Development Operations Leader – Hybrid

Santa Clara University; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 106,907,000 - 128,341,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University is seeking a Development Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and provide strategic support to assigned teams within University Relations. You will manage complex calendars, coordinate travel, support budgets in Workday, and help with donor materials and gift agreements.

The role requires strong organizational and confidential handling, collaboration across departments, and the ability to lead projects and programs, including events for donors and prospects

Qualifications

• Knowledge of development operations and fundraising best practices.
• Familiarity with donor relations and gift planning concepts.
• Proficiency in CLARA, Workday and other financial systems.
• 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 onboarding of new employees.
• Develop high-quality documents including reports, briefings, presentations, correspondence, and donor materials.
• Maintain and organize digital and print records.
• Submit and track vendor contracts and invoices; ensure timely submission and payment.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to operational systems and workflows.
• Coordinate cross-team efforts and promote departmental cohesion and collaboration.

Skills

Operations knowledge

Fundraising basics

Donor relations

Databases & finance systems

Jesuit Catholic mission

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

5+ years admin/project mgmt experience

Job description

Santa Clara University is seeking a Development Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and provide strategic support to assigned teams within University Relations. You will manage complex calendars, coordinate travel, support budgets in Workday, and help with donor materials and gift agreements.

The role requires strong organizational and confidential handling, collaboration across departments, and the ability to lead projects and programs, including events for donors and prospects