Director, Advancement Systems, Strategy & Analytics (Relocation Assistance Available!)

WIBR Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

WIBR Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research is seeking a leader to oversee advancement operations. The role requires management of data systems, reporting standards, and fundraising strategies, supported by a detailed approach to analytics and donor engagement.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree and extensive experience within nonprofit or academic settings, demonstrating strong leadership and analytical skills.

A competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 is offered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in nonprofit, academic, or research organizations.
• Experience with advancement systems, analytics, and prospect development functions.
• Strong ability to translate data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all advancement systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Develop dashboards and reporting for fundraising metrics.
• Lead prospect research and ensure portfolio management aligns with priorities.
• Manage performance of digital engagement platforms.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CRM/database

Digital engagement platforms

Job description

Job Summary

Classification: Exempt

Job Family: Operations

Reports to: Vice President External Relations

Serve as the Institute’s source of truth for advancement data, systems, reporting, and operational discipline, including managing direct reports. Ensure fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and board accountability are grounded in accurate data, consistent processes, and actionable insights.

Lead advancement operations, including prospect research, analytics, digital platforms, and board/volunteer operations, enabling effective portfolio management, credible forecasting, and scalable philanthropy. In partnership with the Vice President for External Relations contribute to the development of integrated, institution‑wide advancement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Advancement Operations & Systems – led and oversee all advancement systems, including CRM/database governance, gift processing and records, and reporting standards and data definitions. Established policies for data integrity, portfolio hygiene, and system compliance. Partnered with Finance and other administrative units for accurate reporting and reconciliation.
• Analytics, Reporting & Revenue Intelligence – developed and maintained dashboards and reporting for key metrics such as Total Fundraising Progress, Total Philanthropic Support, portfolio performance, donor movement, and top‑50 donor strategy tracking. Provided actionable insights to leadership, supported revenue forecasting, and scenario modeling for planning and campaign readiness.
• Prospect Research & Portfolio Management – led prospect research and revenue intelligence functions, including identification, qualification, prioritization, and portfolio assignment standards. Ensured donor portfolios were accurate, actionable, and aligned with institutional priorities and disciplined portfolio management.
• Digital Platforms & Performance – oversaw governance and performance of advancement‑related digital platforms (CMS, email marketing, segmentation, targeting). Managed digital analytics, segmentation, deployment, and performance tracking to support donor strategy, board engagement, and institutional priorities.
• Leadership & Collaboration – provided strategic leadership to advancement operations staff, including oversight of direct reports and development of team members in systems, reporting, analytics, and process management. Drove adoption of best practices, performance management, goal setting, and a collaborative, solutions‑oriented culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience within complex nonprofit, academic, research, or healthcare organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading advancement systems, analytics, and prospect development functions.
• Strong analytical and systems‑thinking skills; ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience partnering with fundraising leadership to inform strategy, forecasting, and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to drive discipline, structure, and clarity in complex environments.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives and influence decision‑making across teams.
• High degree of integrity, judgment, and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting campaign readiness or large‑scale fundraising initiatives.
• Familiarity with digital engagement platforms (email marketing, CMS, analytics tools).
• Knowledge of advancement best practices in research or academic settings.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range Minimum: $120,000; Pay Range Maximum: $150,000 (base pay only; does not include other benefits or compensation).

EEO Statement

Whitehead Institute is an E‑Verify employer.