Advancement Operations Manager

The Advancement Operations Manager is a full-time position that plays a central role in supporting the fundraising and donor engagement efforts of the Advancement Office by implementing annual fundraising strategies and managing the constituent database. Supporting the Annual Fund, the team’s multi-channel appeals, donor outreach, volunteer coordination, and fundraising events. This role is key to maintaining a strong stewardship program by managing timely acknowledgments and personalized donor communications.

In addition to ensuring annual fundraising goals are met, this position maintains the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of constituent data, oversees gift processing, and develops comprehensive systems for tracking and reporting on donor activity, pledges, and giving history. As a member of the Advancement team, the manager participates in school-wide activities and cross-departmental collaborations, playing a vital role in advancing the school’s mission through effective fundraising operations.

System Proficiency:
Own management of Raiser’s Edge database, including data entry, cleanup, system updates, gift processing, and advanced use of queries, exports, reporting, and constituent record management. Collaborate with the finance office to reconcile donor records with the general ledger.

Tracking & Strategy:
Ensure accurate tracking of multi-year giving histories, pledges, and donor engagement to support long-term cultivation and stewardship strategies.

Policies & Best Practices:
Develop, implement, and maintain database policies and procedures; assess and improve database utilization and reporting systems; establish and share best practices in data and fundraising software management.

Strategy & Execution:
Implement and assess Near North Fund strategy, including constituent participation and revenue goals, annual appeal calendars, management of multi-channel solicitations, and fundraising events.

Campaigns:
Participate in the planning, execution, and analysis of direct mail and online giving campaigns—managing mailing lists and metrics to grow donor participation and revenue.

Data Delivery:
Generate standard and custom reports, queries, dashboards, and mailing lists for development efforts.

Performance Analysis:
Assist with regular revenue reporting and campaign performance analysis for internal stakeholders, including the Advancement Office, Finance Team, Board, and other Senior Leadership.

Collaboration:

Partner with the Director of Institutional Advancement and Director of Donor and Alumni Relations to identify, research, and track prospects for annual, major, and campaign giving.

Trend Analysis:
Manage donor profiles and analyze giving trends to inform solicitation strategies.

Communications:
Manage timely and personalized gift acknowledgments, donor communications, and stewardship strategies.

Alignment:
Coordinate with colleagues to ensure alignment of messaging and recognition programs, in addition to maintaining records in support of audits and other school processes.

Onsite Support:
Provide onsite support and data management for fundraising events.

Follow-up:
Contribute to planning, execution, and follow-up efforts such as data entry and customized gift receipt creation.

Data & Tools:
Deep commitment to accuracy and database integrity. Proficiency in CRM systems required (Blackbaud/Raiser's Edge a plus). Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required; proficiency in (or willingness to quickly learn) Canva and Constant Contact.

Communication & Relationships:
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; proven track record of success in event planning, donor cultivation, and professional relationship management.

Execution:
Detail-oriented, organized, and outcome-driven problem solver with the ability to manage confidential information, multitask, meet competing deadlines, and work autonomously.

Collaborati…