ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY:

We are a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Advancement, Information Services leads and oversees the development and operationalization of business analysis and information systems solutions to ensure the effective operation of the Advancement and Alumni Engagement Department, including that needed to support effective data management and hygiene, report design, process automation and data analysis. The role advises on and identifies business solutions for a range of advancement services, programs and initiatives essential to achieving SFU’s fundraising and alumni engagement goals and objectives. The position oversees and leads the design, implementation and specification documentation of custom and ad hoc reports, processes and systems to optimize the use of information technology systems to ensure department effectiveness and efficiency. Additionally, the role leads process reviews involving complex tasks and workflow analyses, and oversees the development, implementation, automation and monitoring of processes and related functional specifications. The role serves as a resource and liaison for advancement and enterprise Systems staff across the university at the direction of the Senior Director, Information Services and Data Governance to ensure departmental requirements and priorities are addressed in overall University systems planning and backfill the role of the Senior Director as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees the identification, development, documentation, testing and implementation of department business analysis requirements by:

● Advising on, prioritizing, and overseeing a broad range of department business analysis functions, including custom and ad hoc report design, process automation, systems development and optimization.

● Overseeing and leading the development, testing, implementation, documentation, change management and staff training for new or changed reports, processes and systems.

● Managing the department’s report inventory and ensuring the specifications and functionality for each are documented and remain current and accurate.

● Directing the testing and validation of new and enhanced reports, systems and workflows prior to user acceptance and operationalization.

● Overseeing and leading the development of staff training and development and access to related teaching tools for all business analysis products and services.

● Leading consultation and cross functional collaboration with program leads, project managers and cross functional teams on business analysis solutions.

● Leading the development, updating and streamlining of processes and functional specifications for software upgrades and implementation, with the objective of enhancing information technology systems to optimize departmental effectiveness and efficiency.

● Establishing, maintaining, and fostering collaborative relationships with key business stakeholders to understand their needs, expectations, and strategic objectives.

Leads the strategic development of the department’s business analysis function by:

● Effectively managing, mentoring and developing the department’s business analysis team.

● Remaining current on industry information management and business analysis trends and best practices, including those specific to advancement and alumni engagement.

● Remaining current on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation, and related SFU policies and procedures.

● Leading regular assessment of business analysis products and services, department needs, and industry trends with an eye to continuous quality improvement, sustainability, and ensuring that SFU can continue to meet its annual and long-term fundraising and alumni engagement goals and objectives.

● Overseeing and leading accurate documentation of functional requirements for system development, implementation and configuration; workflows; analysis and templates.

● Providing advice and project management support to the Senior Director, Information Services and Data Governance

● Managing staff permissions to Blackbaud CRM and related training based on established criteria.

RELATIONSHIPS

Establishes and maintains relationships and alliances with peers and contacts with access to information and to key business partners. Maintains effective communication. Shares information and readily determines to whom to go for relevant information. Partners with others to achieve expectations.

Supervisory

Supervises staff by providing guidance and mentorship, ensuring the appropriateness and currency of job responsibilities, initiating recruitment for temporary and continuing staff, hiring staff, providing or directing the provision of training and development, evaluating performance, approving leaves of absence, and responding to grievances.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Computing Science or related discipline and seven years related experience including experience advanced business analysis, working with enterprise level applications in a large, complex and dynamic fundraising environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

● Proficient in fundraising database management systems (i.e., Blackbaud CRM, Salesforce, Raisers Edge, RENXT)

● Proficient in SQL query language and report writing tools – including Tableau and Power BI

● Proficient in the use of data analysis and extraction techniques.

● Proficient in the use of key application diagnostic tools.

● Knowledge about working with Engaging Networks and Vanilla Soft or similar software platforms used to support fundraising activities including online donations and calling centre processes.

● Proficiency in leading and facilitating business process assessments and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

● Good understanding of fundraising principles and the Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy Act regulations.

● Excellent knowledge of best practices in data management strategies, functional analysis, quality assurance, and change management

● Strong leadership, management, and mentorship skills.

● Excellent analytical reasoning, problem solving, time management, organizational skills

● Strong skills to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

● Excellent technical documentation skills.

● Excellent customer service, communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills

● Ability to maintain confidentiality, tact and diplomacy

● Ability to influence change and develop strategic relationships with a range of stakeholders

❖ Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

❖ Simon Fraser University is committed to the principle of Employment Equity.

Simon Fraser University

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