Job Description:Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Senior Director is a key member of the Advancement leadership team, providing strategic direction and operational oversight for advancement services, including database management, gift processing, prospect research, reporting, analytics, financial reconciliation, and compliance. This position plays a critical role in supporting fundraising success, alumni engagement, and philanthropic growth.
The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with expertise in advancement operations, finance and accounting, data management, technology systems, and team development within a higher education or a similarly complex organization.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Administration- Provide strategic leadership for Advancement Operations and serve as a key advisor to the Vice President on technology, data strategy, and process improvement in support of fundraising, alumni engagement, and institutional priorities.
- Manage the Office of Advancement budget and support Foundation financial administration in partnership with the Director of Finance.
- Lead operational planning, resource allocation, vendor relationships, and departmental initiatives while representing advancement operations in institutional planning, committees, and leadership discussions.
Advancement Systems, Data & Analytics- Oversee the stewardship of the Advancement CRM and related technology platforms, ensuring data integrity, security, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
- Lead data governance, reporting, analytics, and technology enhancements to support fundraising strategy, campaign performance, and executive decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with applicable data privacy, regulatory, and SUNY requirements.
Gift Administration & Financial Oversight- Direct all gift processing, stewardship, fund management, and reconciliation activities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and exceptional donor service.
- Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to gift administration, financial reporting, and advancement operations.
- Serve as the primary liaison with Finance and Business Affairs on accounting, audits, reporting, budget management, and fiscal compliance.
Prospect Research & Fundraising Support- Lead prospect research, analytics, and prospect management efforts to support major gift fundraising and campaign initiatives.
- Oversee prospect identification, portfolio management, moves management, and fundraising analytics.
- Provide research, briefings, and strategic intelligence to advancement staff and institutional leadership.
Reporting, Compliance & Policy Management- Develop reports, dashboards, and analyses for institutional leaders, the Foundation Board, and external reporting requirements.
- Maintain advancement policies, procedures, and documentation related to data governance, gift acceptance, and operational standards.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, SUNY policies, IRS requirements, CASE standards, and donor stewardship best practices.
Team Leadership- Lead, mentor, and develop the Advancement Services team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development for staff.
Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required for donor events, campaign activities, and college functions.
This title is in Appendix C of the SUNY Policies of the Board of Trustees and, as a consequence, incumbents serving in this title are not eligible for permanent appointment (tenure), but instead receive renewable term appointments.The college particularly welcomes candidates with knowledge, skills and abilities that include:
- Commitment to diversity and university initiatives supportive of diversity and inclusion.
- Interest in participating in student-centered service activities.
- Desire to apply expertise in promoting civic engagement with the College's many community partners.
Requirements:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in advancement services, development operations, fundraising operations, or a similar function within higher education or a similarly complex organization.
- Experience supervising or leading a team in an advancement services or related environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in advancement operations, including donor database management, gift administration, reporting, analytics, data governance, and CRM platforms such as Raiser's Edge, Raiser's Edge NXT, or comparable systems.
- Experience overseeing financial processes, budget management, reconciliations, and fund accounting within higher education or similarly complex organization.
- Knowledge of applicable regulations and standards related to advancement services, donor stewardship, data privacy, and gift administration.
- Strong strategic planning, analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to present effectively and collaborate across departments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Master's degree.
- Experience working in a SUNY or similar public higher education environment.
- Experience with CRM implementations, upgrades, or technology initiatives.
- Experience managing endowments, planned giving, or foundation operations.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and fundraising analytics technologies.
- CPA designation, CPA candidacy, or significant accounting experience in a higher education, nonprofit, or foundation setting.
Additional Information:This is a full-time UUP position.
- For the first 10 working days, beginning Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and ending Monday, July 13, 2026, applications will be limited to UUP Farmingdale.
- CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled
- SALARY: $116,000 + $4,000 in downstate location pay = $120,000 Total Compensation. Salary may increase commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The State University of New York offers excellent fringe benefits including health insurance options and retirement plans.Click here for New York State Benefits SummaryVISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION
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