Head of Operations Management (m/w/d)

Appointment Year: School Year
Lakeside School seeks a collaborative and detail-oriented Advancement Operations Manager to lead the systems, data, and reporting infrastructure that supports the school's philanthropic work. The role ensures the integrity and strategic use of advancement data in support of fundraising, stewardship, engagement, pipeline visibility, and fundraising performance tracking. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Philanthropy, the Advancement Operations Manager oversees the advancement database, reporting, dashboards, and gift processing functions, supervises the Fundraising Data Specialist, and supports data-informed advancement strategy and process improvement.
Database & Data Management

Serve as primary administrator of the advancement database, Donorperfect, ensuring data integrity and consistency.
Maintain data standards, policies, and procedures for Advancement.
Oversee database maintenance including imports, updates, and data integrity.
Conduct periodic data audits, identify root causes of recurring inconsistencies, and improve the workflows that create them.
Maintain appropriate data governance and confidentiality practices for constituent, donor, and gift information.
Develop and maintain reports and dashboards that improve visibility into pipeline health, fundraising performance, participation, and donor engagement.
Translate advancement needs into clear, actionable insights that support fundraising decision-making and portfolio management.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies and industry standards.
Systems & Operations
Manage advancement technology systems and related integrations.
Manage data imports from GreaterGiving, Veracross, DonorSearch, and other software into DonorPerfect.
Supervise the Fundraising Data Specialist.
Provide training, documentation, and support to advancement staff on database use, dashboards, and reporting tools to strengthen adoption and consistency.
Help advancement staff use data more effectively in day-to-day planning, tracking, and decision-making.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Minimum 3 years of experience managing fundraising or advancement databases.
Experience with reporting, analytics, and data management.
Experience with CRM process improvement, dashboards, or workflow automation preferred.
Experience supporting fundraising pipeline management, gift processing, or reconciliation practices preferred.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (based on FTE)
Dependent medical and vision subsidy
Retirement with generous employer contribution
Life/disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible spending accounts
Bus/bike benefits
Housing assistance program
Reduced facility rentals
Computer loan program
Paid holidays and vacation
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references via Lakeside's online application system. The team works in close partnership with school leadership, faculty, volunteers, and trustees to engage alums, families, and friends in meaningful philanthropic investment.
The Advancement team is responsible for raising approximately $3.2 million annually for the Lakeside Fund, in addition to securing support for capital projects and the school's endowment. Through disciplined relationship management, clear institutional messaging, and strong stewardship, the team helps ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of Lakeside School.
from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds.
The School's Mission and the shared commitment of all Lakeside employees is to develop in intellectually capable young people the creative minds, healthy bodies, and ethical spirits needed to contribute wisdom, compassion, and leadership to a global society. We provide a rigorous, dynamic academic program through which effective educators lead students to take responsibility for learning. We are committed to sustaining a school in which individuals representing diverse cultures and experiences instruct one another in the meaning and value of community and in the joy and importance of lifelong learning.
Lakeside School is committed to sustaining a community in which individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds teach, learn, and thrive together. To learn more about working at Lakeside-including professional development, mentoring, benefits, and opportunities for involvement-please visit the Careers page on the Lakeside School website.