Production Project Manager (Direct Mail Production, Non-profit Fundraising, Remote)

Avalon Consulting Group•Annapolis, MD

18h•$70,000 - $75,000•Remote

About The Position

Are you a direct mail production expert who loves turning complex projects into seamless, on-time campaigns? Do you thrive in a fast-paced agency environment where details matter and teamwork drives success? Are you excited about supporting progressive nonprofit organizations that are working to make meaningful changes in the world? Avalon Consulting is a full-service direct marketing fundraising agency, and we are looking for a skilled Production Project Manager to oversee and execute direct mail production for our nonprofit clients. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being the steady hand behind the scenes by ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and excellence at every stage of the production process. We are proud to offer a remote-first work environment, where every staff member is welcomed to work from the comfort of their home office, with occasional travel required for client meetings, industry events, or company gatherings. What you’ll Do with us: Manage direct mail production for 4–7 nonprofit clients, depending on scope and cadence. Oversee the full production lifecycle, from bidding and specifications to final mailshop setup. Execute quality control on mockups, proofs, data counts, personalization, and insertion setups. Develop and manage detailed production schedules using Excel-based formulas tied to mail dates. Draft specs and package grids for client approval and submit final materials to suppliers. Manage the bidding process, evaluate costs, and provide clients with recommendations. Reconcile campaign bids to budgets to ensure financial accuracy and alignment. Collaborate with printers, mailshops, and production partners to communicate specs, timelines, and expectations. Analyze production efficiency and recommend cost-saving strategies, including program pricing and vendor negotiations. Review campaign outlines and mail plans to ensure production elements align with overarching program strategy. Assist with reprojections and budgeting by assessing prior and upcoming production expenses. Serve as a steady, proactive partner to internal teams and clients to ensure projects are delivered error-free, on time, and on budget.

Requirements

At least 3 years of direct mail production management experience (agency experience preferred).
Strong understanding of USPS regulations, postal rates, and supply chain impacts.
Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Expert-level Excel skills, including formulas such as VLOOKUP, WORKDAY, IFERROR, CONCAT, worksheet linking, and budget reconciliation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Meticulous attention to detail while maintaining awareness of broader campaign strategy.
Strong communication skills and confidence in virtual collaboration.
Critical thinking skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote agency environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with project management tools such as Monday.com is a plus.
Our most successful Production Project Managers are collaborative, intellectually curious, calm under pressure, and energized by solving complex logistical challenges. They take ownership of their work, anticipate issues before they arise, and build positive, inclusive relationships with colleagues, vendors, and clients alike.

Responsibilities

Manage direct mail production for 4–7 nonprofit clients, depending on scope and cadence.
Oversee the full production lifecycle, from bidding and specifications to final mailshop setup.
Execute quality control on mockups, proofs, data counts, personalization, and insertion setups.
Develop and manage detailed production schedules using Excel-based formulas tied to mail dates.
Draft specs and package grids for client approval and submit final materials to suppliers.
Manage the bidding process, evaluate costs, and provide clients with recommendations.
Reconcile campaign bids to budgets to ensure financial accuracy and alignment.
Collaborate with printers, mailshops, and production partners to communicate specs, timelines, and expectations.
Analyze production efficiency and recommend cost-saving strategies, including program pricing and vendor negotiations.
Review campaign outlines and mail plans to ensure production elements align with overarching program strategy.
Assist with reprojections and budgeting by assessing prior and upcoming production expenses.
Serve as a steady, proactive partner to internal teams and clients to ensure projects are delivered error-free, on time, and on budget.