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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
