Development Project Manager

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Gather, organize, and analyze data from CRM systems to inform donor strategy, briefings, and executive decision-making.
• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations that surface insights and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Create processes to ensure the accuracy, accessibility, and consistency of advancement data across projects.
• Lead and coordinate special projects on behalf of the Associate Vice President for Advancement, ensuring timely progress aligned with division goals.
• Support planning, design, and execution of strategic initiatives that span Advancement functions, including fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor relations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and campus partners to align project objectives and ensure consistent implementation.
• Coordinate the development and distribution of sensitive documents, including donor communications, prospect briefings, and strategy memos.
• Maintain and manage confidential files and ensure all materials meet Advancement and university standards for data security.
• Partner with appropriate offices to ensure seamless handling and review of high-level submissions and documentation.
• Provide direct administrative support to the Senior Vice President for Advancement and Associate Vice President, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and logistical planning.
• Arrange and manage travel itineraries, process expense reimbursements, and ensure timely submission of financial documentation.
• Support general administrative tasks and office operations to ensure smooth day-to-day function of the leadership team.
• Serve as a key liaison and resource on Advancement priorities, working cross-functionally and in coordination with the schools/college Advancement offices to move projects forward.
• Maintain and enhance systems and workflows to support project tracking, reporting, and knowledge management.
• Produce regular updates on project milestones, timelines, and deliverables.
• Create tools and resources to support ongoing operational efficiency and transparency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in supporting executive-level leaders or managing strategic projects, preferably in a higher education or advancement setting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and deliver formal presentations to senior management.
• Ability to juggle a large volume of incoming information, interruptions, and inquiries with professionalism and tolerance for ambiguity.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated effectiveness in data analysis, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management or workflow tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet).

Nice to Have

• Experience working with data and CRM systems, preferably Salesforce or a university-specific advancement database.
• Experience with donor and prospect strategy, briefing preparation, or advancement operations.
• Understanding of university advancement, fundraising strategy, and alumni engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum experience: 5 years.
• Minimum field of expertise: Administrative or project administration experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary range of $89,681 - $100,000.
• Broad range of benefits and perks to support health, wealth, and future for benefits-eligible employees.
• Total rewards package including health, wellness, and other organizational benefits.