Director of Advancement Services, University Relations

University of Portland • Portland, OR

44d

About The Position

The Director of Advancement Services for University Relations is an integral leader at University of Portland and is responsible for directing, developing, and leading strategic initiatives and operational functions for Advancement Services. The Director will manage donor stewardship, gift processing, data analytics, and the constituent relationship management (CRM) system. The Director serves as the key liaison with University Finance and University Relations while providing supervision of Advancement Services staff dedicated to data integrity and donor relations. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Services and will collaborate closely with to implement policies and procedures related to gift acceptance, scholarships, naming rights, and bequest intentions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five years or more of related professional experience in Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, and/or Sales; inclusive of managing professional staff.
• Demonstrated advanced experience with constituent relations software (e.g., Raiser's Edge) or similar CRM.
• Valid Driver's License
• Knowledge of fundraising, marketing & communications, alumni relations, and database management as they apply to higher education.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences including but not limited to interpersonal settings, large group settings, in writing and through social media.
• Ability to research, analyze and make data-informed decisions that result in implementation of strategic plans.
• Strong orientation towards taking initiative and ownership of projects by being proactive with assignments and process improvements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to give presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set priorities.
• Strong organization and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective coaching, mentoring and management skills.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively, accomplish organizational goals, communicate clearly, and act proactively.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and manage confidential information.
• Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
• Professional demeanor and ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes. Ability to work effectively with various constituencies including the general public, faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, and other members of the University community.
• Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and constituent relations software (e.g. Raiser's Edge).

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in higher education, business, or related field.
• Or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee departmental policies and procedures related to donation processing, data entry standards, and ensure compliance with IRS, CASE, and all other regulatory guidelines, working in alignment with University Relations leadership to meet strategic initiatives.
• Oversee daily operations of gift processing and donor data management, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain and enhance the CRM database, ensuring data integrity and fundraising initiatives are met through effective data analytics.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of prospect research and management systems to optimize fundraising strategies.
• Assist in the creation and compliance of endowment agreements, gift agreements, and memorandums of understanding.
• Coordinate data extraction and list compilation for appeals, campaigns, mailings, and events.
• Provide training and support to University Relations staff on CRM usage and data protocols.
• Supervise assigned Advancement Services staff and oversee Student Employee management to enhance team development and operational efficiency. Supervisory responsibilities include hiring processes, setting of expectations, training and professional development, performance management and evaluations, and disciplinary processes including up to termination of employment.
• Manage the execution of stewardship communications, including but not limited to donor acknowledgement, reports, and appreciation programs.
• Support in the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events, including but not limited to logistics, collateral production, and donor engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with University Relations officers to implement tailored stewardship plans for individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Assists in managing stewardship activities related to university giving societies and naming opportunities.
• Participate in strategic planning, departmental meetings, and cross-functional collaboration within University Relations.
• Provide administrative support for Board of Regents meetings and other institutional initiatives as needed.
• Regularly attend events and off-site meetings as a key service representative for University Relations and the University of Portland.
• Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, sick time and vacation time consistent with University policies, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account benefits, tuition remission benefits generally starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, retirement contributions generally starting after 2 years of employment, and eligibility for the University's home purchase assistance program consistent with program requirements. (Benefits are subject to all relevant University policies, practices, contracts, and any other relevant materials.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees