Director Research & Analytics

University of Colorado • Denver, CO

10h • $114,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose. By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities. We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration . Position Summary: The CU System Office of Advancement provides excellent customer service, strategy, expertise, and efficiency to our partners on CU’s campuses and at the University of Colorado Foundation. We support CU’s fundraising and engagement goals through advancement operations that include constituent research and development, data management, business intelligence, technical architecture, annual giving, planned giving, gift administration, marketing and communications, IT, budget and finance, and more. We believe that a healthy office culture is foundational to our success. We create this by bringing together a diverse team of colleagues and infusing our core values—Work Together, Think Big, Be Good and Have Fun—into our work every day. The Director of Research & Analytics serves as the leader of the Research & Analytics department. They are responsible for hiring, supervising, training, and mentoring a team of seven University of Colorado Development Research Analysts or Senior Development Research Analysts; implementing plans for reactive and proactive research programs including leading the adoption or development of new tools and procedures to improve and grow the department’s work; and creating annual strategic and operating plans and budget for the Research & Analytics department. They understand and expertly apply national best practices, processes, and technologies for prospect development and continually seek out new industry knowledge. As a collaborative partner, they meet with campus and System Advancement staff and leadership to consult on or scope out projects and to cultivate a depth of organizational knowledge. They carry out large-scale and complex research and analysis projects. This position is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system and reports to the Senior Director of Portfolio Intelligence, Research, and Data Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
• Six (6) years’ professional experience in the field of prospect research or related field in a higher education fundraising environment
• Two (2) year of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, which includes managing personnel, developing/mentoring direct reports, and completing performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement, high performance, and employee retention
• Employee management, supervision, and team building skills, including the ability to train and coach others, communicate effectively, manage conflict, reward good behavior, and establish and maintain accountability.
• Knowledge of modern and complex principles and best practices of university advancement program development and administration.
• Research skills, including the ability to utilize a variety of tools to ask questions, gather information, and review, analyze, and interpret data.
• Knowledge of prospect development concepts, tools, techniques, and best practices (e.g., LexisNexis, iWave, DonorSearch, SEC and FEC filings, etc.).
• Knowledge of Salesforce Ascend (donor database) or other fundraising database.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to examine and summarize data and trends to resolve issues and produce results.
• Project management skills, including the ability to organize data and materials, solve problems, negotiate with others to reach a common objective, communicate information and changes, adapt to shifting priorities, manage conflict, and meet deadlines.
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly.
• Proofreading, grammar, punctuation, and formatting skills, including the ability maintain consistency and be cognizant of and address details.
• Ability to build and foster relationships with campus and internal partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex rules and regulations.
• Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential material.
• Computer skills, including the ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) and learn and experiment with new software and systems.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Eight (8) years’ professional experience, as indicated above
• Three (3) years’ experience in a team lead or supervisory role, as indicated above

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, and mentor Development Research Analysts/Senior Development Research Analysts on standard CU products and protocols, database use, vendor resources, and prospect research and data analysis techniques.
• Supervise Analysts, including preparing annual performance reviews, setting performance goals, and determining glide paths.
• Create annual strategic and operating plans.
• Monitor and evaluate progress.
• Oversee the prospect research and data analysis workloads, including monitoring SLAs and queue health.
• Negotiate the breadth and timeline of prospect research requests as needed.
• Review Analysts’ work products as needed to ensure consistency and quality.
• In partnership with the Assistant Director of Portfolio Intelligence, ensure Analysts maintain healthy cross-functional processes to ensure high quality deliverables with their counterparts in the Portfolio Intelligence team.
• Proactively identify new data sources and tools.
• Oversee the implementation and training necessary for adoption.
• Identify and increase professional development opportunities for Analysts.
• Create tools and reports with Cognos, SQL, Salesforce Reports, or other platforms to make Research & Analytics’ work more efficient, effective, and impactful.
• Create new policies and procedures to better track and standardize Research & Analytics work products and processes.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive prospect research and analysis program, including reactive and proactive research.
• Conduct high-level research on individuals, corporations, and foundations as needed for high-level customers.
• Expertly utilize available resources (including LexisNexis for Development Professionals, PRO iWave, DonorSearch, and LiveAlumni).
• Conduct descriptive analysis projects for System and campus Advancement leadership, including the CU President and the CU Advancement Vice President, to help inform staffing levels, goal setting, etc.
• May work with vendors on predictive analytics projects.
• Communicate effectively with fundraisers, campus/System leadership, and other System units in order to scope and project-manage large projects.
• Stay current on prospect research trends and develop a network of contacts with other development research professionals nationwide.
• Cultivate a broad knowledge of campus priorities and activity and of System projects and capabilities.
• Understand and effectively utilize information in database, including entity records, gift data, and reports.
• Work with campus leadership on research and analysis efforts for campus-based campaigns and/or strategic growth plans, including working with the Portfolio Intelligence team in the development of top prospect pools, building guidelines around the management of those pools, and building reports to track penetration of the pools.
• Work with Development Research Analysts to provide key support to campus and system principal gifts teams in principal gift pipeline growth, research, and analysis, to achieve philanthropic goals.
• Participate on committees and/or task forces as requested.
• Participate in testing and implementation of system additions, modifications, and improvement in partnership with the University.
• Participate in employee engagement activities and serve as ambassador for Central Advancement’s mission, vision, values, and guiding principles.
• Assist with special projects as requested.

Benefits

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director