Development Operations Lead – Higher Ed Fundraising

Santa Clara University; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University is seeking a Development Operations Manager to provide strategic and administrative support across University Relations’ fundraising units. This role partners with multiple teams to ensure efficient operations, robust donor engagement, and coordinated program execution.

You will manage calendars, budgets in Workday, draft donor communications, and coordinate cross‑team initiatives while upholding confidentiality and the Jesuit mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative or project management experience, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge of development operations and fundraising best practices.
• Familiarity with donor relations and gift planning concepts.
• Proficiency in database and financial management systems (e.g., CLARA, Workday).
• Understanding of Jesuit, Catholic higher education mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and provide comprehensive operational and administrative support to assigned teams.
• Manage complex calendars, schedule meetings, organize logistics for group meetings, coordinate travel, and prepare meeting materials.
• Support budget development, monthly tracking, reconciliation, forecasting, and expense processing in Workday.
• Submit financial transaction adjustment requests (FTARs) and monitor departmental financial activity.
• Facilitate team hiring processes, including job postings, candidate communications, and interview coordination, and onboarding of new employees.
• Develop high-quality documents including reports, briefings, presentations, correspondence, and donor materials.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication

Discretion/confidentiality

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

CLARA

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

CRM platforms

Job description

Santa Clara University is seeking a Development Operations Manager to provide strategic and administrative support across University Relations’ fundraising units. This role partners with multiple teams to ensure efficient operations, robust donor engagement, and coordinated program execution.

You will manage calendars, budgets in Workday, draft donor communications, and coordinate cross‑team initiatives while upholding confidentiality and the Jesuit mission.