Senior Director, Advancement Operations & Insights

Senior Director, Advancement Operations & Insights

Compensation: $135,000–$160,000 yearly, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Position Type/Schedule: Full-time

Work Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, both presently and for the duration of employment with the university.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, the Senior Director, Advancement Operations & Insights leads a business unit encompassing Advancement Data Management, Technology & Strategy; Gift Administration; Prospect Research & Management; Digital Platforms & Technology Solutions; and Data Governance & Project Management.

The Senior Director provides senior leadership for advancement operations, including data management, prospect development, gift administration, CRM administration, reporting, and related business processes. The role advances analytics, operational effectiveness, data governance, and prospect development while partnering with staff to solve complex challenges and execute high-priority projects.

The position combines strategic planning with hands-on analysis, project management, process improvement, technology implementation, and operational problem-solving to support data-informed decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

Establish priorities, goals, and performance measures aligned with divisional objectives and actively execute key initiatives.

Develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.

Coach, mentor, and develop staff; partner in problem-solving, project execution, and continuous improvement.

Develop, document, and implement operational standards, business processes, and best practices.

Advise advancement leadership on complex operational challenges and solutions.

Data Analytics & Insights

Promote effective use of data and reporting to advance fundraising goals.

Lead reporting and analytics for fundraising performance, donor engagement, pipeline development, and operational decisions.

Establish performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting frameworks with advancement leadership.

Analyze trends, opportunities, and risks and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

Work with staff and stakeholders to support decisions using reliable data and measurable outcomes.

Process Innovation & Technology Leadership

Design and implement improvements through automation, technology, workflow redesign, artificial intelligence, and process innovation.

Oversee administration and effective use of advancement technologies and systems.

Coordinate with university technology stakeholders on institutional priorities, security, and technology initiatives.

Apply functional expertise to design scalable, user-centered business solutions.

Participate in requirements gathering, testing, documentation, training, and change management.

Prospect Research & Portfolio Intelligence

Lead prospect research and management functions, including complex prospect strategies and special projects.

Oversee prospect identification, analysis, qualification, and progression through the development cycle.

Implement research, prospect management, portfolio management, and reporting best practices.

Collaborate with fundraising leadership to evaluate portfolios and strengthen pipeline performance.

Provide actionable donor and prospect intelligence for fundraising strategy.

Gift Administration & Data Integrity

Oversee gift administration and charitable contribution processing.

Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, CASE standards, institutional policies, and donor intent.

Resolve complex gift, fund, constituent, and data integrity issues with staff.

Lead data quality, automation, audit, and reporting initiatives to improve record accuracy, reliability, and security.

Coordinate gift documentation, fund establishment, stewardship, and risk mitigation.

Data Governance & Project Management

Oversee advancement data governance, project management, and CRM administration.

Direct selected projects, process improvements, system enhancements, and organizational priorities from planning through implementation.

Support effective CRM utilization through standards, training, user support, and continuous improvement.

Maintain governance practices for data consistency, accountability, system adoption, and effectiveness.

Facilitate cross-functional teams, remove barriers, and implement divisional initiatives.

Other Duties

Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.

Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in advancement operations, prospect development, advancement services, analytics, advancement technology, or a related field, including supervisory responsibility.

Demonstrated success managing projects, operational improvements, and technology-related initiatives.

Experience leading teams and coordinating cross-functional projects.

Demonstrated success using data, analytics, and technology to improve performance and strategic decisions.

Strong knowledge of fundraising operations, constituent data management, CRM platforms, reporting tools, and data governance.

Excellent communication, collaboration, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Competencies

Experience in higher education advancement.

Experience with technology implementations, reporting initiatives, process improvements, or organizational projects.

Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM/NXT and related advancement technologies.

Experience developing reporting, analytics, automation, or AI-enabled solutions.

Supervision & Budget Authority

Leads and develops staff across five advancement operations functional areas; develops and manages project budgets and resource allocation strategies. Specific direct-report count and delegated budget authority.

Physical Qualifications

The position primarily operates in a professional office environment and routinely requires the use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, students, prospective students, vendors, and other stakeholders and perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

Illinois Tech offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and long-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with university contributions and matching for eligible employees; tuition assistance programs; flexible spending and commuter benefits; an employee assistance program; university holidays; and applicable paid and job-protected leave benefits. Eligibility, waiting periods, employee contributions, and coverage levels vary by benefit and position.

Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here: Benefits Summary

EEO Statement

Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.