Description

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is seeking a Director of Development Operations to lead the systems, data, and reporting that power our growing philanthropic enterprise. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, this role ensures the accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of the Arboretum’s fundraising operations, gift processing, and donor database (Raiser’s Edge NXT). The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and team leader who brings analytical expertise, process innovation, and a passion for advancing a mission rooted in excellence, engagement, environment, and experience. This position  supports the Advancement Division – encompassing Development, Marketing & Guest Experience, and Sales, Special Events & Membership.

Join the Advancement team and help strengthen the foundation that fuels a garden for all.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Development Operations is responsible for building and managing the operational framework that supports the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s growing philanthropic enterprise. This role provides strategic oversight of the systems, processes, and data that drive fundraising, membership, and engagement success.

Working closely with the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and departmental leadership, the Director ensures the integrity of donor information, optimizes CRM use (Raiser’s Edge NXT), manages gift processing and acknowledgment, develops performance dashboards, and produces analytical reports that inform strategy and decision-making across the Advancement Division.

The Director leads the Advancement Services team and serves as a critical link between Development, Finance, and IT, ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficiency in all philanthropic operations.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Strategic Advancement Infrastructure

• Partner with the CAO to align operational systems and policies with the Arboretum’s philanthropic and strategic goals.
• Design and maintain efficient workflows for gift processing, acknowledgment, pledge management, reporting, and reconciliation.
• Manage CRM structure (Raiser’s Edge NXT) to ensure accurate, timely, and comprehensive donor data.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for Advancement functions, ensuring compliance with best practices, IRS regulations, and AFP standards.
• Oversee the production of analytical tools and reports to track performance across Development, Membership, and Campaign initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance to reconcile contributed revenue monthly and support annual audit documentation.

Data Management and Reporting

• Supervise all aspects of donor and prospect data management, including data entry, hygiene, segmentation, and coding.
• Establish and maintain consistent data standards across the Advancement Division.
• Generate reports and dashboards to monitor revenue progress, donor retention, campaign performance, and membership metrics.
• Partner with leadership to analyze giving patterns and identify opportunities for growth.
• Manage research and reporting requests, ensuring data accuracy and meaningful insights.

Gift Processing and Donor Acknowledgment

• Oversee all gift processing functions, ensuring that gifts are recorded promptly and accurately.
• Manage the acknowledgment process, including donor receipts, thank-you letters, and recognition tracking.
• Ensure timely coordination with Accounting for daily batching, reconciliation, and reporting of contributions.
• Establish quality-control measures to maintain high accuracy and compliance with audit requirements.

Prospect and Pipeline Management

• Partner with Development leadership to establish consistent use of Moves Management within Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Support portfolio management by generating reports, tracking pipeline activity, and ensuring donor movement through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages.
• Provide data analysis to inform portfolio assignments, campaign planning, and annual fundraising goals.

Systems, Technology, and Integration

• Serve as primary Advancement liaison with IT to ensure technology systems meet the needs of the Advancement Division.
• Evaluate and implement software tools that enhance donor engagement, analytics, and event management.
• Manage data integrations between Raiser’s Edge NXT, Luminate, Altru, or other systems as applicable.
• Maintain user security and provide ongoing staff training to promote data literacy and system proficiency.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise Advancement Services staff, including Database/Gift Entry personnel and the Advancement Coordinator (shared reporting as appropriate).
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and cross-departmental communication within Advancement and Finance.
• Model a culture of service, accuracy, and continuous improvement in support of donor relations and stewardship excellence.

Requirements

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive experience in nonprofit advancement operations, database management, or fundraising administration.
• Proven success managing Raiser’s Edge NXT or comparable CRM systems.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, charitable gift types, and IRS compliance standards.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate data into actionable insights for staff and leadership.
• Leadership experience with the ability to motivate and mentor team members.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a culture of philanthropy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Full-time, exempt position.
• Occasional evening or weekend work required for special events or deadlines.

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world-class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment. 

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.