Description

Primary Reporting to: Vice President of Development

Position Overview: 
The Development Operations Manager provides strategic and operational support for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County’s development department. This role is the central hub for development operations and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and effective use of development data, systems, and processes that support donor engagement, portfolio management, and revenue growth. 
Serving as a key partner to the Vice President of Development and Senior Director of Development, the Development Operations Manager supports all phases of the fundraising cycle, including prospect identification, moves management, reporting, forecasting, grant tracking, compliance and stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:
Development Operations & Systems Management
   Manage, optimize, and maintain the organization’s CRM platforms, including Tessitura and GiveSmart, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, integrity, and compliance with institutional standards
   Establish, implement, and oversee best practices for data governance, documentation, policies, procedures, and reporting protocols
   Oversee timely and accurate gift processing, acknowledgments, and donor record management in partnership with the Finance team
   Serve as the primary internal resource for database usage, reporting, training, and system troubleshooting
   Manage donor segmentation, list generation, corporate partners, and targeted mail and email campaigns to support fundraising, stewardship, and engagement initiatives

Prospect Management & Pipeline Oversight
   Partner with the Vice President of Development and Senior Director of Development to manage prospect pipelines and implement effective moves management strategies
   Support portfolio health by tracking, analyzing, and monitoring donor engagement, activity, and progression
   Coordinate donor and corporate partner discovery, qualification, and prospect research efforts to strengthen the fundraising pipeline
   Conduct prospect analysis and identification to support proactive pipeline development
   Provide data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to advance major, leadership, and institutional giving initiatives

Reporting, Forecasting & Performance Analysis
   Produce regular dashboards and comprehensive reports for Development leadership, the President/CEO, and Board committees
   Analyze fundraising performance, donor trends, campaign results, and portfolio metrics to inform strategy, goal setting, and decision-making
   Leverage CRM data to support fundraising projections, forecasts, and annual and multi-year development budgets in partnership with the Vice President of Development
   Track and report on revenue performance across campaigns, concerts, events, and fundraising initiatives against established targets
   Provide data-driven insights related to donor engagement, retention, upgrade opportunities, and overall fundraising effectiveness

Project Management & Cross-Functional Team Coordination 
   Manage timelines, workflows, and deliverables for major fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and special events
   Coordinate cross-functional and cross-departmental development projects to ensure alignment, accountability, and follow-through
   Establish and manage clear processes between Development and Marketing to improve coordination, timing, and effectiveness of donor communications.
   Support departmental planning and goal tracking in partnership with the Vice President of Development, including benchmarks and progress reporting
   Assist with vendor management and contracts related to development operations, systems, and services

Training, Standards & Systems Expertise
   Train and support Development staff in Tessitura CRM usage, including Contributions, Appeals, Constituent Records, Prospect Management, and Reporting modules
   Establish, document, and reinforce standardized development operations processes, data entry protocols, and reporting practices to ensure data integrity and consistency across the system
   Serve as a subject-matter expert and advisor to leadership on Tessitura functionality, data strategy, and development operations effectiveness

Compliance & Financial Stewardship
   Ensure compliance with organizational policies, financial standards, and fundraising requirements
   Support development operations budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking
   Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive donor and financial information

Donor Engagement & Event Support
   Attend and support occasional donor engagement activities during concerts and performances as needed
   Work with team to support a seamless, donor-centered experience at concerts and events through accurate data, coordination, and operational support
   Provide on-site operational and donor support for the annual gala and other major donor events

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience
   Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
   Minimum of five years of experience in development operations, advancement services, or fundraising administration
   Five years of hands-on experience with Tessitura CRM and related fundraising systems
   Proven ability to manage complex projects, data systems, and competing priorities
   Experience collaborating effectively with senior leadership, board committees, and cross-functional teams
   Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a high level of professionalism and discretion
   Experience in or strong interest in the performing arts or cultural nonprofit sector preferred

Physical & Mental Requirements
   Ability to sit or stand for extended periods 
   Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally (e.g., marketing materials)
   Comfortable using computers and office equipment for prolonged periods 
   Strong attention to detail and ability to manage shifting priorities
   Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed