The director of development operations will work closely with the development leadership team to strategize and ensure that metrics, priorities, and goals are progressing. Focusing on both strategic and day-to-day priorities, this position will act as liaison for the chief development officer with both internal and external stakeholders. This position will be trusted with a wide range of matters of considerable foundation, university, and donor importance and will develop confidential recommendations that consider divergent demands and views.
Based on qualifications and experience, a selected candidate may hold one of these job titles: Senior Director of Development Operations or Executive Director of Development Operations
Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Act as project manager to ensure major initiatives remain on track and short- and long-term goals are achieved. Regularly monitor, direct, and report on results to ensure timely progress, transparency, and accountability.
- Serve as a member of the development leadership team (DLT) and regularly collaborate and communicate with team members on operational-related topics/issues. Provide leadership for the DLT meeting in the absence of the chief development officer.
- Draw on relationships with other development unit leads to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.
- Work closely with the chief development officer and executive assistant to identify meetings to attend on behalf of the chief development officer. Synthesize notes and facilitate completion of action items.
- Measure and report on key performance metrics of the development team. Lead the development of dashboards and reports, working closely with foundation colleagues.
- Support the chief development officer in creating presentation materials and talking points for a variety of meetings and engagements. Maintain post-meeting debriefs and communicate action items to relevant stakeholders.
- Manage the development team budget, ensuring accuracy and reporting regularly on status.
Qualifications
Education & Work Experience
- Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
- 7+ years of professional experience related to employment area.
- Experience in project management required.
- Fundraising experience is strongly preferred.
Desired Skills & Experience
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated written and oral communication and leadership skills, including influencing others and managing conflicts.
- Ability to collect and analyze data and information, draw conclusions, and produce reports and recommendations.
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of internal colleagues, university constituents, and donors.
- Ability to work autonomously, requiring little guidance and direction.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Ascend on Salesforce preferred).
- Confidentiality required.
- Knowledge of university system and/or non-profits preferred.
- Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University’s land grant ideals.
Travel: None
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Ames, IA; potentially hybrid
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