About the Mercatus Center at George Mason University
For 40 years, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University has been the world’s premier university source for market-oriented ideas—bridging the gap between academic ideas and real-world problems. A university-based research center, Mercatus works to advance knowledge about how markets work to improve our lives by training graduate students, conducting research, and applying sound economics to offer solutions to society’s most pressing problems
About the Opening
The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is seeking a Director of Direct Response as part of our Development team to manage the direct response communications to our generous partners. Started in the late-1990s, Mercatus direct response attracts well over a thousand new supporters each year, drives in nearly 5,000 gifts, and forms the foundation of our major giving program by attracting donors who can grow their support. Up to 50% of Mercatus’s annual revenue is due to the generosity of supporters who were solicited through the direct response program.
The Director is responsible for growing revenue through direct mail solicitation and informational mailings. Experimenting with both messaging and tactics is expected in order to grow the base of supporters and effectively communicate the important work of the Mercatus Center to existing partners.
The Director of Direct Response will supervise the Development Production Coordinator and will work from the Mercatus Center’s Arlington, VA office. We will also consider exceptional candidates who want to work remotely and are able to visit the Arlington office as needed.
Primary Responsibilities
- Direct the planning, development, implementation, budgeting, maintenance, and support of the direct response operation.
- Set and take ownership of fundraising goals for direct response fundraising efforts.
- Ensure alignment of the direct response team to the Mercatus Center’s mission and goals.
- Perform standard leadership and supervisory duties to one team member. This includes mentoring, developing employee responsibilities, and monitoring employee progress toward stated goals.
- Discuss direct response experiments with Mercatus Center Executive leadership. Report on results of direct response mailings to the Vice President of Development.
Minimum Requirements
- 5+ years of direct response acquisition and housefile experience in a leadership position
- 2+ years of leading people or teams with duties that included coaching and mentoring team members
- Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
- History of performance in a team-oriented environment
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize independently
- Philosophical alignment with and passion for Mercatus Center’s mission and work
- Willingness to travel on occasion (10%)
Employee Benefits
Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. In addition, Mercatus provides excellent benefits to all individual employees, including full health and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, long-term disability and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement savings program, a parking permit, and free credits at George Mason University.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:
- Cover letter detailing your interest in this role and the mission of Mercatus Center, your salary requirements, and your geographical preferences
- Résumé
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:
https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, Executive Director of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected]
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide free consulting and recruiting services to free-market think tanks, policy organizations, research centers, and capacity-building institutions dedicated to advancing the principles of limited government and free enterprise.