Executive Director, Philanthropy and Alumni Operations

Baldwin Wallace seeks an experienced and highly organized operations leader to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of our Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team. Reporting to the VP of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, this individual will be responsible for overseeing the critical operational functions that support the fundraising and alumni engagement work of Baldwin Wallace.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in operations management, data analysis, and project coordination, preferably within a higher education or non-profit environment. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

The following duties are not to be considered a complete list of duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.

Strategic Operations & Planning

• Develop and implement operational strategies that enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team.
• Lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive master calendar for all team activities, ensuring seamless coordination of events, campaigns, and communications.
• Identify and implement best practices in operations to streamline workflows and improve productivity across the team.

Data & Analytics

• Oversee the integrity, accuracy, and strategic use of all philanthropy and alumni relations data within Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Develop and generate regular reports and dashboards using a visual analytics platform (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to track key performance indicators (KPIs), fundraising progress, and engagement metrics.
• Provide insightful analysis of data to inform strategic decision-making, identify trends, and recommend areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with the university's central data team to ensure data synchronization and system optimization.

Project & Process Management

• Manage operational projects from conception to completion, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• Document and refine operational processes and procedures to ensure consistency and clarity across the team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for operational inquiries and provide support to team members on process-related issues.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement within the team.
• Collaborate closely with all team members, including frontline fundraisers, alumni engagement professionals, and communications specialists, to understand their operational needs and provide effective solutions. Collaborate with team members and university partners to ensure a master calendar of activities and events meets stated goals.
• Train team members on new operational procedures, systems, and best practices as needed.
• Supervise the team of 3 staff focused on prospect data, data integrity and daily gift deposits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Data Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in an operations management role, with a strong preference for experience in higher education, non-profit, or fundraising environments.
• Required: Demonstrated expertise and hands-on experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Proven experience developing interactive visualizations and dashboards using a visual analytics platform (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik Sense).
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage complex calendars and multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Required: proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and other relevant operational software.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and a problem-solver with a sense of humor and a strong commitment to curiosity and continuous improvement.

How to Apply: Review of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references in one (1) Word document or one (1) PDF and submit via the To Apply link on BW’s Employment and Careers’ web page. https://www.bw.edu/employment

Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. At BW, we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities, and as we engage our community partners. Learn more at Diversity Affairs - https://www.bw.edu/about/diversity/