Director, Data Services

Director, Data Services Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Five (5) years of full‑time experience in data governance, data management, information systems, data analysis, data science and/or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with relational databases and data management systems.
• Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Experience working with complex datasets, reporting, and data interpretation.
• Experience developing and enforcing data standards, policies, and procedures.
• Prior supervisory and/or team leadership experience.

• Master's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Data Science, Information Systems, Analytics, or a related field.
• Experience in a university, nonprofit and/or large hospital setting.
• Experience working with fundraising systems such as Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce Ascend or similar CRM platforms.
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks, data privacy regulations, and records retention best practices.
• Experience managing data security roles, access controls, and compliance processes.

• Lead and support the full data services environment for Advancement, including data governance, records management, data quality, system integrations, and CRM security administration.
• Establish and maintain data governance frameworks, oversee records management practices, and ensure data quality, consistency, and compliance across all Advancement systems.
• Direct oversight of data policies, system integrity, access controls, and secure operation of all CRM platforms used by University Advancement and the Stony Brook Foundation.
• Partner closely with Advancement leadership and the Stony Brook Foundation to align data governance, data services, and records management practices with organizational goals.
• Ensure data is accurate, accessible, secure, and strategically leveraged to support effective decision‑making, operational excellence, and long‑term institutional growth.

• Leadership
  • Provide strategic leadership for the Data Services function, overseeing Data Governance, Records Management, and enterprise data operations.
  • Set a clear vision for data collection, management, and leveraging across the organization, and cultivate a high‑performing team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Develop organization‑wide data strategies, establish best practices, and implement scalable processes that ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance.
  • Serve as the primary authority on data standards, system usage, and governance expectations, guiding stakeholders across Advancement in the effective and responsible use of data.
• Oversee strategic management of Advancement data systems, including CRM platforms (e.g., Ascend), email engagement systems, and related databases; evaluate performance, identify gaps, and recommend enhancements.
• Data Governance & Project Management
  • Partner with leadership to define strategic initiatives, data governance priorities, and success criteria.
  • Oversee execution of initiatives related to data governance, records management, and system optimization.
  • Projects include:
    Data Governance Frameworks, Records Management, Data Quality & Process Improvement, Compliance and Security.
  • Ensure data handling practices comply with relevant regulations and University policies; oversee administrative and security oversight for all Advancement CRM systems.
• Relationship Management
  • Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering trust, collaboration, and open communication to support performance and growth initiatives.
  • Build relationships with key University partners such as Institutional Research, IT, and compliance teams to align practices across the institution.
• Growth/Development
  • Participate in leadership development programs, professional organizations, and industry learning opportunities to stay current on trends.
• Other duties as assigned.

• The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation; employment is subject to its policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines, and availability of…