Advancement Operations Manager

Advancement Operations Manager

Hybrid Fully onsite required during onboarding period, hybrid flexibility available after. Can be discussed during the interview process.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Overview
The Advancement Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of the Advancement Operations team supporting the Membership, Development and Marketing & Communications teams at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This supervisory position also includes hands-on operational responsibilities as needed.

This role manages complex operational processes related to gift administration, donor and membership data, reporting, stewardship events and support, and fulfillment activities. The Advancement Operations Manager provides metrics and analysis to support decision-making, ensures operational quality and compliance, and serves as the team's representative on the Advancement Leadership Team. This position works independently with minimal direction and exercises significant judgment in advancing departmental goals and priorities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Department and Team Leadership (40%)
Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve on the Advancement leadership team and collaborate with Advancement and
  other colleagues.
• Interpret and adapt policies and procedures.
• Participate in planning and development and make decisions based on best practices and significant knowledge of the unit's objectives and activities.
• Provide support for other Advancement teams as directed by the Advancement Director.
• Proactively foster a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Provide strategic direction and priorities for Advancement Operations, aligning the team goals with Advancement and Arboretum strategic plans.
• Contribute operational insights and data-informed recommendations to departmental planning and decision-making.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the Advancement Operations annual budget and monthly forecasts.
• Request and manage operational funding as needed.

Team Supervision and Daily Oversight (30%)
Supervision & Staff Development

• Supervise the day-to-day administrative support operations of the advancement operations team, including Advancement Operations Associate positions and donor event and stewardship positions.
• Hire, promote, discharge, assign work, reward, discipline and direct the work of team
  employees.
• Support staff training and professional development opportunities.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the fulfillment of tax-deductible gift acknowledgments, stewardship reporting, data issue resolution, membership fulfillment, and record retention.
• Oversee donor events and stewardship activities, including major fundraising events, donor stewardship events and gifts, and donor recognition management.
• Communicate with donors to provide stewardship support, clarify philanthropic intent, and resolve service-related questions.
• Manage volunteers supporting Advancement Operations.
• Interpret and implement University and departmental policies and procedures

Process Development and Quality Assurance (20%)

• Develop and improve processes supporting gift administration and donor relations operations, including:
  gift entry and processing (32,000+ entries annually)
  gift acknowledgment and stewardship reporting
  membership fulfillment (55,000+ member cards annually)
  data integrity and issue resolution projects
• Establish work procedures and standards to improve operational efficiency, effectiveness, and donors' experience along a relationship and giving continuum.
• Resolve operational issues that significantly impact Departmental goals and services.
• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, University policies, and established data standards.
• Identify and implement solutions to technical and operational challenges.
• Collaborate on evaluation and resolution of CRM functionalities.

Other (10%)

• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree, plus six years of relevant experience
• Experience working with donor, membership, or constituent database/CRM systems, including data entry and records management
• Experience supervising, leading, or coordinating the work of staff or teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and operational metrics
• Experience developing or improving operational processes and workflows
• Advanced knowledge of CRM/database systems and functionality
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or membership-based organizations.
• Proficiency in Asana or similar project management software

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a public-facing unit of the University, and is an accredited museum and public garden welcoming nearly 700,000 annual visitors. The Arboretum is located in Chanhassen, MN and includes 1,200 acres of gardens, collections and natural areas.

The Advancement Department includes four teams: Advancement Operations, Development, Marketing & Communications, Membership & Annual Giving. Each team has a manager serving on the Advancement Department's leadership team. The Advancement Operations team supports the other Advancement teams and performs complex operational processes related to gift administration, donor and membership data, reporting, stewardship events and support, and fulfillment activities.

Pay Range: $78,000 - $88,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include a resume and a cover letter with your application.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.