Director, Advancement Systems, Strategy & Analytics (Relocation Assistance Available!)

Whitehead Institute•Cambridge, MA

1d•$120,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Serve as the Institute’s source of truth for advancement data, systems, reporting, and operational discipline, including managing direct reports. Ensure fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and board accountability are grounded in accurate data, consistent processes, and actionable insights. Lead advancement operations, including prospect research, analytics, digital platforms, and board/volunteer operations, enabling effective portfolio management, credible forecasting, and scalable philanthropy. In partnership with the Vice President for External Relations contribute to the development of integrated, institution-wide advancement strategies. Strategy development is collaborative across Advancement; help shape and lead implementation of systems, analytics, and operational priorities aligned with institutional goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of relevant experience within complex nonprofit, academic, research, or healthcare organizations.
Demonstrated success leading advancement systems, analytics, and prospect development functions.
Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Experience partnering with fundraising leadership to inform strategy, forecasting, and performance management.
Demonstrated ability to drive discipline, structure, and clarity in complex environments.
Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence decision-making across teams.
High degree of integrity, judgment, and discretion.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting campaign readiness or large-scale fundraising initiatives.
Familiarity with digital engagement platforms (email marketing, CMS, analytics tools).
Knowledge of advancement best practices in research or academic settings.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all advancement systems, including CRM/database governance, gift processing and records, and reporting standards and data definitions.
Establish and enforce policies for data integrity, portfolio hygiene, and system compliance.
Partner with Finance and other administrative units to ensure accurate, timely reporting and reconciliation.
Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting for key metrics including, Total Fundraising Progress (TFP), Total Philanthropic Support (TPS), portfolio performance, donor movement, and top-50 donor strategy tracking.
Provide regular, actionable insights to advancement leadership and senior management.
Support revenue forecasting and scenario modeling for planning and campaign readiness.
Lead prospect research and revenue intelligence functions, including identification, qualification, prioritization, and portfolio assignment standards.
Ensure donor portfolios are accurate, actionable, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Partner with Advancement leadership to support disciplined portfolio management and performance evaluation.
Oversee governance and performance of advancement-related digital platforms, including CMS, email marketing systems, segmentation, and targeting.
Oversee digital analytics and ensure effective segmentation, deployment, and performance tracking.
Ensure digital platforms support donor strategy, board engagement, and institutional priorities.
Provide strategic leadership to advancement operations staff, including oversight of direct reports, with a focus on data integrity, systems optimization, and operational excellence.
Lead and develop team members in advancement systems, reporting, analytics, and process management to support effective fundraising execution.
Establish and drive adoption of best practices for data governance, reporting standards, and workflow efficiency across the Advancement function.
Oversee performance management, including goal-setting, evaluations, and continuous feedback, to build a high-performing and accountable operations team.
Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture that prioritizes accuracy, scalability, and service to fundraising and institutional leadership.
Perform other duties, as assigned.