Overview

Director of Advancement Operations Jobs in Dobbs Ferry, NY at Mercy University

Title: Director of Advancement Operations

Company: Mercy University

Location: Dobbs Ferry, NY

Position Overview

The Office of Advancement at Mercy University invites applications for a forward-thinking, strategic, and experienced leader to serve as the Director of Advancement Operations. This critical position plays a pivotal role in driving the efficiency, innovation, and impact of our advancement initiatives, supporting fundraising, alumni engagement, and stewardship efforts that empower the mission of Mercy University. We recognize that a robust advancement operation is essential for fulfilling our mission and supporting our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The Director of Advancement Operations is responsible for providing strategic vision and day-to-day oversight of all advancement services, including gift processing, database management, prospect research, reporting and analytics, and operational policy development. The successful candidate will embrace data-driven decision-making, foster collaborative relationships, and model the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement operations strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and best practices
  • Supervise, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of professionals across gift processing, data management, prospect research, reporting and analytics
  • Serve as a critical collaborative partner to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and other members of the Advancement team
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation within the Advancement Operations team and across the division

Data Management & Analytics

  • Oversee the integrity, security, and optimization of the advancement database and ensure best practices in data governance
  • Lead the development and implementation of reporting and analytics tools to support fundraising, stewardship, and engagement programs
  • Create standardized reports for Board of Trustees meetings and for University leadership
  • Use data-driven insights to identify trends, measure performance, and inform strategy for fundraising and engagement efforts

Gift Processing & Stewardship

  • Direct and ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of all gift processing, acknowledgment, and receipting functions
  • Collaborate with finance and legal teams to align gift acceptance policies and procedures with organizational standards and IRS regulations
  • Design and maintain systems to ensure donors receive timely and meaningful stewardship communications and recognition

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

  • Oversee prospect research practices, ensuring the identification, qualification, and tracking of potential major donors and prospects
  • Collaborate closely with fundraising teams to build and maintain robust pipelines for annual, major, and planned gifts

Policy Development & Compliance

  • Establish, document, and update policies and procedures to promote ethical, compliant, and transparent advancement operations
  • Ensure the organization adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in fundraising and data management

Collaboration & Communication

  • Serve as a key liaison to IT, Finance, Legal, and other departments, facilitating seamless integration of advancement operations across the institution
  • Provide training and support to advancement staff on operational systems, tools, and policies
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, translating complex operational concepts into actionable recommendations

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • At least 7 years of progressive responsibility in advancement, nonprofit, or higher education operations, with at least 3 in a supervisory or management capacity
  • Demonstrated expertise in data management, prospect research, gift processing, and reporting within advancement or fundraising environments
  • Proven leadership skills, with experience building, mentoring, and motivating high-performing teams
  • Exceptional analytical, organizational, and project management abilities
  • Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills
  • Proficiency with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems such as Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar platforms

Desired Attributes

  • Visionary thinker with a strategic mindset and a passion for operational excellence
  • Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive cross-functional initiatives
  • Flexible and adaptable, with a demonstrated ability to lead through change and ambiguity
  • Unwavering commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct
  • Strong customer service orientation and a genuine interest in advancing the mission of Mercy University

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