Manager of Operations & Prospect Research

Adams State University • Alamosa, CO

1d

About The Position

The manager of operations and prospect research oversees the university’s prospect research efforts as well as the primary functions of the Foundation office. Duties include but are not limited to management of the Foundation/Alumni database, gift entry, and prospect research. This position works closely with Development and University-wide units including academic units, athletics, registrar, and institutional research. Directed work with external audiences may include alumni, parents, donors, friends, faculty and staff. Specific Job Duties (Essential Functions and Responsibilities) Operations Management: Oversee daily operational functions of the advancement/development office, including database management, gift processing workflows, and donor stewardship programs to ensure efficient and effective fundraising operations. Coordinate cross-departmental initiatives between advancement, alumni relations, and university communications to streamline donor engagement processes and maximize institutional fundraising capacity. Responsible for data entry of all gifts managed by the Adams State University Foundation which includes: determining which fund each gift should be receipted to and entering of gift in the software database, preparing receipt/letter to donors and preparation of bank deposit. Bank deposit must be balanced against receipts entered. Lead the process to upload and maintain each graduating class information from the university system into the alumni database. Will require coordination with the Office of the Registrar and engagement with the Office of Institutional Research. Responsible for hiring and management of office work study students. Assistant with the coordination of hiring of work study students for Foundation projects that require community and donor interaction including: the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), the McDaniel Internship Program and Lucero Project. Maintain fundraising databases such as Raiser's Edge or similar systems, and manage multiple projects while maintaining confidentiality with sensitive donor information. Prospect Research: Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on potential major gift prospects, including wealth screening, capacity assessments, and relationship mapping to identify and prioritize high-value donor cultivation opportunities. Develop and maintain detailed prospect profiles and briefing materials for senior leadership and development officers, providing strategic insights on donor interests, giving history, and optimal solicitation approaches. Board and Event Support: Assist with the preparation of various alumni and foundation events hosted by the office including but not limited to: Donor & Student Recognition Dinner, Homecoming, and the Alumni Awards Banquet. Events will require periodic evening and weekend work. Assist with preparation of Foundation Board meetings including but not limited to: scheduling rooms, mailing packets, communication with board members on attendance and arranging catering for board luncheons. Position will also be responsible for taking minutes at meetings of the board and/or committees. Attend university, alumni, and foundation events as required, including events that may occur during evenings or weekends. Office and Administrative Support: Supervise work-study student(s). Office duties including but not limited to: office coverage (opening/closing office), answering phones, greeting guests, checking/sorting mail, ordering supplies. Perform other duties as needed to support the department's goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field
• 3+ years of relevant experience of fundraising, data management or related.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to start projects, work collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; able to work professionally and effectively with a wide range of people and personalities.
• Proficiency with email, calendars, Google Workspace (including Google Docs), Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and fundraising systems such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge.
• Detail‑oriented self‑starter with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events or meetings.
• Ability to treat others with respect and professionalism and use appropriate conflict‑resolution skills when needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education or a nonprofit setting; direct experience with fundraising, volunteer management, or familiarity with Adams State University is highly valued.
• Strong analytical skills
• Manage and evaluate multiple initiatives that support advancement and fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a donor‑focused and team‑oriented environment, engaging respectfully with diverse groups such as students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operational functions of the advancement/development office, including database management, gift processing workflows, and donor stewardship programs to ensure efficient and effective fundraising operations.
• Coordinate cross-departmental initiatives between advancement, alumni relations, and university communications to streamline donor engagement processes and maximize institutional fundraising capacity.
• Responsible for data entry of all gifts managed by the Adams State University Foundation which includes: determining which fund each gift should be receipted to and entering of gift in the software database, preparing receipt/letter to donors and preparation of bank deposit. Bank deposit must be balanced against receipts entered.
• Lead the process to upload and maintain each graduating class information from the university system into the alumni database.
• Responsible for hiring and management of office work study students.
• Assistant with the coordination of hiring of work study students for Foundation projects that require community and donor interaction including: the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), the McDaniel Internship Program and Lucero Project.
• Maintain fundraising databases such as Raiser's Edge or similar systems, and manage multiple projects while maintaining confidentiality with sensitive donor information.
• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on potential major gift prospects, including wealth screening, capacity assessments, and relationship mapping to identify and prioritize high-value donor cultivation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain detailed prospect profiles and briefing materials for senior leadership and development officers, providing strategic insights on donor interests, giving history, and optimal solicitation approaches.
• Assist with the preparation of various alumni and foundation events hosted by the office including but not limited to: Donor & Student Recognition Dinner, Homecoming, and the Alumni Awards Banquet.
• Assist with preparation of Foundation Board meetings including but not limited to: scheduling rooms, mailing packets, communication with board members on attendance and arranging catering for board luncheons.
• Position will also be responsible for taking minutes at meetings of the board and/or committees.
• Attend university, alumni, and foundation events as required, including events that may occur during evenings or weekends.
• Supervise work-study student(s).
• Office duties including but not limited to: office coverage (opening/closing office), answering phones, greeting guests, checking/sorting mail, ordering supplies.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the department's goals.

Benefits

• Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level