Development Operations Manager

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

University Relations seeks an outstanding candidate for the role of Development Operations Manager. Reporting to an Assistant Vice President or Director within Development, this position provides advanced administrative and strategic support to assigned teams. The Operations Manager supports all development Units, including Annual Giving, Athletic Giving, Individual Giving, Institutional Giving, Philanthropy Services, and Principal Giving. The Development Operations Manager ensures the efficient and effective functioning of departmental operations, which is essential to advancing Santa Clara University’s fundraising goals. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, leadership, adaptability, and confidentiality, as well as the ability to independently manage a wide array of responsibilities with precision and professionalism. The Operations Manager must be able to multitask, meet competing deadlines, and work collaboratively across University departments.

Requirements

• Ability to effectively establish and maintain a healthy, fair and inclusive work environment by promoting diversity, exercising teamwork, and collaboration with diverse groups, donors, volunteer groups, and coworkers.
• Knowledge of development operations and fundraising best practices.
• Familiarity with donor relations and gift planning concepts.
• Proficiency in database and financial management systems (e.g., CLARA, Workday).
• Understanding of Jesuit, Catholic higher education mission and values.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and research skills.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, CRM platforms, and digital tools.
• Ability to manage complex schedules, events, and competing priorities.
• Experience with digital communications and project management platforms.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to independently solve problems, manage projects, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate and build relationships.
• Capacity to adapt, learn new tools, and maintain a positive, service-oriented attitude.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative or project management experience, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and provide comprehensive operational and administrative support to assigned teams.
• Manage complex calendars, schedule meetings, organize logistics for group meetings, coordinate travel, and prepare meeting materials.
• Support budget development, monthly tracking, reconciliation, forecasting, and expense processing in Workday.
• Submit financial transaction adjustment requests (FTARs) and monitor departmental financial activity.
• Facilitate team hiring processes, including job postings, candidate communications, and interview coordination, and onboarding of new employees.
• Develop high-quality documents including reports, briefings, presentations, correspondence, and donor materials.
• Maintain and organize digital and print records.
• Submit and track vendor contracts and invoices; ensure timely submission and payment.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to operational systems and workflows.
• Coordinate cross-team efforts and promote departmental cohesion and collaboration.
• Participate as a member of the Operations Manager’s SOS meetings.
• Assist with donor, prospect, and gift management using CLARA (Blackbaud CRM database), including data entry, contact reports, reminders, gift tracking, and reporting.
• Draft, review, and manage gift agreements, acknowledgments, and stewardship communications.
• Produce donor briefings, customized proposals, and fundraising materials.
• Oversee events and meetings involving donors and prospects.
• Liaise with University partners, including Institutional Research, Finance, General Counsel, and academic departments, to support development efforts.
• Manage logistics of strategic projects for assigned teams.
• Support team programming, such as the Bergin Society recognition event, the Parent and Family Leadership Council, scholarship programs, or matching gift initiatives.
• Utilize University resources to coordinate digital and print communications, event logistics, marketing materials, and donor engagement campaigns.
• Track and report program outcomes, manage databases, and analyze engagement metrics to inform strategic decision-making.
• Serve as a point of contact for internal and external constituents.
• Support onboarding, training, and recognition of new team members.
• Organize and lead team-building and professional development activities.
• Provide direction to student workers or temporary staff, as assigned.
• Serve as a positive and proactive representative of the team and University Relations.
• Recommend and implement changes to improve quality and service.
• Maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maximize productivity through efficient workflow and resource utilization.
• Prepare and submit reports; track project status and deviations from goals.
• Maintain and implement standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Other duties, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree