Senior Director of Data Systems

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic management, optimization, and daily operations of the Foundation's donor database (Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT) and integrated systems.
• Ensure the system effectively supports all fundraising, communication, and administrative functions.
• Work collaboratively with all Foundation departments to understand their data needs, provide customized support, and ensure data is leveraged effectively to meet organizational goals.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of two direct reports: the Director of Reporting & Analytics and the Gift Processing Specialist. Foster a culture of excellence, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the Director of Reporting & Analytics, ensuring the timely and accurate provision of all data outputs, including complex queries, data downloads, reports, dashboards, and insightful data-driven recommendations.
• Oversee Gift Processing & Data Input, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all incoming gifts, pledges, and other financial transactions. Ensure prompt creation and updating of donor records, accurate sending of acknowledgments/receipts, and meticulous organization of related files.
• Create and enforce comprehensive policies and procedures for all aspects of data entry, gift processing, data security, privacy, and reporting, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and internal controls.
• Develop and implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure the highest level of data integrity, accuracy, and consistency across all records and systems, including data hygiene projects and regular audits.
• Identify opportunities for system enhancements and integrations to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Lead information system projects, including but not limited to system conversions, implementation of hardware and software, software upgrades, system backups, importing data, and global changes. Plan and deliver training programs for Foundation staff.
• Manage relationships with external database vendors, consultants, and service providers to ensure optimal system performance and support.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, continuously researching and evaluating new technologies, database functionalities, and best practices in data management, analytics, and fundraising operations to ensure the Foundation's systems remain cutting-edge.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in database management, with 3 or more years in a leadership role.
• Extensive expertise with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or similar comprehensive fundraising CRM, including database administration, querying, reporting, and data imports/exports).
• Proven experience in ensuring data integrity, developing data governance policies, and implementing quality control measures.
• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising staff responsible for data entry, gift processing, and/or reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical staff and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, troubleshoot, and implement effective solutions.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to data quality and integrity.
• Proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and NXT, and Microsoft Suite, especially MS Access and Excel.
• Understanding of basic accounting principles related to gift processing/reconciliation.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to data privacy and confidentiality.