Director of Advancement Operations

Job title: Director of Advancement Operations

Reports to: Senior Vice President for Advancement

Department: Advancement

Status: Full-time; Permanent; Exempt

The Director of Advancement Operations (DAO) is one of four directors helping to lead a nimble advancement team at the Curtis Institute of Music. This role is primarily responsible for fundraising systems and data, including a Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge database. The DAO is also a critical link between advancement, finance, marketing, and technology at Curtis. In addition to fundraising systems, the DAO manages gift administration and prospect research workflows. The ideal candidate is comfortable with both execution and strategy. The DAO will supervise a full-time development associate as well as a part-time database administrator.

  • Ready to Apply?

    For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu.

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To Apply

For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu

Curtis offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE. URL: https://www.curtis.edu

More Details and Qualifications

  • Essential Functions

    Key Areas of Responsibility: 

    Fundraising Systems and Data

    • Work with senior members of the advancement team and technology services to design, implement and update data policies, best practices, and procedures that meet the school’s fundraising and business needs. This work also includes responsibility for data privacy standards.
    • Manage and maintain Curtis’ database of record, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, including data structure and hygiene, data integrations, reporting, opportunity tracking, list generation, and key performance indicators (approx. 70,000 records).
      • Design training for advancement staff and non-advancement staff that builds a foundational skill set for using the database.
    • Collaborate and strategize with the annual giving team on direct response campaigns.
    • Collaborate with IT to research and implement shared data services such as Omatic, Tableau, MailChimp, iWave, and ThankView.
    • Coordinate with the communications and marketing teams to execute data pulls for regular and electronic mailings, and manage donor recognition listings for print and online publications.
    • Maintain accurate records for donor-named opportunities such as endowed chairs, facilities, and music commissions.
    • Other duties as assigned.

    Gift Administration and Prospect Research

    • Manage the gift administration workflow, including processing gifts, maintaining and reconciling database entries, and generating timely and accurate gift receipts.
    • Build and implement gift reporting processes to aid ongoing reconciliation with finance.
    • Collaborate with senior advancement leaders to produce and maintain prospect research reports.
    • Other duties as assigned.
  • Preferred Experience and Qualifications

    Curtis welcomes applications from people with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, who are eager to work hard, learn, and contribute.

    Education/Experience: 

    • 3-5 years of experience as an operations lead, database administrator, or similar role. Preference given for experience in a nonprofit fundraising organization.
    • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
      • Management experience preferred but not required.
    • Knowledge and skill working with databases. Preference given for experience using SQL and Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Required Core Values

    The ideal candidate must exhibit:

    • A positive, “can-do” attitude.
    • Devotion and dedication to Curtis, its students, alumni, and parents.
    • Passion for their work, and contribution to the field of classical music and greater good.
    • Commitment and accountability for their work, and their ability to effect change.
    • Desire and willingness to collaborate, think creatively, and make data-driven decisions.
    • Respect, courtesy, and patience for colleagues, other staff, faculty, patrons, core constituents, and volunteers.
    • An eagerness to make Curtis a more diverse and inclusive institution.
  • Working Conditions and Physical Demands
    • Exertional requirements are consistent with routine office environment.
    • This is an onsite position in Philadelphia, PA.
    • Hybrid work schedule is available with three days on campus and two days remote. Some nights and weekends required for performances and fundraising events.
    • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire.
    • The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and obtain PA Act 153 clearances.
  • Compensation and Benefits
    • Gross annual salary for this position is $95,000 – 105,000, commensurate with experience.
    • The Curtis Institute of Music offers a number of perks for full-time staff including free meals on campus during the academic year, a wellness stipend, and mass transit support with employer-sponsored, all-access SEPTA Key Advantage program enrollment.
    • This position is benefits eligible. Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including health, dental, and vision insurance, basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, supplemental insurance options, and paid parental leave.
    • 401k plan participation begins after 1 year of eligible service consistent with the plan requirements.
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