Executive Director of Advancement Services

Randolph-Macon College seeks a strategic, collaborative, and data-informed professional to serve as Executive Director of Advancement Services. Reporting to the Vice President of College Advancement, this position provides leadership for the operational, data, technology, and prospect development functions that support fundraising, alumni relations, and engagement efforts across the College

The Executive Director oversees Advancement systems, reporting, gift administration, prospect research, and data integrity initiatives to ensure efficient operations, informed decision-making, and strong stewardship of donor and alumni information. This role supervises staff responsible for gift processing, prospect research and management, and database administration, while partnering closely with colleagues in Finance, Information Technology. The role enables prospect prioritization to build and manage productive gift officer portfolios and constituent relationships.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Advancement Services operations, promoting efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Develop and implement operational strategies that support annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and alumni engagement initiatives.

Supervise, mentor, and support Advancement Services staff in a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Data & Analytics

Ensure the accuracy, integrity, security, and effective use of donor and alumni data.

Develop reports, dashboards, and analytics to support fundraising performance tracking and strategic decision-making, including portfolio, pipeline, and gift officer activity reports.

Translate data into actionable insights for Advancement leadership and frontline fundraising staff.

Oversee data quality initiatives and proactively resolve inconsistencies.

Systems & Technology

Manage Advancement systems, including CRM platforms such as Raiser’s Edge NXT and related technologies.

Partner with Information Technology to support system integrations, enhancements, upgrades, and ongoing performance.

Support online giving, event management systems, and end-user training.

Develop and maintain process documentation, user guides, and standard operating procedures.

Gift Administration & Compliance

Oversee gift processing operations to ensure timely and accurate recording, receipting, and acknowledgment of contributions.

Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, CASE standards, FASB/GASB guidance, and institutional policies.

Reconcile Advancement records with financial data in partnership with the Business Office.

Maintain and enforce gift policies, procedures, and data governance standards.

Prospect Development & Management

Lead prospect development, research, and portfolio management efforts to identify and prioritize high-potential donors.

Oversee wealth screening, capacity and affinity ratings, and data-driven models that surface new prospects among alumni, parents, and friends.

Support fundraising staff with tools, metrics, and portfolio management resources.

Collaboration & Communication

Serve as a primary liaison with Finance, Information Technology, and other campus partners on data and systems initiatives.

Coordinate reporting requests, system enhancements, and cross-functional operational projects.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

No less than 5 years of progressively responsible experience in advancement services, fundraising operations, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience in prospect research, prospect management, or portfolio management in a higher education or nonprofit setting.

Familiarity with wealth screening tools, prospect rating methods, and moves management practices.

Experience with CRM systems and reporting tools; Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated success documenting processes and collaborating effectively across departments.

Proven leadership, project management, and team development experience.

Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Knowledge of fundraising operations, data governance, and compliance standards.

Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail and deadlines.

Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

The College

Founded in 1830, Randolph-Macon has about 1800 students and is located in Ashland, VA, a residential community 15 miles north of Richmond and 90 miles south of Washington D.C., thereby having all the benefits for its students, faculty and staff of a dynamic metropolitan area which serves as the state capital. Over 85% of students reside on campus. For more information about the College see www.rmc.edu .

Randolph-Macon College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

Application

To apply for the position, submit the following documents to https://bit.ly/4tuonXe in Microsoft Word or PDF format: a current resume, cover letter addressing the position responsibilities and qualifications, and contact information for two professional references to Claudia Burcham, Human Resources Generalist. The review and interview process will commence as strong applications are received, and the search will remain open until the position is filled.