Development Operations Manager

Covenant College Job Description

Development Operations Manager

Join a team of employees committed to an exciting mission: offering the world biblically grounded men and women equipped to live out extraordinary callings in ordinary places. Covenant College is a community committed to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, and everything we do is grounded in our Reformed theology and worldview.

Covenant has a beautiful 400-acre campus that sits atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia, on the Georgia/Tennessee border, just outside Chattanooga. The community is a hub of vibrant cultural, educational, business, high-tech, and entertainment activity and is an affordable place to live or raise a family. The campus enjoys incredible vistas of the Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau with views that span across several states. The region is widely known as an outdoor recreational paradise for campers, boaters, cyclists, climbers, cavers, and hikers, all this while being conveniently located within two hours of Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville.

Summary:

​The Development Operations Manager supports Covenant College's fundraising and advancement efforts by overseeing operational systems, donor data integrity, gift processing, reporting, and internal development processes. This role ensures the Development Office operates efficiently through strong database management, accurate financial and donor reporting, and coordinated support of annual fundraising initiatives. The position partners with development leadership to provide data insights, operational support, and administrative coordination that strengthen the College's advancement strategy and donor engagement.

Essential Job Functions:

Development Operations & Gift Processing

• Manage timely and accurate gift entry, including cash gifts, pledges, recurring gifts, stock gifts, and matching gifts.
• Direct the gift acknowledgment process to ensure donors receive timely and appropriate recognition.
• Maintain and manage the donor database (Slate) to ensure accuracy, integrity, and consistency of development records.
• Administer access to institutional mailing lists and development databases.
• Ensure compliance with development reporting and data processing requirements.

Annual Fund & Development Campaign Support

• Manage internal operations of the College's annual fundraising efforts (the Covenant Fund), including segmentation and mailings.
• Monitor and record Major Gift Officer (MGO) matrix activity and produce reports as needed.
• Collaborate with development leadership to support campaign initiatives and fundraising goals.
• Assist with corporate and foundation research, grant writing, and foundation reporting.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Produce dashboards and data insights to support leadership decision-making and fundraising strategy.
• Prepare board-level and executive-level development reports.
• Facilitate departmental assessments and ensure completion of evaluation processes.
• Monitor development reporting processes to ensure accuracy and timely distribution of information.

Department Operations & Administration

• Manage orders and purchasing related to development office operations.
• Approve expense reports and bill submissions associated with development activities.
• Coordinate training for development staff regarding database systems and reporting tools.
• Provide ongoing database and technology training support to development team members.
• Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the departmental budget alongside the Director of Operations and Campaigns.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations and Campaigns to support the mission and operational needs of the College.

Core Competencies:

Mission Alignment - Demonstrates commitment to Christ-centered student formation and Covenant's Reformed identity.
Operational Excellence - Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple processes simultaneously.
Data & Systems Management - Proficiency in relational databases and donor data management systems.
Analytical Thinking - Ability to translate development data into clear reports and insights.
Communication - Strong written and verbal communication skills across departments.
Collaboration - Works effectively with development officers, institutional partners, and leadership.
Attention to Detail - Maintains high standards of accuracy in data management and reporting.
Stewardship Mindset - Demonstrates commitment to responsible management of donor resources and institutional information.

Working Conditions:

• Work performed primarily in a professional office environment.
• Regular use of computers, telephones, and office equipment.
• Standard business hours Monday-Friday, with occasional schedule adjustments based on operational needs.

Physical Demands:

• Extended periods of sitting and computer work.
• Regular verbal communications; must be fluent in English.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment for the majority of the workday.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with relational databases.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education fundraising or development services.
• Experience with Banner or similar enterprise systems.
• Experience with donor databases such as Slate.

Faith & Mission Alignment

• Acceptance of and commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• Understanding of and support for the mission and purpose of Covenant College.
• Ability to assent to Covenant College's Staff Commitments and participate in the spiritual life of the campus community.

Position Classification:

Department/Unit: Development
Job Title: Development Operations Manager
Job Status: Regular full-time, FLSA Exempt
Reports to: Director of Operations & Campaigns
Benefit Eligible: Yes
Direct Reports: None

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply here. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to attach supporting documents to the application. Documents required for this position include:

• Letter of interest
• Résumé - including contact information for three references
• A statement or expression of your personal faith, sharing about your walk and the ongoing work of Christ in your life.

03/05/2026