Direct Mail Marketing Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Direct Mail Marketing Manager

🔹 Company: Earnest

🔹 Location: Remote

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 13, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (1 day/month in Oakland office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving new customer acquisition through high-impact direct mail campaigns
• Collaborating cross-functionally to align on goals and optimize campaign effectiveness
• Managing external vendors and agencies for seamless production and creative execution
• Analyzing campaign performance and driving continuous improvement
• Ensuring compliance and quality standards across all direct mail initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and data-driven decision making. It involves working with various teams and external vendors to maximize campaign performance.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Own and execute large-scale direct mail campaigns to drive customer acquisition, ensuring seamless strategy, execution, and measurement

✅ Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Risk, Finance, Client Happiness, and Data & Analytics to align on goals and optimize campaign effectiveness

✅ Work with credit bureaus to procure audience files, refine targeting lists, and develop new machine learning models for enhanced segmentation

✅ Manage external vendors and agencies to ensure on-time production, cost efficiency, and top-tier creative execution

✅ Lead forecasting and performance analysis, tracking financial metrics, campaign KPIs, and revenue impact

✅ Drive continuous improvement, using data-driven insights to refine targeting, optimize costs, and enhance customer engagement

✅ Ensure compliance and quality standards across all direct mail initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and data analysis. It requires strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams and external vendors.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 5+ years of experience in direct mail marketing or a related field, with a strong focus on campaign execution, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in direct mail marketing, including campaign execution, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration
• Hands-on experience managing large-scale marketing campaigns, working with external vendors, and optimizing targeting strategies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data to drive campaign performance and decision-making
• Ability to work effectively across teams, partnering with legal, compliance, and finance for approvals and reporting

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with machine learning models or predictive analytics in marketing
• Familiarity with marketing automation platforms and CRM systems
• Previous experience managing budgets and vendor contracts in a high-volume marketing environment

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, relevant work experience may be considered equivalent. This role requires a strong understanding of direct mail marketing and the ability to work effectively with various teams and external vendors.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $118,000 - $151,000 USD/year (based on location and experience)

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, & Vision benefits plus savings plans
• Mac computers + work-from-home stipend to set up your home office
• Monthly internet and phone reimbursement
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
• 401(k) plan to help you save for retirement plus a company match
• Robust tuition reimbursement program
• $1,000 travel perk on each Earnie-versary to anywhere in the world
• Competitive days of annual PTO
• Competitive parental leave

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role, location, and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on job-related qualifications, internal compensation, candidate location, and budget.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services (specifically, student lending and refinancing)

Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees) - Large enough to offer resources and growth opportunities, but small enough for individual impact

Founded: 2013 - A well-established company with a proven track record in the industry

Company Description:

• Earnest empowers past, present, and soon-to-be students to maximize their financial futures through thoughtful guidance and impactful products
• Their mission is to make higher education accessible and affordable for everyone
• They offer private student loans, student loan refinancing, and scholarships to help students pay less

Company Specialties:

• Consumer Lending
• Financial Technology
• Mission Driven, Value-driven

Company Website: https://www.earnest.com

ASSUMPTION: Earnest is a mission-driven company focused on empowering students to take control of their financial futures. They offer a range of products and services to help students manage their debt and make higher education more affordable.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior - This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's growth

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Direct Mail Marketing

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (remote with 1 day/month in the Oakland office) - Offers flexibility and the opportunity to collaborate with team members in person

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on more responsibility and advance within the marketing department
• Opportunity to work on high-impact campaigns and drive meaningful results
• Chance to learn and develop skills in machine learning and data analysis

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, tactical execution, and data analysis. It provides an excellent opportunity for a marketing professional to grow their career and make a significant impact on the company's success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-first with occasional in-office collaboration (1 day/month in Oakland)

Office Location(s): Oakland, CA (with the option to work remotely)

Geographic Context:

• Earnest is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with additional offices in Salt Lake City, UT
• The remote work option allows for greater flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere in the US
• The occasional in-office collaboration provides an opportunity to connect with team members and build relationships

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The remote-first work environment offers flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere in the US. The occasional in-office collaboration provides an opportunity to connect with team members and build relationships.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the marketing team
• Final interview with the Head of Direct Mail Marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• Direct mail marketing expertise and campaign management skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
• Alignment with Earnest's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant direct mail marketing experience and achievements
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of data-driven decision making and analytics
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences relevant to this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on campaign management, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving

ATS Keywords: Direct Mail Marketing, Campaign Management, Budget Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Data Analysis, Problem-solving, Vendor Management, Targeting, Performance Analysis, Compliance, Machine Learning, CRM, Marketing Automation

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's direct mail marketing expertise, analytical skills, and cultural fit with Earnest's mission and values. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding of data-driven decision making and the ability to work effectively with various teams and external vendors.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
• Machine learning platforms (e.g., Python, R)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the company's current tech stack. However, a strong understanding of marketing automation platforms, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Earn Happy Customers
• Better is Better
• Ph.D. in Moving Fast
• Passion for Challenges
• Impact is a Team Sport

Work Style:

• Collaborative and cross-functional
• Data-driven and analytical
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Mission-driven and values-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional work environment?
• Are you comfortable working with data and using it to drive decision-making?
• Do you have a passion for challenges and a commitment to continuous improvement?
• Are you aligned with Earnest's mission to empower students to take control of their financial futures?

ASSUMPTION: Earnest values a collaborative, data-driven, and mission-focused work environment. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong alignment with the company's values and a commitment to driving meaningful results through their work.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large volume of direct mail campaigns and ensuring consistent quality and compliance
• Working with external vendors and agencies to meet tight deadlines and maintain cost efficiency
• Analyzing campaign performance data and making data-driven decisions to optimize results
• Balancing strategic planning and tactical execution in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Successful candidates will be able to manage a high volume of work, work effectively with external vendors, and make data-driven decisions to optimize campaign performance.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Direct Mail Marketing Manager vs. Email Marketing Manager - Both roles focus on driving customer acquisition through targeted campaigns, but direct mail requires additional consideration for production, logistics, and regulatory compliance
• Industry-specific context - Direct mail marketing in the financial services industry requires a strong understanding of regulatory compliance and data privacy
• Career path comparison - This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, tactical execution, and data analysis, providing an excellent opportunity for career growth and development

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares some similarities with other marketing roles, it presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth in the direct mail marketing space. Successful candidates will have a strong understanding of direct mail marketing, data analysis, and regulatory compliance in the financial services industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a targeted direct mail campaign to drive new customer acquisition for a private student loan product
• Analyzing campaign performance data to optimize targeting, messaging, and creative execution
• Collaborating with external vendors and agencies to ensure on-time production, cost efficiency, and top-tier creative execution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a snapshot of the types of initiatives a Direct Mail Marketing Manager might work on at Earnest. Successful candidates will have experience managing similar projects and driving meaningful results.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the company measure the success of its direct mail campaigns, and what are the key KPIs to focus on?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the direct mail marketing team, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the company's culture, team dynamics, and the specific challenges and opportunities presented by this role. Successful candidates will use these questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and their commitment to driving meaningful results.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant direct mail marketing experience and achievements
• Write a cover letter emphasizing your alignment with Earnest's mission and values, and your enthusiasm for driving meaningful results through direct mail marketing
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on campaign management, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.