As a member of University Advancement's Development and Engagement team, the Advancement CRM Administrator reports to the Executive Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Services and serves as the primary administrator and strategic steward of the Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system that supports fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship efforts.
This position is responsible for the administration, optimization, and ongoing evolution of the CRM and related advancement technologies. The Administrator ensures that systems, data, and processes effectively support advancement goals while maintaining data integrity, security, and compliance with institutional standards. By partnering with Advancement staff, University IT, and external vendors, this role helps drive operational efficiency, support data-informed decision making, and enhance the user experience across the advancement technology ecosystem.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
CRM Administration & Technology Strategy
- Serve as the primary administrator for the Advancement CRM, supporting system functionality, user needs, and ongoing enhancements.
- Partner with University Advancement and University IT leadership to implement the advancement technology roadmap and align systems with evolving fundraising and engagement priorities.
- Evaluate and recommend system enhancements, new features, and third-party tools to improve operational effectiveness.
- Support system upgrades, testing efforts, and implementation of new functionality.
Systems Integration & Data Management
- Manage and support integrations between the CRM and related advancement and university systems.
- Oversee data imports, exports, and automated processes to ensure accurate and consistent information across platforms.
- Establish and maintain data standards, business rules, and quality control procedures that promote data integrity and reliable reporting.
- Manage user security and access permissions in accordance with institutional policies and data privacy standards.
Project Management & Collaboration
- Lead and support CRM-related projects from planning and requirements gathering through implementation and user adoption.
- Collaborate with Advancement stakeholders to develop system solutions, reports, dashboards, and workflows that support fundraising, engagement, and operational goals.
- Prioritize system enhancement requests and communicate project status and outcomes to key stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain documentation, training materials, and resources that support effective system use.
User Support & Continuous Improvement
- Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting, and training for CRM users.
- Partner with Advancement Services colleagues to support business processes, including fundraising operations and gift processing.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes through automation, technology enhancements, and emerging tools.
- Evaluate opportunities for automation, AI-enabled functionality, and emerging technologies while ensuring appropriate data governance, privacy security, and human oversight.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned in alignment with Widener University’s mission, values, and fundraising priorities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Three (3+) years of experience administering and supporting CRM or enterprise database systems, preferably in higher education, advancement, or nonprofit organizations.
- Experience managing constituent or customer data, system configurations, reporting, and user support.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain data integrity through data governance, quality control, and record management practices.
- Strong project management, analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
Preferred
- Experience with Blackbaud NXT, Slate, Salesforce, or similar CRM platforms.
- Familiarity with advancement technologies such as AlumniQ, ThankView/EverTrue, or Colleague.
- Experience supporting CRM implementations, system integrations, or major technology enhancement projects.
- Experience working with external vendors and technology partners.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Ability and willingness to travel to ensure successful volunteer engagement and cultivation activities.
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends required.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time at campus events, presentations or other related events.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
