Director, Advancement Services
About The Position
Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director, Advancement Services manages the Advancement Services team and workflows for gift processing, the Institutional Advancement CRM, and related systems. The Director oversees the development and execution of reporting structures that support Institutional Advancement, ensures accuracy and compliance in gift accounting, and manages training, information, and policies related to information management, gift accounting, and confidentiality. The role oversees Raiser's Edge workflows and data integrity, serves as the primary technical liaison with Blackbaud, and manages the design and maintenance of systems that supplement the CRM. The Director supervises Gifts & Data Coordinators, oversees gift processing and tax receipts, manages complex donations and commitments, and coordinates reconciliations and audit documentation with Finance. The position also leads reporting, data hygiene, database audits, and data-related collaboration with campus departments and partners.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- At least 8 years of professional experience in fundraising or development, specifically in database management, data analysis, and/or information systems or services.
- Experience managing direct reports.
- Experience and skill with relational fundraising databases, including query and report writing.
- Collaborative approach to management and teamwork.
- Ability to cultivate a customer-service approach and demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills in resolving situations professionally and calmly.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to interact with diverse individuals in person, by phone, by email, and in written correspondence.
- Knowledge and proficiency in development operations best practices.
- Sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive material.
- Detail-oriented, self-starting approach with strong time-management, critical-thinking, organizational, and analytical skills, and ability to prioritize and execute tasks amid changing priorities, demands, and timelines.
- Ability to lift and move light objects and occasionally move materials.
Nice To Haves
- Strongly preferred experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.
Responsibilities
- Manage Raiser's Edge workflows to ensure accurate, consistent database entry and adherence to protocols; develop, maintain, and document procedures.
- Serve as the primary technical liaison with Blackbaud, monitor its knowledge base, stay current on technical issues and software updates, and follow industry practices and trends.
- Design, maintain, and implement systems, processes, and procedures that supplement the CRM, including PeopleGrove, Emma, Give Campus, Almabase, and Workday.
- Manage Gifts & Data Coordinators responsible for gift processing and biographical updates, oversee timely tax receipts, establish gift entry procedures and coding standards, and process complex donations, commitments, and write-offs.
- Reconcile monthly and annual closeouts with Finance and provide documentation for financial audits.
- Liaise with Information Technology, Media & Arts Ventures, Research & Creative Scholarship, Athletics, and Finance to ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of private gifts and private and public grant awards.
- Collaborate with campus department leadership and program directors on Institutional Advancement data, including biographical, gift, and engagement information.
- Oversee standard and customized database reports, scheduled and ad hoc performance reports, tracking tools and procedures for lists and requests, data management and improvement projects, and user-friendly reports and dashboards.
- Oversee weekly distribution of gift reports to Advancement and campus partners, including Deans, WERS, ArtsEmerson, EPI, and Athletics.
- Engage frontline fundraisers in conversations about data to support continued donor engagement.
- Enforce data-entry controls, conduct regular data hygiene and continual audits, and provide staff training and corrective training or review.
- Represent Institutional Advancement on Emerson data and technology task forces.
- Communicate organizational information through department and one-on-one meetings, email, and regular interpersonal communication.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses.
- Dental plans.
- Generous time-off programs.
- 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible.
- Life and disability coverage.
- Commuter offerings.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
