Specialist, Direct Response Fundraising

Society for Science has been dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and scientific research for more than 100 years. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, our mission promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. We are best known for our award-winning magazine, Science News, our world class science research competitions and our outreach and equity STEM programs making sure that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist.

The Specialist, Direct Response Fundraising is an integral member of the Advancement Department and is responsible for growing engagement and revenue from existing members, donors, and other constituents utilizing a multi-channel approach - including mail, email, social media, and web elements.

Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving and Membership, this position works closely with a collaborative team of fundraising and engagement professionals. Together this team is building the major donor pipeline, discovering new prospects, and engaging members, subscribers, science competition alumni, and more through our world-renowned programs.

We value strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and the ability to contribute to a fast-paced environment as an individual and as part of a team.

To perform the job successfully, the candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• Experience with best practices related to donor engagement and fundraising.
• Experience creating direct response campaigns, including narrative, copy, and design.
• Experience with fundraising software and tools such as: Mission CRM, Customer Insights, and Customer Voice on the Microsoft Dynamics Platform (CRM, email marketing, forms/surveys, campaign analysis); and Canva or similar design programs.
• High attention to detail and demonstrated proactive approach to daily tasks.

This is a non-exempt position.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute projects that maintain membership renewals, inspire membership renewal upgrades, and encourage appeal donations.
• Increase direct response fundraising revenue and constituent engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop engaging creative, write compelling copy, segment audiences effectively and measure campaign performance.
• Maintain web elements of all digital fundraising campaigns, including landing pages, donation and membership forms, peer to peer giving, surveys, and department webpages.
• Coordinate content calendar and constituent selection for all direct response projects.
• Grow the STEM Guardians monthly donor program.
• Support the Advancement Department at events and activities such as Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (each October in Washington, DC), Regeneron Science Talent Search (each March in Washington, DC), and Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (each May in various locations; 2025 in Columbus, Ohio).
• Assist with improving data integrity and providing general administrative support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of related fundraising experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Working knowledge of WordPress and HTML/CSS.
• Affinity for the mission of the Society for Science.
• Exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to develop rapport with colleagues and external clients.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of related digital fundraising experience.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. Society for Science is operating on a hybrid work schedule, which includes two days in the office per week.

Physical Requirements

This role's work involves remaining in a stationary position most of the time in front of a computer, using a keyboard, mouse, and telephone. It also involves regularly operating a computer and other office equipment, occasionally moving about the work site to access file cabinets office equipment and communicating or exchanging information with co-workers and other individuals in person or electronically.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal hours of the Society. The normal business hours of the Society are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST.

Salary

$60,000 to $65,000; salary is commensurate with experience.

Supervisory Responsibility

No supervisory responsibility.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

How to Apply

Submit a professional resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Please apply through Applicant Pro.

EEO Statement

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Society for Science is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.