Director, Development Operations

About the role

The Director, Development Operations is responsible for JALC’s fundraising infrastructure and oversees its fundraising-related operations. This position serves as a key strategic partner to senior Development leadership, helping to design and implement operational systems, workflows, and business practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner to senior Development leadership to design and implement operational systems, workflows, and business practices, including oversight of the organization’s CRM (Tessitura).
• Manage Development’s revenue and expense budget, including the preparation of multiple annual forecasts and reforecasts in collaboration with Finance to support ongoing decision-making.
• Manage and develop the Assistant Director, Research & Strategy and the Development Operations Associate by setting priorities, providing coaching, and ensuring high performance across research, data, and gift processing functions.
• Oversee the functionality and continuous improvement of the CRM data governance policies, maintaining data integrity, leading staff training and adoption of best practices, and serving as the primary Development liaison with Finance and Technology on Tessitura.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of gifts and pledges, serving as the primary Development liaison for crediting-related matters.
• Partner with Finance on reconciliation, audit readiness, and compliance related to Development revenue.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and enhance Development operations and implement scalable, efficient processes that improve team effectiveness and support organizational growth, including building infrastructure to support future large-scale fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee prospect research and tracking to ensure a strong and data-informed pipeline of donors, supporting strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and a minimum of five years working experience in non-profit Development operations and/or Finance systems.
• Demonstrates leadership and discretion.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• SQL experience required.
• Proficiency with fundraising software required, Tessitura preferred.
• Experience in Microsoft Office with advanced knowledge of Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize, manage numerous projects, and work independently.
• Problem-solver and strategic thinker with the ability to organize, streamline and implement processes and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across the organization and adapt well to a fast-paced work environment.
• Understanding of and experience with general financial accounting principles and aspects of gift processing and receipting according to IRS guidelines.
• Ability to interface with Board of Directors and all levels of staff.
• Highly developed understanding of database operations and expertise in queries, importing/exporting and reporting functions.