Position Summary:

The Director of Advancement Services develops and guides the implementation and maintenance of the computerized record system for Advancement which includes records of the total constituency for Columbia College. The director is responsible for the integrity of the constituent database and must possess the creativity necessary to identify opportunities for improving the functionality of the information a high performing database contains. The Director oversees support staff for gift/data entry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Directs and manages entry for all data and gifts and pledges to maintain data integrity and adherence to the established policies and procedures and ensures that the College is in compliance with all gift reporting standards;
2. Responsible for providing timely and accurate information, reports and support to Columbia College Advancement team and other campus offices as needed;
3. Manage monthly financial updates related to fundraising efforts within a fiscal year, including comparative data from previous fiscal years, and expectancies and reports to CAE and CASE. Track, analyze and report on status of gifts and pledges. Work with Annual Fund staff on preparation of solicitations and all fundraising efforts so that outcome reporting is standardized. Conceptualize fundraising reports requests into easily understood formats;
4. Assures all Advancement gift records correspond with the records of the Business Office;
5. Directs a comprehensive data management plan which includes ongoing data clean-up at pre-determined intervals, creating queries for regular data review, and maintaining keen knowledge of industry enhancement options that might benefit the work of the Advancement Office;
6. Acts as liaison with Information Technologies Department and current software vendor, Blackbaud, to provide service and obtain necessary database updates to the Raiser’s Edge, ResearchPoint and the NetCommunity;
7. Updates and implements policies and procedures manual;
8. Provides direction and instruction on database for members of the Advancement staff and other campus users. Works with development, alumnae relations and other users to develop overall information strategies, respond to information requests and enhance the value and use of the information for development, alumnae and external programs;
9. Works closely with Advancement staff to identify prospective donors and develop strategies for cultivation and solicitation; and
10. Performs other duties assigned by the Vice President of Advancement.

Education, Experience, And Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Information Science or other closely related field;
• Two to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education;
• Prior institutional advancement experience and strong knowledge of fundraising procedures, standards, policies and practices;
• Proven ability to assist users in making optimal use of database capabilities;
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Office Suite to include superior knowledge of Excel and Access, Blackbaud products including the Raiser’s Edge, and Web based products ResearchPoint and NetCommunity;
• Strong research skills, including use of Internet resources;
• Ability to work collaboratively;
• Excellent organization skills, communication skills and must possess personal initiative, creativity and problem solving skills; and
• Ability to work independently and with others.

Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time.
IT IS A QUALIFICATION STANDARD OF THE COMPANY THAT AN EMPLOYEE SHALL NOT POSE A THREAT TO THE HEALTH OR SAFETY OF HIM/HERSELF OR OTHERS IN THE WORKPLACE.

If interested in applying for this position, submit resume with cover letter and for Federal and State reporting purposes only, please complete the attached Affirmative Action form and send to:

Columbia College
Attn: Joye Hipp
1301 Columbia College Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
joyehipp@columbiasc.edu

EOE M/F/D/V

Application and Affirmative Action form