Manager, Data and Operations | Advancement Team

About the Role

The vision for Advancement at Good Reason Houston (GRH) is to operate with a best-in-class capacity building strategy to become the premier city for public education in the nation. Our vision is vested in the organizational mission that every child in every neighborhood in Houston deserves to have access to a world-class public school and thrive in the Houston of tomorrow. 

Good Reason Houston’s Manager, Advancement Data & Operations will drive this work forward by overseeing and enhancing the data management and operational processes within the Advancement team. This role will also enhance the organization’s fundraising efforts by ensuring data integrity, managing donor information systems, streamlining gift processing, and optimizing donor portfolios through prospect research. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in data management and fundraising, along with the ability to anticipate various strategic fundraising needs. 

This position will play a key role in growing the philanthropic management of foundation, individual, and corporate giving portfolios, working within the Advancement team to streamline operations, optimize fundraising progress, provide training and support to staff on the use of database systems, data entry standards, and reporting tools, all while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages a culture of philanthropy and knowledge sharing. This role will report to the Chief Advancement Officer.

Primary Responsibilities 

Gift Processing and Reconciliation (30%)

• Oversee the on-going, accurate, and timely processing of all donations, including cash, pledges, and in-kind gifts.
• Assess, develop, and manage proper recording and acknowledgment of gifts in compliance with organizational policies and donor preferences.
• Collaborate with the Finance and Operations team concerning reconciliation processes with the finance department to ensure alignment between fundraising and financial records.
• Develop and maintain documentation of gift processing procedures to ensure consistency and transparency.
• Ensure impeccable donor stewardship (timely gift acknowledgements, sufficient appreciation outreach, meet progress reporting and update meeting requirements and requests, etc.)
• Provide donors with necessary documentation to facilitate and process giving (i.e. invoices, receipts, annual tax-letters, etc.) 

Research & Portfolio Management  (25%)

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive portfolio of donor and prospect data to support fundraising strategies.
• Gather and analyze detailed information about prospects and donors including donor demographics, giving history, engagement data, as well as prospect information: Potential giving capacity, philanthropic interests, connections to the organization
• Manage resources and process for wealth screening donors and prospects to focus fundraising efforts on high-potential donors, tailor communication strategies based on individual giving capacities, and identify major gift prospects.
• Utilizing wealth screening and prospect research to establish a manageable prospect pool and strategically assigning prospects to frontline fundraisers and optimize donor engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with frontline fundraising staff to optimize portfolio management and donor prospecting in order to effectively establish multi-year revenue generating donor relationships. 

Database Migration and Management (25%)

• Lead and manage the migration of data from legacy systems to new database platforms, ensuring accuracy and minimal disruption to operations.
• Develop and implement processes for ongoing database management, including data entry, data cleansing, and maintaining up-to-date records.
• Monitor database performance and optimize queries to enhance user experience and reporting capabilities.
• Coordinate information sharing and collect key information and data cross functionally 
• Ensure data integrity of donor databases, including communications logs, data entry, gift acknowledgement, reporting, etc. 
• Implement and uphold best practices for data security and privacy, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations..
• Train team members on data security best practices and procedures to safeguard sensitive donor information.

Reporting and Analytics (20%)

• Generate regular and ad-hoc reports for senior leadership and board members, showcasing key performance indicators related to fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Utilize data visualization tools to present complex data insights in an understandable format for stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of dashboards and performance metrics to track progress against fundraising goals.
• Identify follow-up needs and assign tasks as needed to ensure all necessary information is collected and reported. 

Qualifications & Key Attributes  

• Bachelor’s degree required, specialization in data management, information technology, business administration, or a related field preferred. 
• At least 3 years of experience in data management, preferably in a nonprofit or fundraising capacity.
• Strong knowledge of database systems and ability to manage with a high level of accuracy (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and data security practices.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau).
• Exceptional personal ownership for meeting goals and track record of follow-through  
• Proficiency with MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word required
• Passion about the mission, vision, and goals of Good Reason Houston and how this position contributes to the Advancement team’s success 
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.

Our Team

Along with our core beliefs, the traits listed below were generated by the team to capture what it looks like in action when operating at our best. 

We embrace and drive change.

We are flexible and fierce.

We operate with a bold bias toward action.

We fess up when we mess up.

We dare greatly and engage humbly.  

We grow as we go.

We turn up the love when we turn up the heat. 

We root for each other. 

Good Reason Houston staff are expected to support this organizational culture by promoting and adhering to these team traits to maintain an open and cohesive work environment & relationships.

Working at Good Reason Houston

Good Reason Houston offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The starting salary for this position is $80,000. New hires are offered a salary depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

Good Reason Houston also has a 401(k) (automatic 3% employer contribution), life, medical, dental and vision insurance packages. 

Each employee accrues 35 paid time off days per calendar year in addition to the 19 paid holidays per year. 

Good Reason Houston is an office-based organization, but allows for virtual work on Mondays and Fridays.