Senior Director of Data System

Kean University Foundation, Inc.; Union (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational foundation in Union, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Director of Data Systems. This role is responsible for the strategic management and oversight of the donor database and information systems, ensuring data integrity and providing data-driven insights. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in database management, advocacy for data quality, and the ability to lead teams. This critical position offers a salary range of $110,000-$150,000 and full-time employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years experience in database management.
• 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Extensive expertise with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or similar CRM.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the donor database and information systems.
• Support all Foundation departments’ data needs.
• Recruit and mentor team members.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge proficiency

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a relevant field (preferred)

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Title: Senior Director of Data System
Reports to: Vice President of Finance & Administration
FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt
Location: Union, New Jersey
Salary Range: $110,000-$150,000

The Senior Director of Data Systems will be a key member of the Kean University Foundation team, responsible for the comprehensive oversight and strategic management of the donor database and all related information systems. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance & Administration, this critical role ensures the highest levels of data integrity and accuracy, while providing essential data‑driven insights and support to advance the Foundation's fundraising, outreach, and administrative objectives. The Director will lead a team including a Director of Reporting & Analytics and a Gift Processing Specialist, ensuring efficient data input, accuracy, robust reporting, and strategic data utilization across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership of Donor Database & Information Systems: Lead the overall strategic management, optimization, and daily operations of the Foundation's donor database (Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT) and integrated systems. Ensure the system effectively supports all fundraising, communication, and administrative functions.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration and Support: Work collaboratively with all Foundation departments to understand their data needs, provide customized support, and ensure data is leveraged effectively to meet organizational goals.
• Team Leadership and Management: Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of two direct reports: the Director of Reporting & Analytics and the Gift Processing Specialist. Foster a culture of excellence, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee Data Output & Analytics: Oversee the Director of Reporting & Analytics, ensuring the timely and accurate provision of all data outputs, including complex queries, data downloads, reports, dashboards, and insightful data‑driven recommendations.
• Oversee Gift Processing & Data Input: Oversee the Gift Processing Specialist, ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all incoming gifts, pledges, and other financial transactions. Ensure prompt creation and updating of donor records, accurate sending of acknowledgements/receipts, and meticulous organization of related files.
• Data Policies, Procedures and Quality Control: Create and enforce comprehensive policies and procedures for all aspects of data entry, gift processing, data security, privacy, and reporting, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and internal controls. Develop and implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure the highest level of data integrity, accuracy, and consistency across all records and systems, including data hygiene projects and regular audits.
• System Enhancements and Training: Identify opportunities for system enhancements and integrations to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Lead information system projects, including but not limited to system conversions, implementation of hardware and software, software upgrades, system backups, importing data, and global changes. Plan and deliver training programs for Foundation staff.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external database vendors, consultants, and service providers to ensure optimal system performance and support.
• Stay Abreast of Industry Trends: Continuously research and evaluate new technologies, database functionalities, and best practices in data management, analytics, and fundraising operations to ensure the Foundation's systems remain cutting‑edge.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Education and Credentials

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Database administration or other relevant technical certifications.

Experience

Required:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in database management, with 3 or more years in a leadership role.
• Extensive expertise with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or similar comprehensive fundraising CRM, including database administration, querying, reporting, and data imports/exports).
• Proven experience in ensuring data integrity, developing data governance policies, and implementing quality control measures.
• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising staff responsible for data entry, gift processing, and/or reporting.
• Experience in a higher education or complex non‑profit environment.

Preferred:

• Experience with financial reconciliation processes in a non‑profit setting.
• Experience with financial and fundraising auditing processes.

Skills

Required:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical staff and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, troubleshoot, and implement effective solutions.
• Proven leadership and team‑building skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to data quality and integrity.
• Proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and NXT, and Microsoft Suite, especially MS Access and Excel.
• Understanding of basic accounting principles related to gift processing/reconciliation.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to data privacy and confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of advanced reporting techniques and dashboard creation.
• Understanding of fundraising principles and information needs of a development office.