Director, Advancement Operations

ArtCenter College of Design

1d•$85,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ArtCenter College of Design is searching for an experienced Director, Advancement Operations to join our team. The salary range for this position is $85,000.00 - $90,000.00, with the final salary based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity. ArtCenter, founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, is a global leader in art and design education with a rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong industry ties, and a commitment to socially responsible design. It is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College, including upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment. Reporting to the senior vice president of Advancement (SVP), the Director, Operations serves as a strategic leader and operational architect for the Advancement division. The incumbent is responsible for building and optimizing the systems, processes, and infrastructure that enable high-impact fundraising, alumni and industry engagement, and corporate partnerships. This position will also serve as the Advancement project manager and will ensure organizational alignment and establish scalable frameworks for growth in accordance with the College’s project management methodology.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university
At least 5 years of experience in operations, project management, or related leadership roles, including budgeting, project management, and guiding performance effectiveness
Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows and cross-functional initiatives
Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to prepare professional written materials; ability to express ideas clearly and concisely; demonstrated ability to present information to individuals or groups
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse and collegial Advancement team as well as with faculty, staff, students and donors
Ability to work occasional weekends and evening hours and to staff events
Demonstrated experience in cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment into workplace practices within ArtCenter’s diverse communities of faculty, staff, students and visitors
Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion and recognize the confidential nature of ArtCenter business
Ability to enforce and implement policies and procedures

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations
Experience supporting corporate partnerships or sponsored projects

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for Advancement operations, aligning systems, processes, and workflows with institutional priorities
Design, implement, and continuously improve operational infrastructure to support fundraising, partnerships, and engagement initiatives
Serve as the division’s primary project manager to guide planning, execution, and delivery of key initiatives
Develop and maintain documentation, timelines, and reporting mechanisms to ensure operational clarity and accountability
Follow and enforce all College policies and work with Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management (EHS) in EEE to maintain a safe and secure working and learning environment for students, faculty and staff
Oversee planning, execution, and compliance for corporate-sponsored projects and initiatives
Provide consistent leadership and clear direction to staff: oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, learning and professional development, and fair and equitable compensation grid placement of departments staff; oversee performance effectiveness, ensure consistent use of all applicable policies and procedures; counsel, discipline and makes recommendations in terminations
Ensure consistency in execution, risk management, and partner experience across all projects
Partner with Finance, Legal, Sponsored Projects, and campus stakeholders to ensure alignment, compliance, and fiscal oversight
Support development and oversight of the Advancement division budget
Monitor expenditures and resource allocation to ensure efficiency and alignment with priorities
Identify opportunities for process efficiencies and cost optimization
Serve as a liaison across campus to ensure Advancement initiatives are coordinated, transparent, and effectively executed
Facilitate collaboration among internal teams and external partners to support program success
Promote best practices in project management, communication, and operational excellence
Maintain memberships and active involvement in applicable professional organizations
Serve on educational or college-wide committees, work groups, task forces and/or councils
Other duties as assigned