Job No. 155834
- Job Title:
- Director of Advancement Operations
- Employer:
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Eastern Mennonite University
- Location:
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Harrisonburg , VA
- Posting Date:
- 09-Jul-2025
- Description:
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Job Summary:
The Director of Advancement Operations and Stewardship is responsible for advancing the fundraising, donor stewardship, alumni and community engagement, and communications goals of the university by providing strategic oversight and operational leadership to the Advancement Operations team. This includes managing essential administrative support, such as database management, reporting, and integrity; prospect research; gift processing; donor stewardship; and operational efficiency. In addition, the Director serves as the university’s donor-generated scholarship specialist, managing both endowed and immediate impact scholarships processes, including the coordination of approval for new scholarships; maintaining adherence to donor intention and criteria; reporting and stewardship initiatives; and conducting periodic audits as needed.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and management oversight for all operational functions within the Advancement Division, ensuring alignment with EMU's mission and fundraising, alumni and community engagement, and communications goals.
Oversee the integrity and functionality of the Advancement database (Jenzabar J1), ensuring accurate donor records, gift processing, and reporting capabilities.
Identify and mitigate risks related to data security, gift processing, and donor confidentiality, and compliance with credit card protocols.
Provide training and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities in fundraising operations and database management (JAM and CASE).
Assist with managing the Advancement budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
Manage the continuous stewardship tracking and donor communications for all donor- funded endowed and immediate impact scholarships – including liaison with the Financial Aid office, Business Office, Admissions, Academic programs, and others to ensure accurate and timely reporting of EMU student aid and its impact.
Develop and implement best practices for endowment management, including compliance with donor restrictions and investment stewardship, conducting periodic audits as needed.
Prepare regular reports on endowment performance, impact, and compliance for internal and external stakeholders.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to streamline operations and enhance fundraising efficiency.
Manage gift processing procedures and ensure timely acknowledgment of donations.
Implement donor recognition and stewardship programs that foster long-term relationships with supporters – including the annual Legacy Scholarship Luncheon to connect donors and students.
Complete Advancement Division Action Plan for inclusion in wider university assessments (PACE), tracking individual key performance indicators and progress toward team goals.
Staff the Forward Together Campaign Steering Committee and board liaison for Trustee Committee (nominations).
Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and university policies, including periodic review of IRS guidelines, tax law changes, and structural updates to planned gift vehicles including Individual Retirement Account thresholds and Donor Advised Fund strategies. Note: the director does not need to be a planned giving expert, but should ensure the Advancement policies and procedures are in compliance and that the team is up-to-date.
Lead new employee recruitment process, including scheduling and conducting interviews, assisting in making hiring decisions, and managing the onboarding and orientation of new hires to ensure a seamless transition onto the Advancement team.
Steward vendor partnerships, including renewal of contracts with Crescendo, GiveSmart, Jenzabar, Wealth Engine, NexusLexus, and other prospect research vendors.
Serve on the Advancement Leadership Team.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Impeccable character, trustworthy
Passion for EMU’s mission and programsSupervisory management skills
Expertise in programming and event planning
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to perform with initiative and confidence in public relations as well as interpersonal and group settings
Uses cultural competency to establish rapport with a wide variety of stakeholders including students, faculty/staff, administration, and community partners
Observe and enforce professional standards including the maintenance of strict confidentiality
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with all constituencies of a diverse community
Proficiency in computer applications and student information systems, specifically Google Suite, Jenzabar 1, and Maxient (where applicable).
Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deal effectively with a variety of situations and constituents
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple duties simultaneously
Ability to develop a hospitable environment with a community of diverse students and staff
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required and a minimum of five years of professional experience in an office setting, with strong business operations, project management, and computer skills. Supervision, computer database, and experience working in a non-profit and/or philanthropic setting desired.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Employees must frequently sit and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally travel to meetings and conferences off campus, which may include some overnight travel.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Data Analytics Coordinator & Prospect Research Analyst
Gift Receipting Coordinator
Advancement Coordinator (50% time)
Prospect Researcher (contracted)
- Contact information:
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Harrisonburg, VA 22802
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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