Director, Development Operations

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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

Gift Processing and Donor Acknowledgment

Prospect and Pipeline Management

Systems, Technology, and Integration

Team Leadership and Collaboration

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Skills and Attributes

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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.

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