Department: Philanthropy
Reports to: Chief Philanthropy Officer
Location: Washington DC or Remote
FLSA Category: Non-Exempt
Post Date: 03/13/2024
Close Date: 04/03/2024

ABOUT US

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to wilderness that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restore urban forests and forested landscapes for nearly 150 years.

We are now entering a new, more critical era, one in which we are laser-focused on meeting two most pressing imperatives of this moment — slowing climate change and advancing social and racial equity — with forests and trees at the center. In a time when green spaces have proven their value for people and the planet, our movement has taken flight, which is why we are aiming for a number of bold new goals by 2030 — from reforesting 20 million acres of public land to supporting 100 cities in achieving “tree equity” in their highest-need neighborhoods to helping 100,000 people from our most underrepresented communities thrive in the “green jobs” sector. To help us achieve these goals, American Forests now seeks an experienced Director of Digital & Direct Response.

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We seek individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Director of Digital & Direct Response conceives, leads and oversees the planning, development, coordinating and implementation of strategies related to American Forests’ digital and direct-response fundraising efforts. The Director of Digital & Direct Response is responsible for the growth, engagement, and retention of American Forests’ annual and sustaining donors to optimize our donor base and increase unrestricted donations.

This role is responsible for understanding the demographics and trends of donors and building compelling donor-centered campaigns to substantially increase the impact of American Forests’ Digital & Direct Response program. The Director of Digital & Direct Response works collaboratively with American Forests’ Marketing & Communications team and vendors to deliver impactful, efficient, and effective multi-channel marketing that drive coordinated donor engagement.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Campaign Management and Content Development (65%)

Translate the strategies created by the Chief of Philanthropy and the head of Marketing into projects, action plans, and tactics to grow unrestricted revenue.
Responsible for all marketing and communications related to growing and retaining digital and direct response donors and donations incorporating innovative multi-channel strategies and novel creative approaches.
Leads the operational management of all digital and direct response programs – including the budget, program expenses and interacting with and guiding vendors who implement the program’s efforts.
Works closely with Philanthropy and Marketing & Communications teams to drive a coordinated donor engagement and advocacy strategy to improve targeting and drive campaign effectiveness.
Collaborates with Marketing & Communications to ensure American Forests’ brand is consistent across all digital & direct response campaigns and coordinates closely with program staff to ensure donor communications reflect organizational priorities and updates.
Responsible for transforming and continuously evolving American Forests’ sustainer program to increase donor affinity and engagement.
Implements best practices in digital and direct response to optimize response rates, donor retention, and overall campaign effectiveness.
Creates scalable processes to foster efficient growth.

Data Analytics and Database Management (30%)

Utilizes data-driven insights to identify target audiences and tailor messaging for maximum impact and donor response.
Tracks campaign performance and conducts post-campaign analysis to identify areas for improvement and informs future strategies.
- Researches and analyzes American Forests’ digital and direct response donor population to identify trends, opportunities, and audiences. Actions these insights to make recommendations on strategies, campaigns, and appeals.
- Tracks, analyzes, and reports on key performance indicators, using them to drive decision making and resource allocation.
- Coordinates with Philanthropy Operations to maintain seamless data management.
- Manages state registration for Federated Campaigns for CFC through EarthShare; supports reporting on income.
- Assists with the creation of donation forms and webpages.
Maintains accurate records of expenses, tracks budget adherence, and provides regular updates.
Creates a culture of collaboration, best practices and evaluation.

Other Duties (5%)

Support Philanthropy and Marketing & Communications teams with other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

5+ years of relevant experience, including 3 years in a nonprofit setting driving digital and direct response strategies, production and management
Bachelor's degree desired; equivalent experience accepted in lieu of
Solid grasp of the fundamentals of digital and direct response marketing and fundraising, engagement campaigns, platforms and website/database integration, creative development and workflow.
Demonstrated ability to build consensus and project manage effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including agency partners and other vendors.
Excellent verbal and written communication; skilled at translating complex technical lingo and processes into simple terms.
High-energy herder of cats; positive upbeat attitude; thrives in a nimble, get-it-done environment while maintaining strict attention to detail.
Metrics-driven marketing mind with eye for creativity.
Proficient in data analysis, capable of clear and accessible reporting; experience using data to inform decisions and drive strategies.
Strong project, time, and resource management with effective problem-solving skills.
Monitors for and applies trends and best practices in digital and direct response marketing and fundraising.
Fluency in CRM/eCRM systems (Raiser's Edge/Luminate) and Adobe Creative Suite
Passion and commitment to the mission, vision and culture of American Forests.
A genuine and proven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and to the principals of community-centric fundraising.

LOCATION & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a remote position. Up to 15% of travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington D.C for key stakeholder meetings, events and projects may be required.

Subject to applicable laws, American Forests requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. We will consider requests for accommodation to this vaccination requirement during the recruiting process. Any requested accommodations must be reviewed and approved (if applicable) in advance of your start date.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The individual must be comfortable with prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

This position does not have any supervisory requirements.

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

If you are unable to submit your resume due to a disability, contact American Forests to request an accommodation or alternative application process.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQIA+

- - -

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

American Forests

New Jobs

Director, Digital & Direct Response