The California State University
Executive Director of Advancement Operations
The California State University, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Executive Director of Advancement Operations
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Executive Director of Advancement Operations
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The California State University .
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Job Summary The Executive Director of Advancement Operations serves as the university’s senior operations strategist for University Advancement, providing visionary leadership and operational oversight for the systems, data, policies and infrastructure that enable effective fundraising and engagement across the institution. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement Strategy and Campaigns, the Executive Director leads a portfolio of business functions that includes gift processing and advancement information technology. The incumbent must ensure the integrity, accuracy and strategic use of advancement data and oversee policies and governance structures required for philanthropic success.
The Executive Director establishes the operational core for comprehensive fundraising and engagement efforts, including the university's multi-year comprehensive campaign. As a strategic and hands‑on leader, this position builds, strengthens and modernizes advancement operations, including CRM optimization, robust data governance frameworks, cross‑system integrations and efficient and compliant gift processing practices. The Executive Director collaborates extensively across the division and campus to ensure compliance with CSU, State of California, IRS, CASE, FASB, PCI, institutional requirements and evolving industry best practices. This position supervises managers and individual contributors and builds high‑performing teams, ensuring a service‑oriented culture that empowers fundraisers and elevates alumni and donor experience.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic vision, planning and leadership for all advancement operations departments, ensuring alignment with university goals, fundraising priorities and campaign strategy
Oversee the gift processing and advancement information technology teams, supervising both managers and individual contributors
Develop a multi‑year roadmap for advancement operations, including CRM optimization, data quality improvements, business intelligence expansion and process innovation
Serve as a key advisor to the Associate Vice President for Strategy and Campaigns, the Chief Operating Officer for the Tower Foundation of San Jose State University and the Vice President of University Advancement/CEO of the Tower Foundation on operational strategy, prospect pipeline, gift administration, compliance and data governance
Cultivate a service‑oriented, partnership‑driven culture across functional teams
Closely oversee the Gift Processing team to ensure systems, processes and workflows reflect best‑practice operational standards
Oversee accurate, timely and compliant processing and receipting of all charitable contributions to the Tower Foundation
Ensure policies and procedures follow IRS regulations, FASB/GAAP, CASE standards, CSU and auxiliary regulations, PCI compliance and audit requirements
Develop and maintain the university’s gift acceptance, counting and agreement governance standards and policies in partnership with the Tower Foundation and campus leadership
Ensure comprehensive audit readiness and collaborate on internal and external audits
Oversee biographical and demographic data integrity for alumni, donors and prospects
Direct the Advancement IT team responsible for CRM administration, systems integrations, user support, platform optimization and reporting
Lead advancement‑wide data governance standards, including stewardship of constituent data, system permissions, data lifecycle management and data quality frameworks
Oversee CRM projects, enhancements, maintenance and user adoption strategies
Ensure integration and interoperability across digital engagement platforms, online giving, websites, event systems, email platforms and campus IT infrastructure
Implement reporting and analytics solutions to support fundraisers, leadership, colleges/units and campaign operations
Partner with campus IT and external vendors to manage system security, compliance and upgrades
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated ability to lead complex operational teams within a higher education advancement or nonprofit environment
Strong strategic planning, organizational design and change management skills
Ability to build trust, lead through complexity and influence across an organization
Commitment to service excellence, team development and cross‑unit collaboration
Expert knowledge of advancement CRMs (e.g., Salesforce, Slate, Blackbaud CRM, Ellucian, Affinaquest or similar) and related platforms
Advanced understanding of systems integration, data governance, database administration and reporting/analytics tools
Demonstrated success leading CRM implementation, optimization or multi‑phase system rollouts
Strong understanding of prospect research and management methodologies, portfolio analytics and fundraising intelligence
Deep knowledge of IRS charitable regulations, CASE Reporting Standards, FASB/GAAP principles and gift acceptance/processing best practices
Familiarity with CSU or public higher education policies and auxiliary organization requirements
Knowledge of PCI compliance, records retention, confidentiality regulations (FERPA) and audit processes
Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
Ability to work effectively with fundraisers, academic leaders, IT professionals, campus administrators and foundation staff
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, change‑oriented environment with competing priorities
Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of experience
Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement services, development operations, higher education administration or a related field
Experience supervising professional staff and building teams
Experience with CRM systems administration, data governance or gift administration in a complex organizational environment
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree
Experience working in the California State University system, another large public higher education system or a public university foundation environment
Direct experience with major CRM implementations or multi‑phase optimization projects
Experience building or transforming gift processing operations or prospect management frameworks
Experience with comprehensive campaign operations, campaign counting standards and campaign reporting systems
Experience working in an auxiliary or foundation partnership model
Compensation Classification: Administrator III
Anticipated Hiring: $14,167 - $15,238/month ($170,004 - $182,856 annually)
CSU Salary Range: $6,891/month - $22,119/month
The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.
Application Procedure Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:
Resume
Letter of Interest
All applicants must apply within the specified application period:
December 8, 2025 through December 22, 2025 . This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.
Contact Information University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252
CSU Vaccination Policy The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on‑or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu .
Additional Information Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university’s third‑party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1‑B VISAS)
All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Equal Employment Statement San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Director of Advancement Operations
role at
The California State University .
Be among the first 25 applicants. Job posted 1 day ago.
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Job Summary The Executive Director of Advancement Operations serves as the university’s senior operations strategist for University Advancement, providing visionary leadership and operational oversight for the systems, data, policies and infrastructure that enable effective fundraising and engagement across the institution. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of University Advancement Strategy and Campaigns, the Executive Director leads a portfolio of business functions that includes gift processing and advancement information technology. The incumbent must ensure the integrity, accuracy and strategic use of advancement data and oversee policies and governance structures required for philanthropic success.
The Executive Director establishes the operational core for comprehensive fundraising and engagement efforts, including the university's multi-year comprehensive campaign. As a strategic and hands‑on leader, this position builds, strengthens and modernizes advancement operations, including CRM optimization, robust data governance frameworks, cross‑system integrations and efficient and compliant gift processing practices. The Executive Director collaborates extensively across the division and campus to ensure compliance with CSU, State of California, IRS, CASE, FASB, PCI, institutional requirements and evolving industry best practices. This position supervises managers and individual contributors and builds high‑performing teams, ensuring a service‑oriented culture that empowers fundraisers and elevates alumni and donor experience.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic vision, planning and leadership for all advancement operations departments, ensuring alignment with university goals, fundraising priorities and campaign strategy
Oversee the gift processing and advancement information technology teams, supervising both managers and individual contributors
Develop a multi‑year roadmap for advancement operations, including CRM optimization, data quality improvements, business intelligence expansion and process innovation
Serve as a key advisor to the Associate Vice President for Strategy and Campaigns, the Chief Operating Officer for the Tower Foundation of San Jose State University and the Vice President of University Advancement/CEO of the Tower Foundation on operational strategy, prospect pipeline, gift administration, compliance and data governance
Cultivate a service‑oriented, partnership‑driven culture across functional teams
Closely oversee the Gift Processing team to ensure systems, processes and workflows reflect best‑practice operational standards
Oversee accurate, timely and compliant processing and receipting of all charitable contributions to the Tower Foundation
Ensure policies and procedures follow IRS regulations, FASB/GAAP, CASE standards, CSU and auxiliary regulations, PCI compliance and audit requirements
Develop and maintain the university’s gift acceptance, counting and agreement governance standards and policies in partnership with the Tower Foundation and campus leadership
Ensure comprehensive audit readiness and collaborate on internal and external audits
Oversee biographical and demographic data integrity for alumni, donors and prospects
Direct the Advancement IT team responsible for CRM administration, systems integrations, user support, platform optimization and reporting
Lead advancement‑wide data governance standards, including stewardship of constituent data, system permissions, data lifecycle management and data quality frameworks
Oversee CRM projects, enhancements, maintenance and user adoption strategies
Ensure integration and interoperability across digital engagement platforms, online giving, websites, event systems, email platforms and campus IT infrastructure
Implement reporting and analytics solutions to support fundraisers, leadership, colleges/units and campaign operations
Partner with campus IT and external vendors to manage system security, compliance and upgrades
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated ability to lead complex operational teams within a higher education advancement or nonprofit environment
Strong strategic planning, organizational design and change management skills
Ability to build trust, lead through complexity and influence across an organization
Commitment to service excellence, team development and cross‑unit collaboration
Expert knowledge of advancement CRMs (e.g., Salesforce, Slate, Blackbaud CRM, Ellucian, Affinaquest or similar) and related platforms
Advanced understanding of systems integration, data governance, database administration and reporting/analytics tools
Demonstrated success leading CRM implementation, optimization or multi‑phase system rollouts
Strong understanding of prospect research and management methodologies, portfolio analytics and fundraising intelligence
Deep knowledge of IRS charitable regulations, CASE Reporting Standards, FASB/GAAP principles and gift acceptance/processing best practices
Familiarity with CSU or public higher education policies and auxiliary organization requirements
Knowledge of PCI compliance, records retention, confidentiality regulations (FERPA) and audit processes
Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
Ability to work effectively with fundraisers, academic leaders, IT professionals, campus administrators and foundation staff
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, change‑oriented environment with competing priorities
Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of experience
Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in advancement services, development operations, higher education administration or a related field
Experience supervising professional staff and building teams
Experience with CRM systems administration, data governance or gift administration in a complex organizational environment
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree
Experience working in the California State University system, another large public higher education system or a public university foundation environment
Direct experience with major CRM implementations or multi‑phase optimization projects
Experience building or transforming gift processing operations or prospect management frameworks
Experience with comprehensive campaign operations, campaign counting standards and campaign reporting systems
Experience working in an auxiliary or foundation partnership model
Compensation Classification: Administrator III
Anticipated Hiring: $14,167 - $15,238/month ($170,004 - $182,856 annually)
CSU Salary Range: $6,891/month - $22,119/month
The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.
Application Procedure Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:
Resume
Letter of Interest
All applicants must apply within the specified application period:
December 8, 2025 through December 22, 2025 . This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.
Contact Information University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252
CSU Vaccination Policy The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in‑person program or activity (on‑or off‑campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu .
Additional Information Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.
The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university’s third‑party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.
SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1‑B VISAS)
All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Equal Employment Statement San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Other
Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr