Creative Operations Manager Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Advancement Operations Manager is a full-time position that plays a central role in supporting the fundraising and donor engagement efforts of the Advancement Office by implementing annual fundraising strategies and managing the constituent database. Supporting the Annual Fund, the team's multi-channel appeals, donor outreach, volunteer coordination, and fundraising events. This role is key to maintaining a strong stewardship program by managing timely acknowledgments and personalized donor communications.

In addition to ensuring annual fundraising goals are met, this position maintains the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of constituent data, oversees gift processing, and develops comprehensive systems for tracking and reporting on donor activity, pledges, and giving history. As a member of the Advancement team, the manager participates in school-wide activities and cross-departmental collaborations, playing a vital role in advancing the school's mission through effective fundraising operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Database Management & Integrity

• System Proficiency: Own management of Raiser's Edge database, including data entry, cleanup, system updates, gift processing, and advanced use of queries, exports, reporting, and constituent record management. Collaborate with the finance office to reconcile donor records with the general ledger.

• Tracking & Strategy: Ensure accurate tracking of multi-year giving histories, pledges, and donor engagement to support long-term cultivation and stewardship strategies.

• Policies & Best Practices: Develop, implement, and maintain database policies and procedures; assess and improve database utilization and reporting systems; establish and share best practices in data and fundraising software management.

Annual Fund Management

• Strategy & Execution: Implement and assess Near North Fund strategy, including constituent participation and revenue goals, annual appeal calendars, management of multi-channel solicitations, and fundraising events.

• Campaigns: Participate in the planning, execution, and analysis of direct mail and online giving campaigns-managing mailing lists and metrics to grow donor participation and revenue.

Reporting & Analysis

• Data Delivery: Generate standard and custom reports, queries, dashboards, and mailing lists for development efforts.

• Performance Analysis: Assist with regular revenue reporting and campaign performance analysis for internal stakeholders, including the Advancement Office, Finance Team, Board, and other Senior Leadership.

Prospect Research & Strategy

• Collaboration: Partner with the Director of Institutional Advancement and Director of Donor and Alumni Relations to identify, research, and track prospects for annual, major, and campaign giving.

• Trend Analysis: Manage donor profiles and analyze giving trends to inform solicitation strategies.

Donor Stewardship & Acknowledgement

• Communications: Manage timely and personalized gift acknowledgments, donor communications, and stewardship strategies.

• Alignment: Coordinate with colleagues to ensure alignment of messaging and recognition programs, in addition to maintaining records in support of audits and other school processes.

Event & Program Support

• Onsite Support: Provide onsite support and data management for fundraising events.

• Follow-up: Contribute to planning, execution, and follow-up efforts such as data entry and customized gift receipt creation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Data & Tools: Deep commitment to accuracy and database integrity. Proficiency in CRM systems required (Blackbaud/Raiser's Edge a plus). Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required; proficiency in (or willingness to quickly learn) Canva and Constant Contact.

• Communication & Relationships: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; proven track record of success in event planning, donor cultivation, and professional relationship management.

• Execution: Detail-oriented, organized, and outcome-driven problem solver with the ability to manage confidential information, multitask, meet competing deadlines, and work autonomously.

• Collaboration & Flexibility: Creative, forward-thinking team player who can manage and motivate diverse groups. Must have the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned for event support, with an ability to travel if needed.

• Bachelor's Degree required; an advanced degree in a related field is preferred
• 5-7 years of fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and database management
• Minimum two years of experience in Raiser's Edge, preferably in a non-profit fundraising environment
• Ability to manage confidential information, multiple priorities, and competing deadlines plus maintain attention to detail
• Nonprofit fundraising environment
• Proven track record of success in event planning, donor cultivation, and professional relationship management
• Attention to detail and ability to problem-solve
• Must have the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and achieve results in a team environment
• Outcome-driven, with the ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Ability to manage and motivate diverse groups and individuals
• Proficiency in CRM systems required (Blackbaud a plus)
• Ability to travel if needed, as well as attend events on evenings and weekends
• Flexibility with working evenings, weekends, & holidays as assigned

Pay Information: The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000 annually based on skills and experience

To Apply:

Visit our website and apply online: https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/NearNorthMontessoriSchool/

Submit the following application materials listed below to [email protected]

• Resume
• Cover letter

Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School's equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.