Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Director, Development Operations leads strategy and execution for the core business functions that power effective fundraising across Alumni Affairs and Development, including gift processing and receipting, business operations, prospect research, and the strategic deployment of artificial intelligence, business analytics, and digital tools. The Senior Director manages an area of operations and data-focused professionals who ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all fundraising systems and processes, while enhancing reporting and insights that support institutional decision-making. Although this role does not manage a solicitation portfolio, it may oversee a stewardship portfolio to strengthen donor engagement and recognition. This critical role reports to the Vice President of Alumni Affairs and Development, regularly interacts with and supports the Office of the President, serves as a member of the department’s Senior Development Team (SDT), and collaborates broadly with internal and external partners to advance operational excellence and drive the success of Cooper Union’s fundraising priorities.

This position supports, through actions and conduct, The Cooper Union mission and vision, and helps to build and maintain a productive departmental culture and performance outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Oversee and advance all core development operations functions—including gift processing, gift reporting, business operations, cloud-based storage/Sharepoint use, prospect research, and data governance—using digital tools, business analytics, and emerging AI applications to ensure accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.
• Lead the design and optimization of fundraising and alumni affairs systems and workflows, including CRM processes, reporting dashboards, automation solutions, and AI-supported tools that enhance operational efficiency and fundraising insight.
• Manage the production of high-quality stewardship deliverables, financial documentation, and operational analyses, ensuring clarity, precision, and alignment with institutional standards and donor expectations.
• Develop and maintain a data-informed operational strategy that supports fundraising priorities through forecasting, performance tracking, and advanced reporting, leveraging AI-driven insights where beneficial.
• Ensure compliance and integrity across all operational and financial processes, including gift receipting, reconciliation, audit requirements, and the ethical use of digital and AI products.
• Manage and mentor the operations-focused area, strengthening capabilities in analytics, digital systems, stewardship, budgeting, gift administration, and research while fostering a disciplined, service-oriented culture.
• Collaborate closely with frontline fundraisers, campus partners, and senior leadership to align operational practices with institutional priorities and support stewardship efforts that enhance donor satisfaction and institutional trust.
• Participate in and support major department-wide donor engagement efforts, including reunion/parents and family engagement weekend, the Lifetime Giving Society events, and major affinity appeals like Giving Tuesday and Spring Giving Day.
• Demonstrate excellent skill in persuasion through written and spoken communication skills.
• Other duties as assigned.

 SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS

• 7 years of experience in development operations, advancement services, data analytics, or related nonprofit/higher-ed functions.
• Minimum 3 years managing teams in gift processing, stewardship, research, budgeting, reporting, or digital/AI-enabled operations.
• Proven experience implementing or improving CRM systems, automation tools, analytics dashboards, or AI-supported solutions.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with sharp attention to detail.
• Excellent persuasive writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Fluency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
•  Comfort in database research activities (Tessitura, Slate, Raiser’s Edge, Tableau, etc.)
•  Propriety, thoughtfulness, and discretion.
•  Understanding of fundraising and relationship management in a higher education context.
•  Appreciation for The Cooper Union mission and ethos

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree required.

Master’s degree preferred.

Requirements

Please include the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Priority consideration by May 15
Materials: Resume and cover letter (not to exceed two pages)