Director of Advancement Information and Analytics

The Advancement Services Department (consisting of Advancement Information and Analytics and Prospect Development) is responsible for the development, accuracy and comprehensiveness of the marketing/fundraising databases and prospect-management tools and systems.

The Director of Advancement Information and Analytics is responsible for overseeing three key "knowledge management" functions in advancement of the organization's fundraising and marketing goals: business requirements development and documentation, business information management and analysis, and fundraising systems support.

S/he monitors the integrity of the information contained in the database and determines how to translate data into usable, actionable information for the formation and execution of fundraising strategies and measures of success.

Advancement Information and Analytics supports membership and annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, institutional giving, principle gifts, and marketing.

S/he manages a team of business requirements consultants and analysts who work directly with business units to define needs and compile data and information to provide statistical models, forecasts, metrics and analyses to enable marketing and fundraising managers to make informed business decisions, and manage donors and prospects from an individual or segment perspective.

In addition, s/he manages a team of fundraising systems specialists with responsibility for data entry, reporting, transaction, and philanthropy business support to field programs as well as a help desk for escalations on reporting, custom queries, and business procedures.

The Director works closely with the Director of Advancement Services - Prospect Development and the Philanthropy department to ensure that the marketing/fundraising databases facilitate a strategic, integrated program of prospect identification, research and donor management in support of major fundraising campaigns. In addition, s/he serves as the primary liaison between Advancement Services and the Conservancy's Finance and Technology and Information Systems divisions.

The Director sets department goals and standards; participates in high-level and interdepartmental projects; manages contractor relationships; and manages a diverse and geographically dispersed team. S/he provides strategic insight and cross-program analyses, and makes recommendations to optimize resources throughout the organization.

The Director develops business processes for anticipating and meeting customers' needs. S/he ensures that all team members have a solid understanding of fundraising and marketing programs, strategies and information systems, and are responsible for the integrity of the database and compliant with sound financial management policies (including FASB) and practices. The Director reports to the Director of Membership and Advancement Services, and supervises a staff of up to 25 individuals, with three direct reports.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

Bachelor's degree and 7+ years related experience in fundraising, direct marketing, finance/accounting, business, or equivalent combination. MBA or related masters degree preferred.
Experience in utilizing standard statistical practices and tools such as SAS, excellent analytical and quantitative skills, including ability to manipulate, analyze, and interpret data and statistical models.
Experience with major fundraising database systems such as Team Approach, Raiser's Edge, SCT Banner, etc.
Experience implementing results of electronic donor screening and segmenting initiatives
Familiarity with relational databases and ability to design reports from databases
Ability to use advanced computer functions.
Knowledge of current trends in fundraising, marketing and economics, including benchmarking and metrics.
Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
Superior oral and written communication skills.
Track record of achievement in leading a department or division
Ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a diverse, geographically dispersed, multi-disciplinary team.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

Design and direct complex and diversified projects, encompassing multiple programs and coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside the organization. Incorporate cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
Diagnose complex problems and identify creative solutions including cultivating the ideas of others to find creative solutions.
Ability to make thoughtful decisions, appropriately weighing investments relative to outcomes/impacts, to identify priorities in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Act as a resource to others to solve problems.
Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

Act independently within broad program goals. Work checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than by directives of superiors.
Make decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
Decisions may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT -FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:

Supervise a staff of twenty five or more analysts and information managers, including responsibility for recruitment, performance management, training, and career development.
Serve as a team leader for assigned projects and coordinate the work of others.
Ensure that decision-makers are aware of the risks and limitations of data, information, and analyses provided.
Gain cooperation from and collaborate with individuals or groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish program goals.
Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

Work and communicate with a wide range of people - executive and senior management, program directors, public and private sector colleagues, vendors, and partners including financial/legal advisors - to develop and deliver products and services to achieve strategic program goals. Work in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role.
Ability to interpret customers' requests, understand what they need and why, and design and deliver effective products tailored for each target audience.
Ability to present analyses and information to small and large groups and speak succinctly about interpretation and recommendations.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Work is performed in a typical office setting.
Willingness to work long hours as required.
Work effectively with demanding constituents.