Description

The Development Operations Manager is a key operational and data leader on the Humane Society of Southern Arizona Development team, supporting the infrastructure that drives nearly $3.5M in annual philanthropic revenue. This role strengthens fundraising efficacy by ensuring data integrity, actionable reporting, and efficient systems that enable strategic, relationship-based donor engagement.
Serving as the administrator and subject matter expert for HSSA’s CRM, DonorPerfect, the Development Operations Manager oversees data governance, gift processing, and portfolio management, while conducting prospect research and maintaining accurate, comprehensive donor records. This work equips frontline fundraisers and leadership with the insights needed to prioritize and cultivate donor relationships.
As the team’s lead for direct response strategy, the Development Operations Manager leverages segmentation, performance analytics, and donor insights to optimize annual giving programs across mail and digital channels, with a focus on revenue growth, donor retention, and maximum return on investment.
The Development Operations Manager also leads project management for Development initiatives and campaigns, ensuring timely, coordinated execution aligned with organizational goals and fundraising best practices.
Essential Functions:
Drive operations of the Development office, ensuring efficient processes that support the team’s annual fundraising goal of approximately $3.5M.

Contribute to the strategy and execution of HSSA’s annual Development Plan.

Drive an effective moves-management system by supporting portfolio management, tracking donor interactions and engagement, and ensuring accountability.

Coordinate strategic donor outreach efforts for frontline fundraisers and leadership by conducting prospect research, preparing briefing materials, generating mailing and outreach lists, and drafting donor-facing communications.

 Apply data-driven segmentation, trend analysis, and donor insights to identify and engage the most receptive audiences for HSSA’s direct-response fundraising program, including direct mail and digital appeals.

Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for the donor database (DonorPerfect), leading data governance, system optimization, and user support.

Establish and maintain standards, policies, and procedures for donor data management, including data entry, naming conventions, opportunity tracking, and record maintenance to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Monitor and analyze key performance indicators, reports, and dashboards to track fundraising progress, inform strategy, and support decision-making.

Lead end-to-end project management for major Development initiatives using Asana and other systems, establishing project timelines, managing dependencies, and coordinating cross-functional collaboration projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.

Provide operational support across all fundraising activities, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, donor stewardship, and donor recognition.

Support the planning and execution of special events, donor tours, and other engagement activities.

Provide high-quality customer service to donors across all giving levels via phone, written communication, and in-person interactions.

Provide general administrative and team support, including serving as backup for other Development staff as needed.

Represent HSSA in a professional and positive manner.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Three years of experience in nonprofit development, philanthropy operations, advancement services, prospect development, or a related role.
Experience managing a donor database/CRM system (e.g., DonorPerfect or similar), including overseeing data entry standards, reporting, system maintenance, and user training.
Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Experience leading project management for a team.
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive donor information with a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment, building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to lead through influence and engender collaboration amongst teams.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to provide high-quality customer service.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and take initiative in a dynamic work environment.
Proactive and creative problem-solving skills, with strong analytical and research capabilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and familiarity with using project-management software like Asana.
Preferred Qualifications:
Proven track record in fundraising and relationship management.
Experience in prospect research, moves management, or pipeline tracking.
Experience partnering closely with frontline development team members and leadership to support strategy, decision-making, and successful solicitations.
Experience utilizing DonorPerfect in a nonprofit Development office.
Experience leading project management for a nonprofit Development team.
Proficiency in using Asana for project management.
Demonstrated ability to translate data into insights that inform fundraising strategy and outreach.
Bilingual proficiency in written and oral English and Spanish
Experience volunteering or working with an animal welfare organization.