Find & Apply For Operations Manager / Supervisor Jobs in Dobbs Ferry, New York

Position Overview The Office of Advancement at Mercy University invites applications for a forward-thinking, strategic, and experienced leader to serve as the Director of Advancement Operations. This critical position plays a pivotal role in driving the efficiency, innovation, and impact of our advancement initiatives, supporting fundraising, alumni engagement, and stewardship efforts that empower the mission of Mercy University. We recognize that a robust advancement operation is essential for fulfilling our mission and supporting our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The Director of Advancement Operations is responsible for providing strategic vision and day-to-day oversight of all advancement services, including gift processing, database management, prospect research, reporting and analytics, and operational policy development. The successful candidate will embrace data-driven decision-making, foster collaborative relationships, and model the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement operations strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and best practices Supervise, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of professionals across gift processing, data management, prospect research, reporting and analytics Serve as a critical collaborative partner to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and other members of the Advancement team Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation within the Advancement Operations team and across the division Data Management & Analytics Oversee the integrity, security, and optimization of the advancement database and ensure best practices in data governance Lead the development and implementation of reporting and analytics tools to support fundraising, stewardship, and engagement programs Create standardized reports for Board of Trustees meetings and for University leadership Use data-driven insights to identify trends, measure performance, and inform strategy for fundraising and engagement efforts Gift Processing & Stewardship Direct and ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of all gift processing, acknowledgment, and receipting functions Collaborate with finance and legal teams to align gift acceptance policies and procedures with organizational standards and IRS regulations Design and maintain systems to ensure donors receive timely and meaningful stewardship communications and recognition Prospect Research & Pipeline Development Oversee prospect research practices, ensuring the identification, qualification, and tracking of potential major donors and prospects Collaborate closely with fundraising teams to build and maintain robust pipelines for annual, major, and planned gifts Policy Development & Compliance Establish, document, and update policies and procedures to promote ethical, compliant, and transparent advancement operations Ensure the organization adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in fundraising and data management Collaboration & Communication Serve as a key liaison to IT, Finance, Legal, and other departments, facilitating seamless integration of advancement operations across the institution Provide training and support to advancement staff on operational systems, tools, and policies Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, translating complex operational concepts into actionable recommendations Qualifications Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred At least 7 years of progressive responsibility in advancement, nonprofit, or higher education operations, with at least 3 in a supervisory or management capacity Demonstrated expertise in data management, prospect research, gift processing, and reporting within advancement or fundraising environments Proven leadership skills, with experience building, mentoring, and motivating high-performing teams Exceptional analytical, organizational, and project management abilities Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills Proficiency with constituent relationship management (CRM) systems such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar platforms Desired Attributes Visionary thinker with a strategic mindset and a passion for operational excellence Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive cross-functional initiatives Flexible and adaptable, with a demonstrated ability to lead through change and ambiguity Unwavering commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct Strong customer service orientation and a genuine interest in advancing the mission of Mercy University