Executive Director, Advancement Data Analytics

About the role

The Opportunity Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director, Advancement Data Analytics. This position provides leadership for the advancement data strategy, data quality, analytics, governance, and information management functions within Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Data Analytics
  Lead the advancement data quality, analytics, strategy, and governance functions in support of fundraising, alumni engagement, and campaign goals.
  Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership by providing insights related to fundraising performance, donor engagement, campaign progress, forecasting, and operational effectiveness.
  Develop and implement a multi-year roadmap for advancement data management and analytics aligned with university priorities and business objectives.
  Establish performance metrics, benchmarks, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to measure data health, operational effectiveness, and fundraising outcomes.
  Identify opportunities to improve business processes, strengthen decision-making, and increase the division's ability to leverage data strategically.

• Data Quality and Information Management
  Develop and oversee a comprehensive data quality program focused on improving the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and reliability of advancement data.
  Establish standards, procedures, and controls that support continuous improvement and long-term data integrity.
  Oversee master data management processes, including record creation, maintenance, deduplication, cleansing, merging, and data governance activities.
  Manage constituent information updates and ensure accurate maintenance of alumni, donor, corporate, foundation, and other constituent records.
  Develop monitoring tools, scorecards, dashboards, and trend analyses to evaluate and improve data quality performance.

• Data Governance and Strategy
  Lead advancement data governance efforts in collaboration with university stakeholders and enterprise data governance initiatives.
  Establish and maintain standards for data stewardship, access, security, definitions, business rules, and appropriate data usage.
  Ensure data-related requirements are documented, communicated, and incorporated into operational planning and strategic initiatives.
  Collaborate with campus partners to address issues related to data sourcing, integration, storage, reporting, and accessibility.
  Promote shared accountability and stewardship of advancement data across the organization.

• Operational Leadership
  Provide leadership and oversight for advancement records, reporting and analytics, gift processing, and related information management functions.
  Establish service standards, internal controls, quality assurance measures, and reconciliation processes that support operational excellence.
  Lead continuous improvement initiatives designed to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve efficiency and service delivery.
  Manage internal and external data flows, ensuring effective data exchange, processing, validation, and reporting.
  Foster a service-oriented culture that supports frontline fundraisers, alumni engagement professionals, and university partners.

• Collaboration and Partnership
  Partner with advancement leadership, fundraising teams, alumni engagement staff, Information Services, Institutional Reporting, and other stakeholders to advance data-driven decision-making.
  Support the development and implementation of data practices that enhance fundraising strategy, stewardship, campaign reporting, prospect development, and constituent engagement.
  Serve as a trusted resource on advancement data management, governance, reporting, and analytics.
  Build strong cross-functional relationships that promote collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  Ensure advancement data practices balance integrity, usability, compliance, and responsiveness to organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Education
  Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Information Management, or a related field.

• Experience
  Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in advancement services, advancement operations, information management, data quality, data governance, fundraising analytics, or a related field, preferably within higher education, nonprofit, healthcare, or similarly complex organizations.

• Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
  Strong knowledge of advancement services operations, fundraising data management, CASE reporting standards, gift compliance requirements, and advancement data governance principles.
  Ability to develop and implement data governance frameworks, quality standards, and performance metrics that support organizational goals.
  Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to identify trends and develop actionable solutions.
  Ability to translate complex technical and data-related issues into practical business recommendations and operational improvements.
  Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships and work effectively across departments and stakeholder groups.
  Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop teams, manage priorities, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  Sound judgment, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
  Strong commitment to customer service, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.
  Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off
  Up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year.

• Tuition Coverage
  Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.

• Retirement Contributions
  ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.

• Personal Leave
  Relax with 15 days of personal leave for non-exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full-time employees in your first year.