Director of Advancement Services

West Point Association of Graduates•West Point, NY

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) is seeking a Director of Advancement Services to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Advancement Services team. This role ensures that infrastructure, data integrity, and systems effectively support frontline fundraising and alumni engagement. The Director guides the team in delivering accurate data and reliable processes for effective fundraising and relationship management. Key responsibilities include establishing departmental priorities, developing staff, managing workloads, and fostering continuous improvement. The Director will ensure that reporting and data insights drive strategy and decision-making for revenue-generating teams. This position oversees CRM strategy, systems integration, data services, gift policy, gift processing, and reporting. Collaboration with IT, Finance, and other departments is crucial for effective integrations, data governance, accurate gift administration, and timely service. A forward-thinking approach to implementing AI and automation to improve organizational efficiency is essential. The role requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with a goal-oriented mindset suited for a competitive yet collegial environment. The incumbent must be able to lead through change, mentor staff, and translate technical information into practical solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit leadership.
Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams.
Interest in leveraging AI, automation, CRM platforms, and data tools to advance fundraising success.
Advanced proficiency in CRM queries, data segmentation, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Goal-oriented and able to thrive in a competitive but collegial environment.
Ability to lead through change, mentor staff, and translate technical information into practical solutions.
Must live within commuting distance of West Point.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Blackbaud CRM, SQL, systems integration, and data governance is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with higher education advancement, alumni relations, and the United States Military Academy is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Advancement Services team.
Ensures infrastructure, data integrity, and systems support frontline fundraising and alumni engagement.
Guides the team in delivering accurate data and reliable processes for effective fundraising and relationship management.
Establishes departmental priorities, develops staff, manages workloads, and fosters accountability and continuous improvement.
Ensures reporting and data insights drive strategy and decision-making for revenue-generating teams.
Oversees CRM strategy, systems integration, data services, gift policy, gift processing, and reporting.
Partners with IT, Finance, and other departments to ensure effective integrations, data governance, accurate gift administration, and timely service.
Implements AI and automation to improve organizational efficiency.