Development (Fundraising) Operations & Strategy Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Join the Greater Birmingham Humane Society as our Development Operations & Strategy Lead — the driving force behind the systems, data, and strategy that power philanthropic impact. This role is ideal for a development professional who loves turning data into action, strengthening donor relationships, and building efficient fundraising operations.

If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, analytics, and mission-driven work, we want to meet you!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare organization committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming homeless, abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. Through an open admissions philosophy and strong community partnerships, GBHS works to advance animal welfare while creating meaningful opportunities for donor engagement and philanthropic impact.

The Development Operations & Strategy Lead serves as the internal lead for development systems, donor data strategy, and stewardship operations. This position ensures the accuracy and effectiveness of fundraising infrastructure by overseeing gift processing, donor database management, reporting and analytics, and donor acknowledgement workflows.

This role supports fundraising growth by translating data into actionable insights, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening donor engagement through consistent, high-quality stewardship practices. The position does not supervise staff but functions as the primary subject-matter expert for development operations.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

The Development Operations & Strategy Lead:

• Reports to the Director of Development
• Serves as a key member of the Development team.
• Works collaboratively with Finance, Marketing, Programs, and Executive Leadership.
• Provides operational support to GBHS Auxiliary and Young Professionals Board activities as assigned.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Development Operations & Database Strategy

• Administer and optimize Raiser’s Edge / Raiser’s Edge NXT to support organizational fundraising goals.
• Oversee timely and accurate gift processing across all channels, including mail, online giving, EFTs, stock transfers, and third-party platforms.
• Maintain donor records, campaign coding, restricted gift tracking, and database integrity.
• Develop and maintain internal policies, workflows, and best practices related to donor data management.
• Perform ongoing database maintenance, cleanup, and data quality improvement initiatives.
• Serve as liaison with Finance to reconcile fundraising revenue and ensure accurate financial reporting.

Reporting, Analytics & Strategy Support

• Build and maintain recurring and ad hoc fundraising reports, dashboards, and analytics.
• Analyze donor data to identify trends, opportunities, and pipeline movement.
• Provide data-driven insights to support fundraising strategy and leadership decision-making.
• Track donor pipelines, campaign progress, and stewardship milestones.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement Operations

• Manage donor acknowledgement workflows, ensuring timely tax receipts, tribute acknowledgements, and stewardship communications.
• Support donor recognition initiatives, giving societies, and donor engagement projects.
• Coordinate mail merges and targeted donor communications in partnership with development leadership.
• Respond professionally to donor inquiries by phone, email, and in person.

Fundraising & Event Support

• Support annual giving, grant tracking, planned giving administration, and campaign execution.
• Assist with logistics and administrative support for fundraising events.
• Attend meetings and represent Development leadership as requested.

Organizational & Administrative Support

• Identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, and donor experience.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies.
• Support GBHS’ commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mission-driven service.
• Assist with special projects and cross-department initiatives as assigned.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Accuracy and integrity of donor database records.
• Timeliness and quality of donor acknowledgements.
• Reliability and clarity of fundraising reports and analytics.
• Operational efficiency improvements.
• Positive collaboration with internal stakeholders and donor satisfaction.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 2–5 years of nonprofit development, fundraising operations, or donor relations experience.
• Advanced experience with fundraising CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge strongly preferred).
• Strong understanding of gift processing, stewardship workflows, and donor lifecycle management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and reporting tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.
• Commitment to GBHS mission and values.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Work performed in a high-noise animal shelter environment.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, dust, animal dander, and zoonotic diseases.
• Weekend and evening work may be required as needed.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stoop, bend, lift, clean, mop, and other such assigned duties with ease and in a timely fashion.
• Must be comfortable working around animals and volunteers.

The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.