Senior Director of Data Systems

Ardu Advisors; Union (NJ); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kean University Foundation seeks a Senior Director of Data Systems to oversee the donor database and related information systems, ensuring data integrity and actionable insights to advance fundraising and administration.

Leading a two-person team—including a Director of Reporting & Analytics and a Gift Processing Specialist—the incumbent will champion data governance, reporting, and system enhancements while engaging with vendors and campus partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Database administration or related certifications preferred.
• 8+ years in database management with leadership experience.
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or similar fundraising CRM.
• Experience in data governance and QA.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic management of donor database and related systems.
• Collaborate with Foundation departments to meet data needs.
• Manage two direct reports: Director of Reporting & Analytics; Gift Processing Specialist.
• Oversee data outputs: reports, dashboards, data-driven recommendations.
• Manage gift processing and donor record updates with accuracy.
• Develop data policies for entry, security, privacy, and reporting.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Project management

Data quality

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

MS Excel

MS Access

Accounting basics

Data privacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Database administration certification

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Raiser's Edge NXT

MS Access

SQL/queries

Job description

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 acknowledgments/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 & Other Qualifications

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

About the Company

The Kean University Foundation is the university’s philanthropic arm. It was founded in 1984 as a non-profit, tax exempt organization that advances the mission of Kean University by pursuing and securing private support to benefit Kean’s students, faculty, programs, and/or facilities.