Advancement Operations Manager

We are looking for an Advancement Operations Manager to join our team at Project Success. Project Success is a youth development nonprofit organization that helps students connect to their purpose. We work with more than 17,000 6th-12th grade students and their families annually and have more than 225,000 alumni around the world. Learn more at projectsuccess.org.

The Advancement Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the Advancement team operations run efficiently and accurately. They oversee Raiser’s Edge and other systems and processes that support accurate data, informed decision-making, and effective project and event logistics. They will collaborate across the organization to strengthen the advancement infrastructure, manage key operational workflows, and enhance the donor experience.

This role reports to the Senior Director of Advancement and is part of the Advancement team at Project Success.

Our ideal candidate is detail-oriented and highly organized, with strong analytical skills that support effective data management, reporting, and analysis. They bring a solid understanding of project coordination and database management, particularly with Raiser’s Edge, and can confidently maintain accurate information systems. They must also have the ability to handle sensitive information with care and discretion.

CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Advancement Operations

• Serve as the central point of coordination for the Advancement team, ensuring smooth project flow and clear communication across the team
• Collaborate with the Advancement team to ensure systems align with and support fundraising goals, strategies, and tactics
• Manage logistics for annual large-scale fundraising events and initiatives including planning, day-of coordination, and evaluation
• Support the Senior Director of Advancement with departmental budget tracking, expense monitoring, and forecasting
• Conduct prospect research at the direction of the Senior Director of Advancement
• Maintain organized systems, files, and processes to support efficient department operations
• Ensure advancement operations align with ethical fundraising practices and organizational policies
• Manage donor relations systems, including for gift processing, acknowledgement and recognition

Donor Database and Systems Management

• Oversee management of the Raiser’s Edge donor database (NXT web view and hosted database view), ensuring data accuracy and security
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to monitor key fundraising metrics
• Implement standardized data entry, coding, and reporting policies and procedures
• Serve as the primary internal resource for Raiser’s Edge users, providing training and troubleshooting support
• Coordinate with IT, Blackbaud and other vendor partners to maintain system performance and resolve technical issues

Organizational Support

• Collaborate across the organization to strengthen the advancement infrastructure and improve donor experience
• Support and champion the Project Success mission, values, and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
• Maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with colleagues, donors, board members, volunteers, and community partners
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and other events as needed

Other Duties as Assigned

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES + INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCESSIBILITY

We are looking for individuals that are passionate about the success of our students and share the mission, vision, and values of Project Success.

Mission: Project Success motivates and inspires young people to dream about the future, helps them take steps to get there and gives them the tools they need to achieve their goals.

Vision: Every child entering middle school will graduate high school with a plan for their future and have the skills and confidence that will take them through the rest of their lives.

Values:

Kids First!

Dependability, Reliability, and Trust

A Non-Judgmental Environment

Willingness to Grow and Change

Love is the Key

Develop Healthy Relationships

Clear and Open Communication

Sustain Excellence

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.):

Project Success strives to connect students to their purpose by creating programming that truly serves our students and families. We envision a Project Success where inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are fully integrated into everything we do. We aim to hire individuals that care deeply about students, families, and community, share our values, and are committed to practicing ongoing anti-racism work and I.D.E.A. principles.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

Please note that while the qualifications below are preferred for this position, we do not expect any one person to necessarily have all the items listed. We highly encourage people with a wide range of education, experience, and skill levels to apply for this position.

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of similar experience (or a combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities)
• 4+ years of experience in fundraising operations, database management, gift processing, nonprofit administration, or a related field
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems
• Tech-savvy and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Zoom
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Demonstrated commitment to equitable and inclusive fundraising practices and the ability to engage with donors, volunteers, and communities from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding sensitive information with the utmost discretion, care, and integrity
• Commitment to continuous learning and incorporation of new information
• Ability to work both independently and as part of the team

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance
• Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, including movement up and down stairs and throughout office environment and at events
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times and 50 pounds on occasion

POSITION DETAILS

This position is a full-time salaried exempt position. This role will require regular in-office work at our headquarters in Minneapolis, with some flexibility for remote work. The work schedule will vary depending on the needs of the department and will include evening and weekend hours for events and meetings. Travel will be up to 20%, primarily local. Details on schedule to be discussed in the interview process.

The compensation package includes the following:

• $55,000-$65,000 annual salary
• Generous paid time off
• Excellent Health Insurance with a low deductible (PS pays 100% of the monthly premium rate)
• Excellent Dental and Vision Insurance (PS pays 100% of the monthly premium rate)
• Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance (PS pays 100% of the monthly premium rate)
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with up to a 3% match
• Free parking at the PS office

TO APPLY

Please email the following to apply@projectsuccess.org with a subject line including the name of the position, addressed to Adrienne Diercks, Founder and Executive Director:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References
• Where you heard about us and/or found the job posting

To learn more, visit: https://www.projectsuccess.org/join-our-team/

Project Success is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience levels to apply!