Director, Data Operations

Description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Data Operations and CRM Strategy, the Director, Data Operations serves as the key leader for the data operations team and is responsible for overseeing, implementing, and developing key data acquisition, protocol development and concierge services that support our data ecosystem that enable the Foundation's ambitious strategic plan and yearly goals.

The Director is responsible for building strategies and programs to acquire, manage and continually improve the constituent data (marketing, engagement and fundraising) needed to drive the success of the Foundation.

The Director will build a broad and deep understanding of development and fundraising best practices in relation to data to best support the data and information needs for key constituent segments at each stage of the engagement and development cycles.

The Director leads the Data Operations team, offering direction, guidance, and mentorship to ensure the team’s success. This role collaborates closely with other members of the Technology and Innovation division, as well as various organizational and campus units, to foster a strategic, data-driven culture.

Additionally, the Director is responsible for overseeing the team’s performance and, alongside Technology & Innovation staff, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the data based on baselines and metrics.

Supervisory responsibilities include directly managing and training the data operations team. This includes conducting annual performance reviews as well as acting as an ongoing resource and coach for the data operations team members.

Work Location

The location for this position is the OSU Foundation’s Corvallis, Oregon, office.

The Foundation offers a program called Core Work Days, a hybrid approach combining remote and in office work days. Unless traveling for work, Foundation employees are in office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and work remotely, if preferred, on Monday and Friday.

Key Partners

This position’s key partners, include the Foundation's alumni engagement team, major gift and annual giving development teams, communications and marketing teams, technology and innovation team, communications and marketing departments, as well as other Foundation and campus stakeholders.

Measures of Success

• Timely and Accurate Data Delivery and Acquisition : Provide strategic guidance and leadership to the data operations team to ensure timely and accurate delivery of data that supports the Foundation and Campus priorities, ensuring the data meets foundation and industry standards and goals.
• Increased Data Literacy : Increase the overall data awareness and trustworthiness amongst foundation and campus partners by developing and adhering to data management standards, processes and communication.
• Enhanced Data Quality and Integrity : Work with colleagues across the Foundation as well as external partners to have access to high quality data for the teams’ products, including the reports and analysis as well as the underlying data.
• Successful Automation and Innovation Projects : In line with a commitment to continuous improvement, implement processes and systems that streamline data entry, enhance accuracy, and boost efficiency and effectiveness in data management.

Major Duties

Data Steward

• Serve as a key partner and participant in developing policies, procedures, and standards for data management throughout its lifecycle
• Provide advice on data protection / privacy and information governance, counsel on privacy / risk assessments and potential remediation activities with respect to constituent data
• Ensure the continuous development, enhancement and adherence of data governance protocols and standards.
• Develop and update, when applicable, the data catalog, metadata, and glossary of key business terms to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Continuously enhance, monitor, and enforce data quality standards to support the Foundation’s goals.

Data Literacy & Insights Development

• Provide the foundational knowledge necessary for the creation of an introductory and advanced data literacy training program serving the entirety of the organization and inclusive of our campus partners.
• Manage the Core Team and Key User Training / Knowledge Transfer sessions to ensure continuous improvement and the data literacy mindset is embedded across the key user community.
• Partner with Technology and Innovation members to identify key themes, knowledge gaps to determine avenues for additional training.
• Engage hands-on in the development of data insights that support decision-making and strategic planning.

Data Quality

• In partnership with the Sr. Director of Data Operations and CRM Strategy, develop and implement a strategic vision for the data operations team that includes specific goals, strategies, staffing, and best practices with a focus on service excellence in two core areas : records maintenance and records enhancement.
• Demonstrate a high level of autonomy while engaging in developing, interpreting, and implementing institutional policies, strategies, procedures, services, and business plans to ensure the accurate and timely handling / updating of constituent biographical information in support of the Foundation’s fundraising activities.
• Develop and maintain data quality and integrity standards through established baselines and metrics for the maintenance and acquisition of biographical data for the Foundation’s database.

Data Automation & Innovations

• Support the organization's digital transformation initiatives by recommending data acquisition solutions that utilize data and AI as key components.
• Utilize existing infrastructure, and low-code / no-code automations, for edit, transform and load processes involving large data sets.
• Actively engage in complex data challenges and management requirements to deliver effective data management solutions for sophisticated projects.
• Focus on continuous improvement, automation, and development of best practices
• Identify external data acquisition vendors, data hygiene tools, and other resources to enhance data in the CRM. This includes identifying data needs, screening potential vendor solutions, negotiating contractual terms and pricing, and directing the application of the selected solutions.

Overall

• Orient, train, mentor, coach, and develop staff members, encouraging an appropriate level of independence and supporting professional growth.
• Exercise full supervision over assigned staff; make appropriate hiring decisions, establish work plans and accountabilities, ensure required training is received, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Maintain acute awareness of best practices, technology changes, and current issues within the advancement profession. Additionally, be aware of the goals and activities of the University and its peer institutions to adapt the strategic vision of the department.
• Represent the data operations team in organizational meetings concerning data
• Safeguard the confidentiality of constituent information at all times. Establish, disseminate, and regularly review standards of ethics and confidentiality regarding the handling of donor and volunteer information and train prospect development staff and colleagues to understand / implement these standards.

Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of the Foundation.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate :

• Customer focused with tactful communication skills; written and verbal.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact required.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the Foundation as well as the technology tools available.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the principles, practices, and techniques of supervising an information management program in a complex development organization, including an understanding of how information management programs are integrated into those operations.
• Proven skill in the collection, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of information.
• Proficiency with query and analysis techniques and tools used to modify, retrieve, manipulate, and report on information stored in relational database management systems.
• Knowledge of the principles of management, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, and motivation.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, including the ability to communicate effectively.
• Strong verbal and writing skills, high attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills required including the ability to set priorities and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple deadlines with short turn-around times.
• Must be agile and adaptable to new programs and ideas, in an emerging and changing environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as data or computer science, information management, and / or business administration with a minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience, preferably in a non-profit setting.

Candidate must demonstrate proficiency in data stewardship activities in a complex organization, and have experience leading a project team and mentoring or managing colleagues.

Microsoft 365 and specifically MS Dynamics and various data management tool proficiency including familiarity with Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes preferred.

OSU Foundation Core Values

We strive to be one of the best places to work in the country. We know that our success depends in large part on the people who carry out our mission.

It’s what we do and how we do it that makes the difference. Our core values reflect our approach to work and to each other, and we are committed to conduct consistent with these values.

collaborative · productive · respectful · bold· inclusive · creative

What We Offer : Annual salary range starting at $85,000 FLSA Status : Exempt Comprehensive Benefits : a comprehensive total compensation package, which includes :

• A monthly employer contribution towards benefits
• A monthly employer match for a health savings account
• An impressive 17% employer contribution to retirement plan (based on qualified earnings)
• A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program
• A robust Educational Assistance program
• Two exceptional employee discount programs

Professional Growth : At OSU Foundation, we believe in investing in our employees' development. We provide ongoing training and opportunities for advancement.

I nnovative Work Environment : Join a team of talented professionals in a stimulating and collaborative work atmosphere