Director of Database Operations

Location: Washington, D.C.
Supervisor: Vice President of Membership

Position Description

The Director of Database Operations is responsible for the management, oversight, understanding, and accuracy of Defenders of Wildlife and the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund fundraising and constituent databases maintained at Public Interest Data (PIDI) and Convio.  S/he should be fluent in the functionality of the software; the flow of data between all systems and partners/vendors; and directly manages the exchange of data between key systems.  The Director creates reports, recommends changes and improvements to the design and synchronization of the databases, and manages the use of specific tools to aid in the direct response programs, especially the creation of fundraising mail plans.  S/he also makes recommendations and manages reports on data enhancements that can help improve the marketing and fundraising functions that generate $30 million annually.  The Director ensures the accurate and timely transfer of data to the Defenders Reporting Center which provides budgetary, financial, and statistical reports on the direct response and development programs.  Knowledge of direct response marketing and fundraising programs is essential. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Data and System Management:

  • Ensures accuracy of the data and the security and integrity of the master database at PIDI and online database at Convio.  Manages the maintenance, development, and quality control programs and works to ensure that donation and interaction information is accurately synched, recorded, tracked, and reported through these quality control programs.
  • Manages the complex flows of constituent transaction and interaction data from Convio to PIDI, and from PIDI to Convio.  Troubleshoots problems and identifies opportunities for improvement.  Ensures that data synchronizations are conducted in a timely and efficient manner with a high level of quality control.
  • Manages relationships with service providers, programmers, e-commerce providers, and online partners as they affect data flow and integrity.  Monitors the data acquisition and its accurate application to the databases originating from all sources including Direct Mail Processors (DMP), Fineline Solutions, Defenders Action Fund, grassroots/external field activities, online recruitment efforts/partners, telemarketing vendors, and other sources.  This includes acquiring data, packaging data files, transmitting files, following up with vendors, enforcing conventions, applying codes, and reviewing data records from all sources and on all platforms.
  • Manages querying and reporting functions.  Supports staff in developing and implementing queries, and reviews and recommends changes to current processes. Maintains an efficient daily workflow of queries and output.
  • Anticipates and oversees functional enhancements to databases affecting key populations including members, major donors (President’s Council), legacy supporters and activists.  Continually analyzes database structure and processing functions in light of new Defenders programs and adjusts the database design to accommodate the changes.  Maintains and enforces proper use of existing codes and structure.  Regularly audits codes and database structure, manages creation of new codes or structural changes, and monitors use of data across functions.
  • Key team member of Defenders Reporting Center.  This system provides budgetary, financial and analytical reports on the direct response program.  S/he is responsible for the accurate and regular transfer of updated information to the Center.
  • Helps develop operating objectives and the annual budget.

User Support:

  • Facilitates staff understanding of procedures and protocols for data use between systems and establishes conventions of use by all classes of users.  Manages training of staff on systems and tools, especially PIDI’s Direct Select.  Interprets users’ needs and recommends solutions.
  • Develops strong knowledge of the PIDI and Convio platforms.  Responsible for understanding new releases and assessing their impact on the data synchs between them, fundraising programs and activist recruitment/retention.

Staff Management:

  • Hires and oversees the Database Management Associate and Database Coordinator, assigns and reviews projects, performs annual and interim staff reviews and other related administrative tasks.  Recommend, review and approve employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues.
  • Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs.
  • Develop short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements
  • Develop and recommend departmental budget
  • Ensure optimum performance of group function. Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs and maintain state-of-the-art practices.
  • Recommend, review and approve employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues.
  • Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary.
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent in information systems, computer sciences, business, or related discipline

Experience:  6+ years of progressively responsible database administration in a marketing or fundraising environment, preferably with large database systems. 2+ years of relevant management/supervisory experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above

Other Qualifications:

  • Strong analytical and project management skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • Ability to create, manage, and document processes and procedures
  • Must demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making skills

How To Apply

Interested applicants please reference Director of Database Operations in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered) to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.