Managing Director of Advancement Finance and Operations

Mission:

The Managing Director of Advancement Finance and Operations will develop, implement, and maintain strong budgeting and financial policies and procedures for the Advancement Division’s fundraising efforts and programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, this role will ensure financial compliance, transparency, and efficiency by maintaining a close partnership with the Finance Division, particularly the Department of Financial Compliance and Grants.

This leader will oversee the financial planning, analysis, and reporting of fundraising and philanthropic initiatives, including the preparation of the Donor Annual Report. The Director will also ensure all gift transactions and records are accurate, up to date, and easily reportable externally. The position will play a critical role in aligning Advancement Division financial practices with broader organizational compliance policies while maintaining strong donor trust through transparency and accountability.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Managing Director of Advancement Finance and Operations will directly manage:

• Advancement Operations Manager
• Assistant Director of Donor Engagement

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

Minimal travel may be required for in-person meetings or collaboration with internal stakeholders, estimated at less than 10% annually.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

Financial Leadership and Strategy:

• Coordinate and manage all internal advancement budgets
• Receive and process budget requests from directors and departments and assist in the determination and preparation of philanthropic budgets.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to support the Advancement Division’s fundraising programs.
• Partner closely with the Finance Division and the Department of Financial Compliance and Grants to ensure all financial practices align with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper tax acknowledgment for donations and provide timely, accurate financial reports to donors, including the preparation of the donor annual report, and year-end tax statements for major donors.
• Streamline procedures for spending approvals (e.g., corporate AMEX use) to enhance efficiency for fundraising efforts.

Operational Compliance and Reporting:

• Maintain and oversee the advancement side of the accounting system (Tyler Munis) to ensure accurate management of deposits, revenue, and philanthropic gifts.
• Verify and review data entered into the accounting system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational standards.
• Assess accounting system needs and recommend changes to improve reporting capabilities for the Advancement Division.
• Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for allocating, spending, and reporting on philanthropic gifts.

Collaboration and Integration:

• Serve as the Advancement Division’s primary liaison to the Finance Division, banks, endowment management firms, auditors, and other financial partners.
• Work closely with donor relations teams to ensure timely and accurate reporting to donors.
• Ensure financial processes and donor-related reporting align with organizational goals and compliance standards.

Process Optimization and Knowledge Management:

• Build and maintain a centralized repository of financial records to support seamless access for compliance and reporting purposes.
• Leverage data insights to refine financial strategies and improve decision-making across the Advancement Division.
• Monitor and implement industry best practices to enhance Advancement Division financial processes and reporting capabilities.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This leader is responsible for guiding the decision-making process within the team. They foster a collaborative environment where team members contribute to decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and team consensus is built when appropriate.
• Manage Work and Teams: This leader is responsible for the overall performance and cohesion of their team. They build operating mechanisms, establish strategic plans, and implement project management systems that ensure that their team operates smoothly and achieves its targets.
• Grow Self and Others: This leader is responsible for fostering a culture of growth within the team. They create opportunities for team learning, facilitate team development sessions, and ensure that team members have the resources and support they need to grow professionally.
• Build a Culture of Trust: This leader is responsible for ensuring team members feel safe to express their ideas and concerns. They proactively address conflicts and facilitate open communication, setting the standard for trust and safety within the team.
• Communicate Deliberately: This leader prioritizes open channels of communication on their team. They facilitate team meetings, ensure clear dissemination of information, and encourage feedback loops within their teams to promote understanding and cohesion.

Additional Skills:

• Extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance within nonprofit or fundraising contexts.
• Strong leadership skills, with a proven ability to foster collaboration across departments and manage direct reports effectively.
• Expertise in Tyler Munis (or similar accounting systems) and financial reporting tools.
• Deep understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements for philanthropic and grant funding.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop insights from financial data.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Excellent communication skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Required experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, or compliance.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing financial policies, processes, and systems for fundraising and nonprofit initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and optimize accounting systems, particularly Tyler Munis or similar platforms.
• Experience in the education or nonprofit sector is highly desirable.

Preferred experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, or compliance.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing financial policies, processes, and systems for fundraising and nonprofit initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and optimize accounting systems, particularly Tyler Munis or similar platforms.
• Experience in the education or nonprofit sector is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• This is a mostly sedentary position.
• The ability to move in construction sites for events and tours.
• The ability to help set up for events (e.g., fundraising, organization-wide, team events, etc.).

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $108,100 and $128,600, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here.