Director, Development Operations

Director, Development Operations

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt

Location: Remote; Must reside and be authorized to work in the United States of America

About PolicyLink

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute working to build a future where all people in the United States of America can participate in a flourishing multiracial democracy, prosper in an equitable economy, and live in thriving communities of opportunity. PolicyLink advocates for groundbreaking policy and practice changes using a results framework focused on creating a nation that works for all. Visit https://www.policylink.org to learn more about us.

Position Overview

PolicyLink is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Development Operations to help lead and strengthen our fundraising efforts, enabling us to expand our impact and achieve our long-term goals. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Director of Development Operations will play a key role in overseeing and optimizing the systems, processes, and infrastructure that support the development department s fundraising efforts. This includes managing donor databases, streamlining donor communications, tracking fundraising performance, and ensuring the efficient flow of information across all development functions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit development operations, data management, and project coordination, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams to ensure that the organization s fundraising goals are met effectively and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Development Operations Management:

• Lead the strategy and execution of all development operations, ensuring smooth, efficient processes to support fundraising activities, donor stewardship, and reporting.

• Oversee the donor database, ensuring accurate and timely entry of donor information, pledges, and gifts.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for data management, gift processing, and reporting to ensure compliance with industry standards and organizational needs.

• Provide operational support for the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns, events, and special initiatives.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of all donor and fundraising activity.

• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track fundraising progress against goals, identify trends, and provide insights for decision-making.

• Regularly audit and clean donor data to ensure its accuracy and integrity.

• Work closely with the finance team to reconcile donations and ensure that all donor information is aligned with financial records.

Systems Optimization:

• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and software to enhance development operations and increase efficiency.

• Serve as the primary liaison with vendors and consultants for development software, donor databases, and other tools.

• Train and support the development team in the use of fundraising and CRM software, ensuring all staff are proficient in data entry, donor management, and reporting.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Work closely with the communications, finance, and program teams to ensure alignment between development operations and organizational priorities.

• Collaborate with the development and program teams to enhance donor stewardship strategies and ensure donors receive timely and accurate acknowledgments and communications.

• Assist the development team in preparing materials for major donor meetings, reports, and presentations.

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of short- and long-term plans to continually improve development operations and efficiency.

• Support the CDO in setting fundraising goals and strategies that align with the organization s overall mission and vision.

• Provide leadership and guidance to junior development staff, ensuring a cohesive and high-functioning development team.

Desired Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze large sets of data to inform decision-making.

• Proven project management skills, with a track record of managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Familiarity with compliance and regulatory standards in nonprofit fundraising.

• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and grant management.

• Ability to think strategically, solve problems, and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.

• Collaborative and adaptable, able to work effectively with a range of internal stakeholders.

• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and accuracy.

• Self-starter with a proactive mindset and a solutions-oriented approach.

• Passion for public policy and social impact. Strong alignment with PolicyLink s mission.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree required.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit development operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role.

• Strong experience with donor databases, CRM systems, and fundraising software. Experience with Salesforce strongly preferred.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position.

Compensation and Benefits

PolicyLink offers competitive salaries commensurate with the experience and skills of our employees. The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $160,000.

Additionally, PolicyLink provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100%-employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans.

• 401(k) with employer and employer-matching contributions that vest immediately. New employees are eligible to participate within one month of their date of hire.

• Flexible Spending Account.

• Short- and long-term disability insurance.

• Group term life insurance plus guaranteed-issue voluntary life insurance.

• Unlimited vacation and sick leave and other generous leave benefits.

• Three required organization reset weeks plus 13 paid holidays.

To Apply

We accept online applications only. Please note that the application includes two written prompts that are required. Candidates should provide thoughtful and complete responses to the prompts; incomplete answers will not be considered.

No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work toward a more inclusive world and as such we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.

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