential fundraising streams at IFAW:  Face to Face Acquisition and Donor Direct Mail, along with new fundraising channels as identified.  The person in this role is an enthusiastic fundraising professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about making a difference in animal welfare and conservation.  They have experience in Face-to-Face fundraising and enjoy working with the public.  Additionally, they are excited to develop innovative donor contact strategies and explore new giving channels.  Above all, they are motivated by doing meaningful work for a great cause.  

Role and Responsibilities 

Donor Direct Mail: In support of the Director of Annual Giving 

• Provide, and keep current, an analysis of direct mail appeals for various donor giving levels


• Initiate and execute multi-channel integration approaches for direct mail donors to reduce cost and improve stewardship


• Collaborate with Digital fundraising to craft strategy that integrates all IFAW’s one-time donors


• Become proficient with IFAW’s analysis tools, analyze, and recommend shifts in strategy


• Collaborate with IFAW’s Director of Prospect research to enhance traditional analysis and recommend strategy shifts accordingly

Donor Segmentation: In support of the Fundraising Segmentation Manager and others 

• Support the decision making for each marketing appeal ensuring effective and efficient donor communication.


• Make sure the right donor gets the right message at the right time.


• Continuously review results and costs to inform future appeals


• Provide back up expertise to the Segmentation Manager

Face to Face Acquisition (US): In support of the Director of New Donor Engagement 

• As part of a collaborative process, develop the pitch and training materials for IFAW’s face-to-face fundraising in four countries


• Collaborate with Face-to-Face agencies to drive the best acquisition and retention metrics


• Assist with and conduct training sessions for agency staff, ensuring alignment with IFAW’s brand voice, values and campaign goals


• Support with invoices, tracking and monthly financial forecasting


• Proactively identify opportunities to improve campaign metrics through testing, innovation, and cross-market insights


• Stay current with global best practices for face-to-face fundraising

Provide additional fundraising support as requested 

• As requested, support the DVP of Direct Marketing with new and emerging fundraising channels- providing analysis and recommendations and assisting with launch.


• As time allows support any of the Direct Marketing Fundraising directors, and the DVP of Direct Marketing, with projects as needed

Qualifications and Educational Requirements 

• Five to seven years’ comparable experience in a professional office environment.


• A passion for fundraising and direct marketing


• Demonstrated project management experience, including a track record of seeing projects through from beginning to completion.


• Pragmatic, self-motivated, and composed under pressure with professional acumen.


• Superior planning and organizational skills and ability to manage logistics and communications in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to problem solve with little guidance.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong synthesis abilities.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork principles.


• Experience using a CRM.

Nice to Have 

• A strong commitment to IFAW’s mission; interest in animal welfare and conservation.


• Nonprofit experience.


• Experience using a project management software like Asana.


• Advanced Excel skills, including understanding of pivot tables and other complex spreadsheet functions.

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Hiring range is $60,000 - $73,000