Thanks for your interest in Success Academy! Running the largest, fastest-growing, and highest-performing network of public charter schools in New York City takes a village - families, children, teachers, staff and faculty, advocates and supporters alike. We would love to welcome you to our community! We work tirelessly every day to ensure each child in NYC has access to a fun, rigorous, whole-child education regardless of zip code or economic status. When you join SA, you play a part in giving every student who walks through the doors of one of our 53 schools in NYC a fair shot at reaching his or her potential.

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Donor Engagement & Advancement Services and serving as Lead for the Advancement Services & Operations within the Advancement department, this position helps to advance the mission of Success Academy Charter Schools (SA) by providing leadership and management/oversight of critical Advancement services and operations functions, including but not limited to effective database administration (and related reporting and data analysis); other supportive technologies for the department; portfolio management and reporting (including prospect coordination, opportunities forecasting, and productivity reporting), prospect research and wealth screening; and gift documentation, processing, and receipting; and oversight of other operational and administrative functions and personnel. The position manages at least two Associates and works closely with Advancement leadership to provide the requisite data, reporting, and platform services that support Development and Donor Engagement goals and objectives - all with the goal of significantly increasing philanthropic revenues in support of SA’s ambitious goals for operational, programmatic, and capital purposes.

The position also leads and advises on portfolio optimization across the Development team by building and managing donor pipelines and creating systems that leverage direct response, special events, and mid-level, major, and principal gifts (individual and institutional).In concert with the CAO and Heads, the position is responsible for the continued refinement, implementation, and enforcement of prospect research and portfolio management systems, policies, and procedures.

The Lead, Advancement Services & Operations, is a proactive, confident self-starter that thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that values results. Success in this role will require the following qualities:

• Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and driven to lead and collaborate with others to achieve success.

• Detail-oriented and analytical;

• Strategic, proactive, and forward thinking;

• Persuasive, outgoing, and confident with exceptional communication skills.

• Possesses the highest standards of personal and professional integrity; and

• Adheres to and promotes SA’s mission, culture, and strategic priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Database Administration, Reporting, and Training

• Leads maintenance and administration of fundraising database of 20,000+ constituent records.

• Establishes and enforces data hygiene standards and protocols to guarantee consistent and standardized data entry and output and advises on best practices to support Advancement business needs and optimal utilization of database functionalities.Routinely audits database and adjusts policies when appropriate.

• Produces and/or delegates routine and special reports that enable forecasting, revenue reporting, portfolios, and performance/productivity metrics across the team (e.g., moves management, proposals, etc.).

• Executes or oversees execution of queries and exports from database and generates standardized reports for team to use for data analysis in support fundraising goals, events, communications, stewardship, and other planning and decision-making.

• Collaborates with CAO, as well as Development and Donor Engagement teams to identify and prioritize database (and reporting) enhancements and implements accordingly.

• Develops and annually maintains documentation related to database processes, procedures, and workflows, including onboarding and ongoing training for the Advancement team.

• Serves as primary contact for other software and tools used by Advancement team, including online giving platform, import and reporting tools, matching gifts software, prospect research tools, and wealth screening, including serving as the liaison to vendors and/or consultants. Manages related subscriptions, contracts, and renewals.

• Expands the skills and knowledge of team members regarding optimal use of Raiser’s Edge through training sessions, and workshops to both onboard new team members and keep current staff up-to-date on procedures.

• Liaises with IT and Finance teams as needed to ensure effective inter-departmental collaboration and communication regarding data, gift information, and technology integration.

• Stays up-to-date on trends in fundraising technology to inform database management and improved utilization.

2. Prospect Research and Portfolio Optimization

• Serves as the lead for prospect research and portfolio management efforts for the Development team (individual and institutional); designs and implements short- and long-term strategic plans with Head of Development, as well as systems and processes to optimize prospect research and portfolio management practices that align with fundraising goals.

• With guidance from the CAO and Head of Development, works with teams and one-on-one with primary relationship managers (PRMs) to refine portfolios, develop and document prospect plans (opportunities), and helps to ensure portfolios have the prospects needed to maximize fundraising potential and meet goals. In consultation with CAO and Head, recommends individual and institutional prospects for assignment.

• Regularly collaborates with CAO and Heads on revenue forecasting and produces supporting reports and analysis.

• Works closely with Project Manager, Principal Gifts, and others to contribute to preparation of effective donor briefings for CEO/CAO for meetings, events, and/or solicitations.

• Develops and maintains custom dashboards and data visualizations to track progress against goals, fundraiser performance metrics, and other KPIs.

• Conducts ad hoc analysis to support fundraising campaigns and events.

• Oversees use of prospect research software including iWave and Blackbaud Giving Search and assists team members with effective use and interpretation of data.

• Oversees relationships with prospect research vendor(s) and other vendors/consultants; establishes processes and workflows for managing and prioritizing prospect research queue and subsequent qualification.

• Ensures compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations concerning donor privacy.

• Stays current on industry-wide best practices and trends in research and prospect management.

3. Advancement Services Management & Administration

• Leads and manages a team of at least two Advancement Services associates and provides oversight for timely and accurate gift administration, including recording in database and receipting, including pledges, pledge reporting, reminders/invoicing, and fulfillment; yearly summaries for recurring gift donors; revenue reconciliation with Finance; recording/filing gift agreements; management of Advancement Services-related contracts/subscriptions.

• Manages Advancement Services team towards higher levels of performance, effectiveness, and efficiency in service to goals.

• Oversees associate in preparation of necessary data files to support preparation of gift receipt letters and appropriate acknowledgements.

• Oversees accurate and timely updates to constituent records, with attention to detail and consistent with strong data hygiene practices.

• Works with CAO and Head of Donor Engagement on stewardship reporting and other communications for select donors.

• Works with CAO to produce quarterly philanthropy reports for board meetings.

• Oversees budget for Advancement department in close collaboration with CAO and Heads, as well as liaises with Finance on same.

• Assists the Advancement Team with special projects, especially those related to data and analytics, as well as staffing select Advancement events and other administrative projects/tasks.

• Occasionally serves as back-up for Advancement Services Associates.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education:

• Minimum Required: Bachelor’s Degree

• Preferred: Advanced degree. CFRE or other specialized certification/designation is beneficial.

2. Work Experience:

• Minimum Required: 5-7 years of experience with Advancement Services, including database administration, data management and reporting, specifically experience working with Raiser’s Edge (or similar CRM systems); as well as prospect research and portfolio coordination/optimization. Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred.

3. Specialized Knowledge Needed for Performance of Job:

• Expert knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or similar donor/CRM database applications and reporting tools.

• Knowledge of fundraising processes and terminology; strong grasp of database management principles and best practices

• Understanding of IRS policies of recognizing charitable contributions, including receipting.

4. Skills

• Ability to think strategically and contextually, and to anticipate the needs and expectations of manager and executives.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple, concurrent tasks, exhibit flexibility, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to analyze and present data effectively, make decisions, and align efforts with priorities and opportunities.

• Acts with tact and discretion, respecting confidentiality and proprietary information.

5. Special Skills

• Proficient with RE NXT or similar CRM systems, MSOffice (and/or Google suite), and Internet required.

• Advanced Raiser’s Edge certification preferred

• Knowledge of relevant prospect research and analytical tools beneficial.

6. Other:

• Superb verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Possesses a passion for the mission of SA and engages constituents with same passion.

• Ability to travel locally, occasionally work after hours and on weekends.

Compensation Range

$120,000.00 - $135,000.00

Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

Already an employee of Success Academies? Please go to your Okta Dashboard> Workday> Applications> Career to apply via our Internal Careers page.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We actively seek applications from people of all backgrounds to strengthen our community and the perspectives needed to flourish in a multicultural world. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our philosophy, benefits, and team at https://jobs.successacademies.org/working-here/ .

Success Academy Charter Schools does not offer employment-based immigration sponsorship.

Our dual mission is to: Build exceptional, world-class public schools that prove children from all backgrounds can succeed in college and life; serve as a catalyst and national model for school reform, and help change public policies that prevent children from having access to opportunity.