The Assistant Director of Advancement Data Systems plays a vital role in fostering a data- informed culture within Lafayette’s Advancement Division. This position oversees the configuration, integration, and strategic use of Ellucian CRM Advance and related technologies to drive engagement, donor relations, and philanthropic outcomes. The Assistant Director collaborates across departments to ensure data quality, user training, and system optimization align with institutional goals.
This role reports to the Director of Advancement Data Systems and Reporting and works closely with colleagues in Advancement Operations, ITS, and other campus partners.
Primary Responsibilities
- Key stakeholder on management of the Ellucian CRM Advance (Microsoft Dynamics 365) database including solutions management, dashboards, workflows and business rules.
- Identify inconsistencies and implement procedures to continuously improve data management and stewardship. Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of information maintained on people and organizations, donors, and prospects in support of division and College initiatives.
- Oversee the queue and delivery of communications lists and data extracts across the division and College utilizing our data to optimize results.
- Develop division training and resources for our suite of technology serving as the lead for technology training for onboarding new staff and responding to identified training needs across the division.
- Provide oversight for the division’s use of iModules (Anthology Encompass), including system maintenance and data uploads. Serves as a technical liaison to
ensure system functionality, data integrity, and user support for Advancement staff.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of CRM documentation and procedures.
- Solutions/workflow management with Ellucian CRM
- Design and maintain data infrastructures, advanced finds, and dashboard views of data to meet the needs of the Advancement team.
- Serve as technical lead and resource on division CRM projects and to end- users.
- Execute accurate and timely uploads of data into the Ellucian CRM database while maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
- Identify data to be enhanced, corrected, or established including targeted data cleanup, interdepartmental projects, and other initiatives with campus wide impact.
- Work with Advancement Services and ITS to integrate and automate data process flows between CRM and other enterprise systems.
- Collaborate with Advancement Operations and ITS staff to test and verify CRM system upgrades and changes.
- Provide data support for institutional reporting needs such as CASE surveys, VSE reports, and accreditation documentation.
- Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure Advancement reporting aligns with institutional data governance standards and cross-departmental methodologies.
Required Qualifications/Skills
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using Ellucian CRM Advance or similar CRM or database systems in a higher education setting.
- Knowledge of data integration strategies and management systems, practices and standards.
- Attention to detail and a strong commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Organizational, analytical, written and verbal communication skills are essential.
- High level experience in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
- Skilled in managing multiple priorities, thinking critically, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to translate technical concepts into user friendly language and training.
- A commitment to maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications/Skills
- Familiarity with additional Ellucian tools such as Banner or Ethos.
- Experience working in advancement, fundraising, engagement, or related areas within higher education.
- Experience with iModules (Anthology Encompass) or similar constituent engagement platforms, including managing data integration and solutions management.
- Knowledge of data governance practices, predictive analytics, and performance metrics in advancement.
- Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non- technical stakeholders.
Application Instructions:
Please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. https://apply.interfolio.com/174865
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is responsive inclusive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.