The Director of Advancement Operations is a position within the Advancement Office, reporting directly to the Head of Advancement. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Advancement Operations team to maintain efficiency and coordination across fund administration, stewardship, data integrity and compliance to ensure all operational activity aligns with donor and institutional priorities. 

We seek someone who is committed to and willing to navigate today’s changing and diverse landscape. This individual will help the school promote and nurture diversity, equity, and inclusion. The School encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply, as well as individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the strategic oversight of all the functions of advancement operations and fund management, including advancement data services, prospect research, and stewardship. Supports the Development and Annual Fund teams with actionable research and reporting.
• Responsible for oversight of the Advancement budget in partnership with the Head of Advancement, including forecasting and monitoring. Serves as the primary liaison with Business Services.
• Oversees the CRM/database platform, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, in conjunction with the Director of Advancement Services, ensuring data integrity, system optimization, and staff training.
• Ensures accurate fund documentation, gift agreements, and memoranda of understanding for all restricted gifts. In addition, ensure adherence to IRS regulations, CASE standards and institutional gift acceptance policies.
• Responsibility for oversight of the development and enforcement of gift processing policies and procedures, ensuring timely and accurate acknowledgment of all contributions.
• Develops, reports and provides regular dashboards and analytics to Advancement leadership, Head of School, and Board Committees. Prepares supporting dashboards and analysis for Board Meetings to support Head of Advancement and Head of School.
• Partners with academic and administrative staff to ensure timely and compliant use of philanthropic funds.
•  Partner with the Director of Gift Planning on complex gift instruments such as planned gifts, charitable remainder trusts, and gift annuities.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, finance, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in advancement operations, fund management, or development services in a nonprofit or higher education setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in CRM database management.
• Deep knowledge of gift processing, fund administration, and charitable giving regulations (IRS, UPMIFA).
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•  Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral forms.

Preferred

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge and Blackbaud software preferred.
• Experience with planned giving administration, including charitable remainder trusts and gift annuities.
• Experience in leading and mentoring a team.
•  Familiarity with endowment management and investment performance reporting.
• Experience working with legal counsel on gift agreements and compliance matters.
• Knowledge of CASE reporting standards and best practices.

Salary

$100,000 - $120,000 based on education and experience.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.

Please apply through the school's Career Center website.

About Emma Willard School

Since 1814, Emma Willard School has been one of the nation's leading college preparatory boarding and day schools for young women. At Emma Willard, every possible resource is dedicated to developing in students the values and skills that form the foundation of a life of accomplishment, leadership, and fulfillment. These include a love for the life of the mind, a commitment to service, courage and confidence, grace and creativity, and collaboration and friendship. Known for its rigor, the school promotes intellectual curiosity and disciplined study habits through a challenging curriculum distinguished by a wide array of advanced placement courses and electives. It also promotes active involvement in the life of the campus and off-campus communities through a rich co-curricular program. In all they do, students are both challenged and closely supported by an outstanding faculty and staff. The school's extraordinary physical plant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides a breathtakingly beautiful yet state-of-the-art setting for learning and living. Throughout its history, Emma Willard has been committed to enrolling a diverse student body from across the Ca...pital Region, across the country, and around the world. This commitment is honored by significant expenditures in financial aid to assist families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to provide an extraordinary secondary education for their daughters.

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