Job No. 155726
- Job Title:
- Director of Advancement Services
- Employer:
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Murray State University
- Location:
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Murray , KY
- Posting Date:
- 24-Jun-2025
- Description:
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About Murray State
Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.
About Murray State Benefits
Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Murray State is committed to attracting, developing and maintaining a high-quality faculty, staff, and student body. Murray State is an equal education and employment opportunities, Vets/Disabled employer.
Type of Employment Regular Full-Time
If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week
Work Location Murray, KY
Employment Term 12 Months
Position Type Staff - Exempt (Monthly)
Department Office of Development
Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities
Reports to the Executive Director of Advancement providing strategic leadership and management for the operational and technical functions of the University Advancement division. This role is responsible for overseeing the systems, processes, and data management that support the University’s fundraising, alumni relations, and engagement activities.
Strategic Leadership and Management
Lead the Advancement Services team in the development and execution of strategies to enhance operational efficiency within the Advancement division, including annual giving, major and corporate giving, and alumni engagement.
Oversee and optimize the use of fundraising and alumni relationship management systems to ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility.
Collaborate with University leadership to support fundraising campaigns, alumni engagement initiatives, and donor stewardship efforts.
Data Cultivation, Management and Analysis
Ensure the accurate collection, maintenance, and analysis of donor, alumni, and prospect data, ensuring compliance with all applicable privacy regulations.
Develop and implement reporting processes that provide insight in to fundraising progress, campaign effectiveness, and donor trends.
Create and manage detailed reports and dashboards for senior leadership, key stakeholders, and development and alumni relations staff to guide decision-making.
Systems and Technology Management
Oversee the management and optimization of the University’s advancement technology systems, including the customer relationship management (CRM) system and the email and online giving communications system.
Collaborate with University Information Systems to implement and maintain data integration between various systems within the Advancement Office and other University departments.
Ensure all systems are fully utilized and support the goals of the Advancement division.
Gift Processing and Stewardship
Supervise the gift processing functions, ensuring timely and accurate recording, acknowledgment, and reporting of all charitable donations.
Work closely with the Development and Alumni Relations teams to ensure effective donor stewardship and accurate tracking of gifts, pledges, and campaign goals.
Collaborate with WKMS and Racer Athletics and/or any other areas assigned to ensure effective donor stewardship and accurate tracking of gifts, pledges, and campaign goals.
Team Leadership and Staff Development
Manage and mentor a team of Advancement Services professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment.
Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for staff to stay current with best practices in the field of advancement services.
Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies related to fundraising, data management, and donor privacy.
Continuously assess and mitigate risks related to data management, security, and donor relations.
Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with other departments such as IT, Branding, Marketing & Communications, MSU Foundations, Inc. and others to ensure alignment of goals and seamless integration of services
Serve as the primary point of contact for Advancement Services inquiries, providing guidance and support to other departments and stakeholders.
Minimum Education Requirements
Bachelors Degree required.
Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements
Three years of experience in advancement services or a similar role
Expertise in donor databases, CRM systems, and other relevant software (e.g., Blackbud, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Anthology).
Proven ability to manage and analyze large datasets, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of best practice in fundraising, data management, and donor stewardship.
Ability to work collaboratively and strategically in a complex, fast-paced environment.
- Contact information:
- Murray State University
- Murray, KY 42071
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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