Executive Director of Advancement Operations at InsideHigherEd

Job no: 553778Work type: Management (MPP)Location: San JoséCategories: MPP, At-Will, Fundraising & Alumni Relations, Full Time Job SummaryThe Executive Director of Advancement Operations serves as the university’s senior operations strategist for University Advancement, providing visionary leadership and operational oversight for the systems, data, policies and infrastructure that enable effective fundraising and engagement across the institution. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement Strategy and Campaigns, the Executive Director leads a portfolio of business functions that includes gift processing and advancement information technology. The incumbent must ensure the integrity, accuracy and strategic use of advancement data and oversee policies and governance structures required for philanthropic success.The Executive Director establishes the operational core for comprehensive fundraising and engagement efforts, including the university's multi-year comprehensive campaign. As a strategic and hands-on leader, this position builds, strengthens and modernizes advancement operations, including CRM optimization, robust data governance frameworks, cross-system integrations and efficient and compliant gift processing practices. The Executive Director collaborates extensively across the division and campus to ensure compliance with CSU, State of California, IRS, CASE, FASB, PCI, institutional requirements and evolving industry best practices. This position supervises managers and individual contributors and builds high-performing teams, ensuring a service-oriented culture that empowers fundraisers and elevates alumni and donor experience. Key ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic vision, planning and leadership for all advancement operations departments, ensuring alignment with university goals, fundraising priorities and campaign strategyOversee the gift processing and advancement information technology teams, supervising both managers and individual contributorsDevelop a multi-year roadmap for advancement operations, including CRM optimization, data quality improvements, business intelligence expansion and process innovationServe as a key advisor to the Associate Vice President for Strategy and Campaigns, the Chief Operating Officer for the Tower Foundation of San Jose State University and the Vice President of University Advancement/CEO of the Tower Foundation on operational strategy, prospect pipeline, gift administration, compliance and data governanceCultivate a service-oriented, partnership-driven culture across functional teamsClosely oversee the Gift Processing team to ensure systems, processes and workflows reflect best-practice operational standardsOversee accurate, timely and compliant processing and receipting of all charitable contributions to the Tower FoundationEnsure policies and procedures follow IRS regulations, FASB/GAAP, CASE standards, CSU and auxiliary regulations, PCI compliance and audit requirementsDevelop and maintain the university’s gift acceptance, counting and agreement governance standards and policies in partnership with the Tower Foundation and campus leadershipEnsure comprehensive audit readiness and collaborate on internal and external auditsOversee biographical and demographic data integrity for alumni, donors and prospectsDirect the Advancement IT team responsible for CRM administration, systems integrations, user support, platform optimization and reportingLead advancement-wide data governance standards, including stewardship of constituent data, system permissions, data lifecycle management and data quality frameworksOversee CRM projects, enhancements, maintenance, and user adoption strategiesEnsure integration and interoperability across digital engagement platforms, online giving, websites, event systems, email platforms and campus IT infrastructureImplement reporting and analytics solutions to support fundraisers, leadership, colleges/units and campaign operationsPartner with campus IT and external vendors to manage system security, compliance and upgrades Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesDemonstrated ability to lead complex operational teams within a higher education advancement or nonprofit environmentStrong strategic planning, organizational design and change management skillsAbility to build trust, lead through complexity and influence across an organizationCommitment to service excellence, team development and cross-unit collaborationExpert knowledge of advancement CRMs (e.g., Salesforce, Slate, Blackbaud CRM, Ellucian, Affinaquest or similar) and related platformsAdvanced understanding of systems integration, data governance, database administration and reporting/analytics toolsDemonstrated success leading CRM implementation, optimization or multi-phase system rolloutsStrong understanding of prospect research and management methodologies, portfolio analytics and fundraising intelligenceDeep knowledge of IRS charitable regulations, CASE Reporting Standards, FASB/GAAP principles and gift acceptance/processing best practicesFamiliarity with CSU or public higher education policies and auxiliary organization requirementsKnowledge of PCI compliance, records retention, confidentiality regulations (FERPA) and audit processesExcellent oral and written communication, presentation, and negotiation skillsAbility to work effectively with fundraisers, academic leaders, IT professionals, campus administrators and foundation staffAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment with competing prioritiesAbility to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner. Required QualificationsBachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of experienceFive to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement services, development operations, higher education administration or a related fieldExperience supervising professional staff and building teamsExperience with CRM systems administration, data governance or gift administration in a complex organizational environment Preferred QualificationsMaster’s DegreeExperience working in the California State University system, another large public higher education system or a public university foundation environmentDirect experience with major CRM implementations or multi-phase optimization projectsExperience building or transforming gift processing operations or prospect management frameworksExperience with comprehensive campaign operations, campaign counting standards and campaign reporting systemsExperience working in an auxiliary or foundation partnership model CompensationClassification: Administrator IIIAnticipated Hiring: $14,167 - $15,238/month ($170,004 - $182,856 annually)CSU Salary Range: $6,891/month - $22,119/monthThe final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary. Application ProcedureClick Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:ResumeLetter of InterestAll applicants must apply within the specified application period: December 8, 2025 through December 22, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university. Contact InformationUniversity [email protected] CSU Vaccination PolicyThe CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to [email protected]. Additional InformationSatisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at [email protected] to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at [email protected] Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director. Equal Employment StatementSan José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Advertised: December 08, 2025 (9:00 AM) Pacific Standard TimeApplications close: Open until filledWhatsappFacebookLinkedInEmail App if (typeof SocialShareKit != 'undefined') { SocialShareKit.init({ forceInit: true, reinitialize: true, selector: '.social-share-kit .ssk' }); }