Job Description

Do you have a passion for children and education? Would you like to positively impact families in need of help? We want to speak with you!

Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.

Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue the most appropriate learning options for their children. We unite communities to provide scholarships that open doors to a stronger future. With this support, students can choose the right learning environment and access resources to reach their full potential.

Our culture is rooted in two core values:
• Everyone is an asset
• Every event is an improvement opportunity

These values guide how we work together and continuously improve. We expect every team member to bring these principles to life in their daily work.

The Senior Manager, Donor Data & Operations - Step Further reports directly to the Vice President of Fundraising for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program and serves as a strategic leader responsible for advancing the organization's fundraising effectiveness through donor data management, operational excellence, and technology innovation.

This role leads the strategy, administration, and optimization of donor systems, fundraising operations, gift processing, data governance, reporting, analytics, and automation. The Senior Manager ensures the integrity, accuracy, security, and accessibility of donor information while delivering actionable insights that support fundraising growth, donor engagement, and organizational decision-making.

As a key partner to fundraising leadership, internal stakeholders, and technology vendors, this position drives cross-functional collaboration to improve donor experiences, enhance campaign performance, and streamline operational processes. The role is responsible for developing scalable systems and workflows, establishing data governance standards, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and industry best practices, and fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and exceptional service.

The Senior Manager oversees donor database functionality, operational budgets, reporting and dashboard development, and technology integrations, while leveraging automation, business intelligence tools, and predictive analytics to improve efficiency and support strategic fundraising initiatives. This leader continually evaluates and implements innovative solutions that strengthen operational performance and maximize philanthropic impact.

Success in this role requires deep expertise in fundraising operations, donor database management, data analytics, and process improvement, along with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights that drive strategy, inform decision-making, and advance the mission of Step Up For Students.

Location: Remote (United States)

Key Responsibilities:
• Manage the donor data team, data reporting and processes to provide excellent and timely customer service to donors and internal team members.
• Serve as a vital liaison between fundraising leadership and internal team, ensuring clear communication and alignment on campaign goals and partner and donor engagement processes.
• Oversee design, development, support and maintenance of donor database to include functionality, security back-up and data integrity.
• Comply with all policies, regulations and industry standards for ethical and confidential donor relations.
• Responsible for development and management of donor data and operations budget.
• Oversee ETL processes for continuous improvement ensuring they are efficient, error-free and aligned with business needs.
• Provide data automation, database queries, reporting tools and predictive modeling by utilizing Python scripting for transformation tasks, SQL for data manipulation and CI/CD principles for automation and monitoring.
• Coordinate with IT Team on technical, hardware, software, website and server administration.
• Participate with fundraising team on campaign preparation, development and performance tracking to ensure partner expectations are met.
• Collaborate with multiple internal senior leaders to ensure success with partner campaigns.
• Collaborate across teams on vendor RFPs and negotiations for specified features.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance in all data-related fundraising activities.
• Research and apply updates and instruct team on new features and more efficient processes.
• Assist in donor cultivation and stewardship events.
• Foster a shared vision demonstrating our core values.

Qualifications:
• Demonstrated success and a proven track record in professional/life experience in specific job functions, projects, or industries. Military service can substitute for professional experience and/or formal education requirements.
• Demonstrated success in managing a complex relational database and supervising data team.
• 5 -7 years of experience in relational data management including advanced SQL, fundraising, and donor relations, translating technical syntax into business-impacting operational skills.
• Expertise in Python, especially in context of data, scripting and automation.
• Proficient in SQL and database management systems (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server with API integration experience and familiarity with CI/CD tools and practices as applied to ETL processes).
• Data visualization and reporting tools experience as well as the ability to manipulate, transform or merge datasets using tools such as Excel or Python.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms such as Blackbaud's RENXT, Omatic, CharityEngine, Bloomerang, HubSpot, Constant Contact or Mailchimp.
• Understanding of website processes and PCI compliance criteria.

You’ll Stand Out If You Have:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience with individual complex giving and large-scale donor campaigns for partners.
• While all qualified applicants will be considered, preference will be given to candidates living in Florida due to occasional travel for meetings within the state.

Key Competencies:
• Demonstrates critical Transformation and Leadership skills and abilities: True Collaboration; Focusing on Outcomes: Owning and effectively solving problems for today and the future.
• Empathetic Leadership; Adaptability and Resilience; Emotional Intelligence/CEM skills and Continuous Development/Continuous Improvement Mindsets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to inspire and educate diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with problem-solving abilities and adaptability.
• Team leadership and project management skills.
• Relationship-building skills with donors, internal staff, and external partners.
• Financial literacy and ability to analyze campaign metrics.
• Results-driven, proactive, and persistent.
• Ability to communicate complex, technical matters to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and in teams in collaboration and service
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as needed.

Interview Process:

• Veriff Identity Verification
• Recruiter Video Interview
• Hiring Manager Video Interview
• Vice President, Head of Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program Final Interview

Why you’ll love working here:
• Award-Winning Culture:
We’ve been named one of the Best Companies to Work For four years in a row by Florida Trend and Workforce Research Group and honored as one of the Healthiest Companies by Florida’s First Coast Worksite Wellness Council. Fast Company recognized us as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators—proof that we foster an environment where big ideas and bold thinking are encouraged.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA, FSA, and Lifestyle Spending Accounts. We also offer a competitive 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Harmony:
Remote work options and unique time-off programs—including 14 paid holidays, Care and Parental Leave, and our Flexible Leave policy.
• Growth & Development:
From mentorship programs to management training and professional development opportunities, we invest in your career journey every step of the way.
• Supportive Professional Environment:
Our dedicated coaching team is here to help you succeed, and employee-led committees give you a voice in shaping our workplace. Collaboration isn’t just encouraged, it’s how we work.

Working Conditions and Equipment Use:
• Work is performed indoors in a typical office environment - not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance may be required, depending on role responsibilities.
• Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.
• Frequent use of office machines to include telephone, computer, and printer.

Step Up For Students is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity & inclusion in the workplace.