Director, Direct Response Fundraising

Summary: AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope. The Director of Direct Response Fundraising leads strategic fundraising campaigns and donor engagement initiatives at AARP Foundation. This role oversees the direct mail fundraising program and manages a team of experienced direct response professionals. In close partnership with senior leadership, the Director ensures the successful execution of fundraising strategies and achievement of organizational revenue goals. Responsibilities include managing revenue and expense budgets, collaborating with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to implement best practices, analyzing forecasts against actuals to refine strategies and meet donor and revenue targets, and developing strategy. Responsibilities:

• Leads a team that manages specific aspects of the fundraising process (e.g., systems, relationship management, channel strategy) that generates contributions or grant support to the organization in meeting fundraising goals.
• Participates in the effort to establish an effective case for support and provides feedback on how it resonates with their respective assigned prospective donor pool.
• Directs specific aspects and business processes of the pipeline including, identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, systems/processing, stewardship of potential donors to the organization to ensure future growth.
• Provides the team with resources, training, guidance, and support that help ensure personal and departmental success in meeting organizational and personal objectives and goals.
• Ensures members of the team are in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and board policies (e.g., gift acceptance) pertaining to gifts, contributions, grants, and other charitable support raised.
• Holds the team accountable for adhering to ethical standards established by Association of Fundraising Professionals and National Association of Charitable Gift Planners.
• May develop proposals, budgets, and work plans for new or continuing grant projects and/or identifies potential funders for programmatic activities and ensures that the organization's programs remain in compliance with regulations and policies established by the grant provider.
• Prepares and submits applications or proposals with the goal of securing grants.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 8 or more years’ experience with direct response fundraising
• Experience managing a high performing team

Preferred:

• Master’s degree

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time. Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement. Equal Employment Opportunity AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job