Director, Data Services

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Five (5) years of full-time experience in data governance, data management, information systems, data analysis, data science and/or a related field. Demonstrated experience working with relational databases and data management systems. Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL). Experience working with complex datasets, reporting, and data interpretation. Experience developing and enforcing data standards, policies, and procedures. Prior supervisory and/or team leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Data Science, Information Systems, Analytics, or a related field. Experience in a university, nonprofit and/or large hospital setting. Experience working with fundraising systems such as Raiser's Edge, Salesforce Ascend or similar CRM platforms. Familiarity with data governance frameworks, data privacy regulations, and records retention best practices. Experience managing data security roles, access controls, and compliance processes.

Brief Description of Duties:
The Director, Data Services supports University Advancement's mission by ensuring the integrity, security, and strategic use of data across the organization. This role leads the full data services environment for Advancement, including data governance, records management, data quality, system integrations, and CRM security administration. The Director will be responsible for establishing and maintaining data governance frameworks, overseeing records management practices, and ensuring data quality, consistency, and compliance across all Advancement systems. This includes direct oversight of data policies, system integrity, access controls, and the secure operation of all CRM platforms used by University Advancement and the Stony Brook Foundation. Partnering closely with Advancement leadership and the Stony Brook Foundation, the Director aligns data governance, data services, and records management practices with organizational goals. The role ensures that data is accurate, accessible, secure, and strategically leveraged to support effective decision-making, operational excellence, and long-term institutional growth.

• Leadership:
  • Provide strategic leadership for the Data Services function, overseeing Data Governance, Records Management, and enterprise data operations. Set a clear vision for how data is collected, managed, and leveraged across the organization, and cultivate a high-performing team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Develop organization-wide data strategies, establish best practices, and implement scalable processes that ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance. Serve as the primary authority on data standards, system usage, and governance expectations, guiding stakeholders across Advancement in the effective and responsible use of data.
• Strategy & Systems Oversight:
  • Oversee the strategic management of Advancement data systems, including CRM platforms (e.g., Ascend), email (Salesforce Marketing Cloud) engagement systems, and related databases. Evaluate system performance, identify gaps, and recommend enhancements to improve data quality, usability, and efficiency. Lead initiatives related to system integrations, data flows, and process improvements. Ensure systems support Advancement's fundraising, alumni engagement, and reporting needs.
• Data Governance & Project Management:
  • Partner with Advancement leadership and key stakeholders to define strategic initiatives, data governance priorities, and success criteria. Oversee the execution of initiatives related to data governance, records management, and system optimization, ensuring alignment with Advancement's goals and objectives. Projects will include but not be limited to:
    • Data Governance Frameworks: Develop, implement, and maintain data governance policies, standards, and procedures to ensure data integrity, consistency, and accountability across Advancement systems.
    • Records Management: Establish and oversee records management practices, including data lifecycle, retention policies, and documentation standards.
    • Data Quality & Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline data processes, improve data quality, and implement best practices for data entry, integration, and maintenance. Stewardship of data integrations, system interoperability, and data architecture
    • Compliance and Security: Ensure data handling practices comply with relevant regulations and University policies. Administrative and security oversight for all Advancement CRM systems. Implement and oversee measures to protect data privacy, security, and appropriate access.
• Relationship Management:
  • Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, Advancement and other Stony Brook University departments by fostering trust, collaboration, and open communication to support performance, strategic direction, and growth initiatives. Build relationships with key University partners such as Institutional Research, Information Technology, and compliance teams to align data governance and records management practices across the institution.
• Growth/Development:
  • Participate in leadership development programs, professional organizations, and industry learning opportunities to stay current on trends in data governance, records management, and higher education data practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Notes:
The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.
Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.