Associate Vice President of CRM Systems & Enterprise Applications

About the role

The Associate Vice President of CRM Systems and Enterprise Applications reports to the Vice President of Finance & Administration and provides strategic oversight of UTFI's Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) platform (currently Salesforce), enterprise business applications, data integration, analytics, and technology solutions that support advancement operations across the University of Tennessee System. As a key member of the Central Services leadership team, the role partners with executive leadership, advancement officers, campus stakeholders, and IT leaders to develop and execute a long‑term technology strategy that advances fundraising, alumni engagement, stewardship, prospect management, finance, and overall organizational operations. The position provides executive leadership for enterprise applications, CRM governance, digital initiatives, application architecture, data integration, user adoption, vendor partnerships, and technology innovation while leading multiple teams responsible for delivering scalable, secure, and customer‑focused CRM technology solutions across UTFI.

Responsibilities

• Executive Technology Strategy & Governance: Develops the strategic vision, multi‑year roadmap, and governance framework for UTFI's CRM platform and enterprise applications. Partners with the CFO and executive leadership to align technology priorities with strategic planning and fundraising goals. Serves as executive sponsor for major initiatives and advises leadership on emerging technologies such as AI, automation, analytics, and cybersecurity. Establishes decision rights and investment priorities based on organizational impact and return on investment.
• CRM, Enterprise Applications & Data Oversight: Provides executive oversight of Salesforce and related advancement technology, ensuring it supports fundraising, donor engagement, stewardship, alumni relations, and prospect development. Governs enhancements, releases, integrations, security, and user adoption across the application portfolio. Establishes enterprise data governance policies that promote data quality, security, and compliance with university and regulatory requirements. Leads modernization, lifecycle management, and standardization efforts that improve operational efficiency and user experience.
• Team Leadership & Organizational Alignment: Directs managers, directors, analysts, administrators, and developers, including the Principal Leads for Salesforce Platform, User Enablement, and Integrated Application Systems, and the Senior Director of Project Management. Aligns priorities, resources, and accountability across platform, enablement, application, and project management teams to deliver consistent, scalable solutions. Drives workforce development, succession planning, and a culture of collaboration, innovation, and exceptional service. Implements clear cross‑functional operating practices that unite the CRM technology organization.
• Financial Stewardship, Vendor Management & Stakeholder Partnership: Develops and manages CRM and enterprise application budgets in partnership with the CFO, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. Evaluates technology investments, negotiates software licensing, contracts, and consulting agreements, and monitors performance metrics, service levels, and ROI. Advis