Associate Director of Advancement Data Management

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Associate Director of Advancement Data Management position. The Associate Director of Advancement Data Management is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $73,000 to $77,000.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

The Associate Director of Advancement Data Management is responsible for the comprehensive processing, management, and stewardship of all Advancement gift and biographical data. The Associate Director leads a team dedicated to carefully and strategically managing and maintaining gift, donor, and constituent information, implementing systems and processes that ensure data integrity and accuracy in support of fundraising, stewardship, and engagement goals.

Reporting to and strategically partnering with the Senior Director of Advancement Operations, the Associate Director of Advancement Data Management supervises a team of data management specialists responsible for processing all gifts and pledges and maintaining biographical data for alumni, families, and constituents in the Advancement CRM (Slate). The Associate Director ensures the timely and accurate entry of data, resolves data issues or discrepancies, leads projects to improve data quality, systems, and workflows, and develops, communicates, and enforces Advancement data policies, documentation, and governance frameworks to ensure accuracy, security, and compliance. This role also includes supervision and coordination of coverage for Advancement Office reception duties.

The Associate Director brings leadership, sound judgment, and a proactive and collaborative approach to a complex, high-volume operation. They set clear expectations, support staff development, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Known as a thoughtful and reliable partner across Advancement, the Associate Director communicates clearly and professionally, navigates sensitive matters with discretion, and approaches their work with a deep sense of responsibility to the institution and its constituents.

Advancement staff are expected to promote a positive, solutions-focused workplace culture through professional and constructive engagement in meetings, collaborations, and daily interactions. Advancement work also includes several “all-hands-on-deck” events that require occasional evening and weekend participation to support key College events, including—but not limited to—Reunion and Homecoming.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Data Management and Administration

• Manage and delegate daily processes for the accurate and timely entry and maintenance of all constituent records and giving data, ensuring systems are in place to safeguard biographical and financial information for a diverse set of constituents.
• Provide direction to staff for the effective, timely processing of gifts and pledges, distribution of related receipts, and regular review and revision of processing protocols and gift receipting.
• Maintain database accuracy and depth by analyzing audit reports, delegating data cleanup projects, and overseeing seasonal data projects.
• Research and troubleshoot data anomalies, build and run reports to assess data quality and productivity, and provide guidance and analysis to users.
• Coordinate data-sharing across campus, updating coding for various constituents, including trustees, honorary degree recipients, event attendees, and others.
• Create, maintain, and communicate data-related policies and procedures to ensure consistency, compliance, and the highest quality controls.

Leadership and Strategy: Planning, Initiatives, and Supervision

• Partner with the Senior Director of Advancement Operations to develop and implement strategic plans for Advancement data management in support of fundraising, engagement, and operational goals.
• Lead initiatives to strengthen data workflows, integration, governance, analytics, and reporting; identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the Reporting & Systems team to advance automation and process improvements across Advancement and with campus partners.
• Facilitate and improve data-sharing across campus, representing Advancement on the College’s CORE data team and coordinating with Database Services.
• Supervise staff responsible for gift processing and data entry, fostering collaboration, accountability, and ongoing learning.
• Provide regular feedback and support professional development; create opportunities for cross-training and collaboration within the team and across departments.
• Supervise and coordinate coverage for Advancement Office reception duties among staff.
• Hire, train, and oversee student workers supporting data entry as needed.

Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible, relevant experience in advancement operations, data management, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently and effectively, including during periods of high volume and activity.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, prioritize work, solve problems creatively, and make sound decisions in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing staff, including assigning work, setting priorities, providing guidance and feedback, and supporting professional development.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgment.
• High level of proficiency with data, systems, and reporting tools, with a demonstrated interest in identifying and implementing process improvements and system enhancements.
• Strong familiarity with and commitment to compliance, data governance, and internal control standards, with a keen focus on data integrity, consistency, and effective use of information.
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in a professional setting.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events, deadlines, and donor-related activities, as needed.
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks.
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.