Job Description:
Please Read*
For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern, President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at kmcgovern@kmrsearch.com or (860) 404-2526.
The Director of Advancement Reporting & Data Analytics is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of all reports and analytics that enable data-driven decision-making within the University Advancement Division. This position serves as the division's lead expert in utilizing data from our Raiser's Edge CRM, its daily backup file, and external reporting tools (e.g., Tableau) with an emphasis on giving and financial reports, constituent engagement metrics, prospect research, and fundraising program analysis.
The Director will work across teams within the division to expand capabilities of existing reporting functionality within the CRM, identify unique program-specific reporting needs, and regularly collaborate with University Information & Technology Services partners to leverage data within other University systems.
This position will also be heavily involved in maintaining the division's awareness and readiness for Blackbaud's transition from the Raiser's Edge Database View to the NXT "Unified View" environment which is expected to occur over the next 12-18 months, by helping to assess, test, and adapt reporting and analytics practices associated with this transition.
Key Responsibilities:
Reporting and Data Development
- Design, build, and maintain a comprehensive suite of reports and dashboards to support fundraising, prospect engagement, and prospect research and management.
- Develop, test, and validate complex queries, data extracts, and transformations using Raiser's Edge, Raiser's Edge NXT, and other integrated data sources.
- Employ advanced data manipulation techniques (joins, calculated fields, and data blending) to create efficient and accurate reporting outputs.
- Translate business requirements from Advancement leadership and program Directors into scalable, user-friendly reporting solutions.
- Maintain documentation and version control for all reports, dashboards, and data models.
Analytics and Strategic Insight
- Develop and maintain Tableau dashboards to visualize trends, Key Performance Indicators, and campaign progress reports in intuitive and interactive formats.
- Conduct in-depth data analysis to uncover insights related to donor and prospect behavior, solicitation outcomes, and program performance.
- Partner with divisional leadership to define success metrics, benchmarks, and evaluation frameworks for fundraising and engagement strategies.
- Provide actionable insights and recommendations that inform strategic planning and decision-making.
Transition and Data Modernization Support
- Stay informed and actively engaged in Blackbaud's transition from Database View to the Unified NXT environment, understanding implications for data structures, integrations, and reporting.
- Support the adaptation of reports and dashboards to align with Unified View data architecture, its anticipated incorporation of Artificial Intelligence capabilities, and new APIs that connect to other software vendors used within the Advancement Division.
- Collaborate with Advancement Services leadership and University Information & Technology Services to prepare and execute migration strategies ensuring continuity of reporting and analytics capabilities.
Collaboration and Data Stewardship
- Partner with Advancement Technology & Information Services, Advancement Financial Services, Prospects Research & Management, and fundraising program teams to ensure consistent data definitions and reporting standards.
- Promote best practices in data governance, data visualization development, and data interpretation to enhance overall data literacy within the division.
- Serve as an internal consultant for staff seeking to better understand or utilize Advancement data.
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in data analytics, information systems, business intelligence, or related concentration.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working with Raiser's Edge and/or Raiser's Edge NXT in a reporting, analytics, or data services role.
- Proficiency in Tableau, including building interactive dashboards, data blending, calculated fields, and advanced visualization techniques.
- Demonstrated experience with advanced data manipulation and transformation, including the use of:
- Query and export tools within Raiser's Edge.
- SQL or equivalent query languages for relational data analysis.
- Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, and Power Query) and data reporting tools (Tableau) familiarity.
- Strong understanding of data architecture, normalization, and data integrity principles.
- Familiarity with Blackbaud's evolving product roadmap, especially the transition to NXT Unified View, and the implications for reporting and analytics.
- Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy and consistency.
Preferred
- Knowledge of fundraising metrics, campaign tracking, and donor lifecycle analytics.
- Experience in data governance, automation, or predictive modeling.
- Familiarity with additional Blackbaud or other data integration tools.
Reporting Structure:
Reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Advancement Strategic Operations.
Collaborates with Advancement Technology & Information Services, Advancement Financial Services, Prospect Research & Management, Stewardship & Constituent Relations, Alumni Relations & Annual Giving, Principal & Majors Gifts Team, University Information & Technology Services, and Data Governance Teams.
Key Competencies:
- Fundraising and philanthropy data literacy
- Advanced data modeling and transformation
- Data visualization and dashboard design
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Accuracy, documentation, and process management
- Change readiness and adaptability (especially regarding technology transitions)
- Effective communication and collaboration
Please Read*
For consideration, please contact our search partner, Ken McGovern, President of KMR Executive Search LLC, at kmcgovern@kmrsearch.com or (860) 404-2526.
Category:
Advancement - Admin
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
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