Executive Director, Advancement Systems and Operations

Are you an innovative and results-driven leader eager to make a lasting impact? Brandeis University—a globally recognized private research institution known for academic excellence and cutting-edge research—invites you to join our Institutional Advancement team as the Executive Director for Advancement Systems and Operations.

Located just outside Boston, Brandeis has a storied history of intellectual curiosity and social justice, deeply rooted in the vision of its founders. Today, we continue to drive change—from pioneering opioid policy research to achieving Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in biology. Under the leadership of the Interim Deputy Vice President for Institutional Advancement (IDVP) the Executive Director (ED), will be a member of the IA Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and provides strategic oversight of systems, reporting, and data integrity efforts across the division.

Your Role:

As the Executive Director you will lead IA’s use of technology systems, Gift Administration, Data Management (Biographic Records & Data Administration), and Prospect Management and Research. Collaborating with senior leadership in IA and ITS, you will develop a business-needs driven technology vision and strategy, and ensures processes and system support the campaign and ongoing advancement work. In this position it will be essential to build and sustain effective relationships with and among colleagues in IA and throughout the University community, particularly Information Technology Systems (ITS).

The hiring range for this position is $145,900 - $169,500.

What you will do:

Data Administration, Gift Administration, Recording and Biographical Records

Through management of staff, leading areas of Gift Administration and Recording and Biographical Records, Reporting and Analysis, Data Administration, and Prospect Management and Research functions.  The ED will also ensure solutions are developed, implemented, leveraged, and aligned with the IA systems vision.

• The Gift Administration and Recording function oversees and executes financial recording, maintenance, accounting and reporting of gift transactions and gift fund data across all areas of Brandeis.
• The Biographic Records and Data Administration function manages the collection, maintenance, data integrity and appropriate use of biographical records related to IA. In collaboration with senior leadership, recommends, sets, and communicates relevant policies, procedures, and governance controls, including the Gift Acceptance Policy.
• The Prospect Management and Research team ensures that portfolios are aligned with business needs and resources while leveraging advanced tools to identify and research University prospects.

IA Technology Strategy & Management

• Collaborate with ITS on information management, systems, and technology projects for IA. Serve as primary facilitator of ITS relationship and partnership as all technology systems and resources are centrally administered.
• Collaborate with senior leadership in IA and ITS to develop an outcome-oriented vision for the optimal use of technology.
• In partnership with ITS, manages direct vendor and consultant relationships related to technology, information management, systems and services acquired by or contracted with IA. This includes participation in the selection and implementation of software, systems, and services, and defining service level agreements and key performance indicators.

Management and Development of Staff

• Manage, mentor, and develop cross-functional staff including Director level managers.
• Set and gain alignment on key performance objectives for functions and staff.
• Motivate, guide, and inspire teams to achieve goals. Create a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

Requirements

B.A./B.S. required. M.A/M.S. preferred.

Work Experience: At least 8 years of fundraising support experience and knowledge of advancement technology solutions and an understating of ITS operations. An understanding of fundraising operations and requirements and higher education experience is required. At least 5-8 years of supervisory experience in large and complex organizations.

Other Skills & Competencies:

• Familiarity with industry guidelines for gift accounting, including applicable IRS regulations, FASB, and CASE standards.
• Understanding of Prospect Management and Research process, policy, and industry standards
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, inspire, mentor, recruit, retain and develop a goal-oriented professional staff.
• Significant experience managing budgets and personnel.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advancement technology solutions and projects aligned with organizational objectives. Demonstrated experience supporting user adoption and managing changes related to technology and CRM implementations.
• Strong proficiency and understanding of fundraising and business processes, reporting, and CRM (Salesforce ideally) platform features, functionality, and best practices.
• Excellent organizational, relationship building and communication skills.