Director of Operations

ABOUT GRINNELL COLLEGE

Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa and is ranked #11 on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. 

Grinnell College is a top ranked Liberal Arts institution that values diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates that align with these values and have the ability and desire to advance our values and belonging within our community and the communities we engage. Ideal candidates will be prepared to collaborate and contribute to the mission and values of the college across all constituencies.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Operations will report to the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. The role fulfills the College’s mission by leading strategy for and overseeing day to day functions of the Development Operations team. This would include database management, budgeting, prospect research and analytics, gift processing as well as reporting and analyzing fundraising and engagement results.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Operations team including providing direct leadership to Manager of Data Administration, Associate Director for Data, Analytics and Reporting, Assistant Director of Prospect Research and Web Specialist.
• Provide strategic direction and set priorities for this team which include database management, reporting/business intelligence, prospect research, and web services.
• Serve as subject matter expert and partner to colleagues in Development and Alumni relations to champion data and technology driven advancements.
• Direct a dynamic prospect management and development system that includes overseeing wealth screenings, leveraging predictive modeling and data analytics to drive fundraising performance, and employing digital strategies that help increase alumni engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university
• 7 years or more experience in higher education advancement or complex non-profit
• Computer programming, Business Analytics and Visualization, CRM Experience, or Prospect Management and Research
• Champion Diversity Equity and Inclusion
• Strong communication skills in a variety of ways for multiple constituents
• Adaptable to changing situations and circumstances while maintaining a professional work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong project management skills

Served on teams that have successfully completed comprehensive fundraising campaigns

Knowledge of best practices in gifts processing and management