What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Improvements & Project Management position at AMERICAN ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION?
Job Details
Description
Position Title Director, Improvements and Project Management
Reports to Chief Technology Innovation Officer
Classification Exempt
ABOUT AEF
Make an impact from day one. A career at American Endowment Foundation (AEF) is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a real difference and be part of something bigger. At AEF, we understand the difference between a workplace and a place where you can truly thrive. We offer a flexible, dynamic environment where your contributions matter, and our people-driven culture fosters inclusivity and collaboration at every level. If you’re ready to be part of an organization that champions innovation, integrity, and impact, we want to hear from you.
Headquartered in Hudson, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, AEF is one of the nation’s largest independent donor-advised fund (DAF) sponsors. Not familiar with a DAF? It’s the fastest-growing charitable giving option in the country, enabling individuals to support the causes that matter most to them. AEF is the trusted sponsor that makes it all happen. We proudly serve over 14,000 charitable individuals, nearly 6,000 financial advisors, and 2,500 partnering firms across the financial services industry.
Every day, we go above and beyond to deliver a best-in-class client experience, exceed expectations, and drive positive change. When you join AEF, you’re joining a team committed to making a lasting impact and helping others do the same. Ready to make your mark and be part of something extraordinary? It starts here.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Improvements and Project Management collaborates closely with the Chief Technology Innovation Officer (CTIO) to oversee the design, development, and implementation of AEF improvements and innovations. This role will focus on driving impactful process improvements, managing end-to-end project lifecycles, and ensuring the successful implementation of technology-driven solutions that align with business goals. The Director fosters collaboration across various departments, leading internal programming teams and third-party development partners to enhance operations using platforms like Salesforce. Additionally, the Director will lead the growth and development of the project management team to enable scalable, efficient delivery of solutions that transform innovative ideas into projects that support the organization’s growth and deliver measurable results.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the planning, development and implementation of innovative solutions to improve business processes and meet strategic objectives.
- Oversee and lead the project management team to prioritize, plan, and execute improvement and innovation projects, ensuring clear alignment with business goals.
- Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies and industry trends.
- Evaluate and recommend technology tools to enable and optimize business operations, ensuring solutions meet evolving business needs.
- Maintain awareness of the latest Salesforce features and technologies, ensuring our practice remains at the cutting edge.
- Ensure that software development processes adhere to quality standards, security protocols, and industry best practices.
- Plan and lead the design and development of proof-of-concept prototypes to validate solution designs.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications and user stories, while also collaborating with other technology directors to ensure that innovations complement and improve the current state, maintaining operational stability.
- Oversee internal project teams and third-party development partners, ensuring project delivery on time, within scope, and budget.
- Perform other work as assigned by the Chief Technology Innovation Officer.
Qualifications
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required in Computer Science, Business Administration or related field
- 8 or more years of work-related experience in developing technology solutions, with a strong focus on Salesforce and business process improvements
- 5 or more years of experience in leading internal teams and managing remote resources
- Proven experience in managing third-party development partners, with a track record of delivering successful projects
- Required proficiency in project management tools and practices, along with a proven track record of managing innovation projects and technology implementations
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to innovate and implement technology-driven business solutions
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills