Senior Director, Advancement Operations

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Job Summary

The Senior Director-Advancement Operations will serve as a strategic partner to the Vice President, Advancement Operations, overseeing core development operations to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, and strategic alignment across the advancement function. Lead the teams responsible for gift processing, donor relations, data management, and management reporting to ensure seamless execution and high standards of excellence. Drive process improvements, leverage technology, and ensure data integrity to sustain and expand CCAC's purpose-driven work for years to come. Collaborate closely with the giving and finance teams to optimize donor experience, enhance fundraising outcomes, and support enterprise-wide financial stewardship.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

• Core operational responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of advancement processes, including data management, gift processing, donor relations, and reporting. Establish clear goals, operating plans, and process standards that ensure efficiency, data accuracy, and transparency across all development functions. Maintain oversight of revenue tracking and ensure timely reconciliation with the finance system. Implement business process controls to protect data integrity and ensure reliable financial reporting.

• Role growth, performance, and outreach goals

Advance CCAC's fundraising infrastructure by integrating emerging technologies and best practices in advancement operations. Use analytics and benchmarking to measure outcomes, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform strategic decisions. Drive continuous improvement to enhance donor relations strategy, strengthen operational performance, and support long-term financial sustainability.

• External relationship responsibilities

Collaborate with vendors, consultants, and technology providers to ensure CCAC's advancement systems meet evolving organizational and donor needs. Represent advancement operations in cross-departmental and external partner meetings, ensuring alignment and stewardship excellence across all donor touchpoints.

• Internal, cross-functional collaboration responsibilities

Partner closely with the Giving team to support front-line fundraising strategy and execution. Collaborate with the Finance team to reconcile revenue data and ensure consistency between Raiser's Edge and financial accounting systems. Work cross-functionally to design and maintain systems, policies, and reporting tools that enhance operational efficiency and organizational transparency.

• Team leadership responsibilities

Lead and develop the Donor Relations, Data Management, and Gift Processing teams, providing clear direction, accountability, and professional support. Set measurable goals, use data-driven feedback to assess performance, and ensure teams operate collaboratively to deliver excellence. Model solution-oriented thinking, strategic execution, and alignment with CCAC's purpose in all areas of advancement operations.

• People development responsibilities

Develop staff capability through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and improvement to strengthen team engagement, retention, and impact.

Team Member Responsibilities

• Exhibit alignment with the team's clear goals that are mission-focused, grounded in Catholic Charities history, and tied to action.
• Contribute to a joy-filled culture built upon respect and inclusion, team pride, and community spirit.
• Collaborate effectively to support excellent process, accountability, and constructive conflict.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth through learning, forgiveness, and reflection.

Living Our Values

• Courageous Compassion: Welcome and serve all with an open heart, empathic listening, and a commitment to radical hospitality.
• Solidarity: Embrace shared humanity by celebrating and giving voice to our differences and choosing the path of collaboration and inclusion.
• Faith-filled Hope and Joy: Uplift each other in times of darkness and celebrate together in times of light, leaning in with humility, humor, and hope.
• Meaningful and Measurable Impact: Meet human need with love, balance immediate action with lasting change, and act with accountability through dialogue, analyses, and reflection.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in development operations, advancement services, fundraising analytics, or related areas.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in development operations, advancement services, fundraising analytics, or related areas.
• Experience in a large, multi-program social service organization.
• Familiarity with Catholic Charities or other faith-based organizational structures and values.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex operational processes within a nonprofit, higher education, or mission-driven environment. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Advanced proficiency with fundraising CRMs (preferably Raiser's Edge) and data reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, systems-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated success in process improvement and data governance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building capabilities across departments and with senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and reconciliation between advancement and finance systems.
• Familiarity with business intelligence and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Understanding of donor relations, stewardship best practices, and campaign reporting.
• Demonstrated experience aligning advancement operations with organizational strategy and revenue goals.
• Alignment with Catholic Social Teaching and CCAC's purpose-driven culture.

Minimum Certifications & Licensures

• None required.

Preferred Certifications & Licensures

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

X Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling or standing multiple times a day.

X Push and pull objects up to 10 pounds.

X Climb up and down up to 4 flights of stairs at a time.

X Lift up to 10 pounds.

Other Requirements

X Background check, including any program specific requirements.

Compensation: $120,000-$145,000 / year