Associate Director, Advancement Information Services

Bucknell University • Post, TX

6d • $88,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Advancement Information Systems is a strategic, detail-oriented, and technically fluent leader who provides operational and technical oversight for the Advancement Information Systems (AIS) team within University Advancement, including direct supervision of AIS Analysts. This role oversees the advancement CRM platform, integration ecosystem, and related technology functions, driving innovation while ensuring system stability, scalability, and reliable service delivery. The Associate Director helps execute a sustainable technology roadmap by modernizing integrations, reducing manual processes, and strengthening data integrity and platform performance. Translates complex technical concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non-technical stakeholders and drive alignment between technology capabilities and Advancement needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of advanced experience in information systems, technology services or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and manage technical team.
• Demonstrated ability to drive and manage relational databases and technologies such as CRM systems or fundraising and engagement tools.
• Proven ability to lead system development and integration projects, including gathering user requirements, system design, testing, implementation, and documentation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate between technical and non-technical stakeholders and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to support change initiatives, sustain motivation, and foster adoption of new tools and processes in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to data-informed decision-making, innovation, and continuous improvement in support of organizational goals.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including the ability to empower, build initiative, and sustain the motivation of a strong staff and to lead by example with internal and external constituencies
• Ability to effectively prioritize deadlines and proficiently manage multiple tasks
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical reasoning, with the capability to address issues in a logical and systematic manner.
• Sufficient technical fluency to evaluate solution design, guide development decisions, and provide hands-on support when needed, including working knowledge of relational databases and SQL, data integration concepts, reporting tools, and web-based technologies

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Blackbaud CRM and a wide variety of advancement software, with the ability to train and support users in the most effective use of those tools
• Experience with nonprofit fundraising and/or other University Advancement functions
• Familiarity with emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive modeling, workflow automation) and their practical applications in an advancement or higher education context
• Experience with IT service management or work intake tools such as TeamDynamix, Jira, or similar platforms
• Experience supporting or participating in a technology governance or advisory structure
• Experience working with relational databases and advanced SQL programming, including complex query design and optimization
• Experience designing, implementing, and optimizing complex ETL processes for data integration, ensuring high-quality and scalable data workflows.

Responsibilities

• Leads and directs daily operations of the AIS team, translating Advancement priorities into executable work plans through innovation, prioritization, resource allocation, and delivery management.
• Develops and communicates a current technology roadmap including timelines, dependencies, and tradeoffs.
• Champions agile, iterative delivery practices and establishes structured processes for work intake, backlog management, and release planning to support predictable delivery and service performance.
• Integrates emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to streamline workflows, improve service delivery, and enhance team productivity.
• Provides technical leadership for system development supporting Advancement business processes.
• Guide solution design for CRM customizations and reporting enhancements by evaluating feasibility, scalability and long-term sustainability.
• Acts as the primary decision-maker for configuration and development direction, escalating complex technical matters as appropriate.
• Leads the implementation and management of integrations between the advancement CRM and core campus systems, as well as key UA auxiliary platforms.
• Evaluates the existing landscape for fragility, redundancy, and manual dependency and develop a prioritized roadmap to modernize and rationalize system architecture.
• Supports the design, implementation, and ongoing evolution of the Advancement data warehouse, including data pipelines, transformation processes, and system integration patterns that enable scalable reporting and analytics.
• Drives automation and AI-enabled data processes that reduce manual intervention, improve data flow, and enhance reporting accuracy and speed.
• Serves as a partner to Advancement stakeholders by translating system capabilities, constraints, and tradeoffs into clear, actionable guidance and recommendations.
• Sets expectations around priorities, timelines, and iterative delivery.
• Supports stakeholders in interpreting system outputs and identifying opportunities to improve usability, adoption, and decision-making.
• Leads and inspires the team to achieve success.
• Mentors, manages and leads direct reports.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
• An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
• Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves.
• Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children.
• Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
• A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
• A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level