Senior Director, Development Information Services

Rice University•Houston, TX

51d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, Development and Alumni Operations, the Senior Director, Development Information Services provides strategic information services for the Development and Alumni Relations division at Rice University. The Senior Director, Development Information Services leads the Development Information Services team and oversees the campus-wide alumni/development system, OwlConnect (powered by Blackbaud CRM). The Senior Director works closely with users and project teams to develop efficient, effective, and easily accessible data and information solutions in support of Rice's expanding alumni and development programs. The Senior Director also serves as liaison with other university offices relating to appropriate management of data and assures data accuracy and integrity. The Senior Director, Development Information Services supervises the Data Services team, the OwlConnect program team, and a group of systems analysts, and has overall responsibility for data operations, alumni records management, gift processing, database management, reporting, and integrations with third party systems. The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative leader and strategic thinker with a demonstrated track record of information systems project and team management and who is adept at leading and motivating staff to achieve goals that result in team and organizational success. This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Five or more (5+) years of progressively responsible experience related to information systems and computer information databases
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Experience supervising, training, and leading staff in systems and data management at a large or complex organization
Knowledge of computer system capabilities, business processes, and workflow
Proven technical and project management skills and abilities to manage complex information systems in a multi-user environment
Current knowledge of rapidly changing computer technology
Extensive experience with enterprise applications and understanding of database driven applications
Ability to design and document complex business systems
Proven problem solving and analytical thinking and ability to approach problems logically and systematically
Strong understanding of the software development life cycle
Skill in conducting interviews and facilitating group meetings
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to bridge functional and technical resources by communicating effectively with individuals of varying systems expertise and business needs
Strong listening, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and integrity
Ability to manage a large number of project activities simultaneously

Nice To Haves

Six or more (6+) years of related professional experience
Previous development information services experience or advancement services experience in an educational/nonprofit setting
MBA or Master's degree
Academic emphasis in business, finance, accounting, statistics, management information systems, computer science, or another discipline requiring the study of information management
Experience with alumni/development databases
Experience with Blackbaud CRM
Demonstrated success in managing projects from conception through completion
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification

Responsibilities

Responsible for all aspects of the alumni/development database system (OwlConnect, powered by Blackbaud CRM), including implementation of standards to optimize the use of its features to support fundraising, donor relations, and alumni relations goals
Collaborate with Development and Alumni Relations program officers and campus business partners to identify information needs and develop efficient, effective, and easily accessible solutions to those needs
Manage the process of new data initiatives from conception through implementation, identified as a result of industry best practices, internal studies, management requests, or maintenance needs.
Manage relationships with vendors providing online services and tools for Development and Alumni Relations staff, Rice alumni and donors
Supervise, manage, and coach a team responsible for data operations, alumni records, gift processing, database management and reporting, and data initiatives
Perform all other duties as assigned.