Assistant Director of Advancement Operations

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Advancement Operations and Analytics

LOCATION : 1025 Administrative Building, Appleton, WI

Primary Objective

The Assistant Director of Advancement Operations plays a pivotal role in advancing Lawrence University’s mission and fundraising initiatives. This position combines strategic thinking with operational execution to drive data-informed decision-making. In collaboration with the Executive Director of Advancement Operations and Analytics, the Assistant Director plans and leads projects that leverage information resources to support the work of the Advancement division.

As a key member of the Advancement Operations team, this individual contributes to a range of administrative functions, including gift processing, constituent record management, and reporting, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in all tasks. The Assistant Director also collaborates closely with staff across Advancement, Communications, Technology Services, and other university departments to ensure seamless integration of operations.

Duties

• Respond to data requests from staff within Advancement or other university offices utilizing database and information processing tools to provide accurate donor and constituent data. Primary tools used: Banner (database); Argos (reports); Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint), and other applications.
• Support fundraising goals through collaboration with advancement staff on fundraising strategies and segmentation for a multi-channeled approach that includes direct mail, email, phone, social media, and peer outreach.
• Manage periodic tasks such as daily gift receipt/acknowledgment process and running, saving, and distributing weekly fundraising progress reports.
• Monitor and improve the integrity of Advancement data through audits and updates of constituent bio-demographic records. Develop proactive strategies to improve the integrity of the data in the Advancement Office.
• Write and maintain documentation on business procedures and data tools under the direction of Advancement Operations management.
• Serve as team leader for duplicate ID resolution, resolve duplicate records, and proactively prevent their creation.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those who contact Advancement Operations.
• Serve as backup for gift processing and records specialists and be proficient in all aspects of gift processing and data entry.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Handle other information-related projects as requested.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (minimum of three years in a data-processing work environment).
• An appreciation for fundraising within the context of a private liberal arts college environment.
• Three or more years of experience in data management with a solid understanding of data processing methodologies.
• Highly resourceful problem-solver who can manage a complex workload and prioritize tasks in deadline-driven and goal-oriented environment.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures for processing; recognize when procedures or records need updating with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality; and work independently.
• Ability to recognize missing details needed for requests and takes initiative in seeking answers to eliminate or mitigate potential problems.
• Strong working knowledge of computer skills to include internet navigation, email usage, and word processing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel skills such as data manipulation, formulas, and pivot tables.
• Experience with Banner or similar database systems and reporting tools.
• Team player with strong communication and customer service skills.