Assistant Director, Direct Response

Posting Information

Posting Information

Posting Number 2026638 Posting/Functional Title Assistant Director, Direct Response University Pay Plan Title Major Gift Officer Location San Marcos Department Development Recruitment Type Open Recruiting Job Type Full-Time Funding Source Permanent Monthly Salary $6,298 Job Category Exempt Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Three years of professional experience in fundraising communications, annual giving, direct response marketing, advancement communications, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing communication, fundraising, or engagement data and applying insights to improve campaign performance.
• Experience developing donor-facing fundraising communications and campaign messaging.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or donor communications.
• Experience supporting annual giving, leadership annual giving, crowdfunding, or direct response fundraising initiatives.
• Experience utilizing audience segmentation strategies and donor engagement data.
• Familiarity with CRM, email marketing, and fundraising platforms such as Blackbaud, Luminate, Salesforce, GiveCampus, or similar systems.
• Experience supporting integrated multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
• Experience leveraging approved generative AI tools to draft, edit, summarize, or enhance communications while exercising professional judgment and adhering to university privacy and data security policies.

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.
• Assist with communications planning supporting giving days, annual campaigns, and other fundraising priorities.
• Build collaborative relationships across campus to support fundraising communications efforts and identify opportunities for donor engagement.
• Able to travel and willing to work occasional evening and weekend hours as required for events and advancement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.

Job Open Date 07/01/2026 Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight) Open Until Filled Yes Normal Work Days Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Normal Work Hours Start 8:00AM Normal Work Hours End 5:00PM Posting Notices Legal and Required Notices

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.

Why Choose Texas State University?

Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job-it's a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you'll enjoy:

Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.

Generous Time Off: Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support your personal well-being.

Professional Growth: Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.

Welcoming Campus: Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks.

Tuition Benefits: Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.

Retirement Security: Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.

At Texas State University, you're not just an employee-you're a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today. https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html

Quick Link https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/57498

Applicant Document

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

• DD 214/DD1300
• Veteran's Preference
• Licensure
• Certifications

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).