Data Integrity Manager at Harvard University — Cambridge, MA

Job Summary:

This full-time confidential exempt position is responsible for managing data integrity and ensuring the availability of high-quality biographical data for fundraising and engagement activities, reporting and analytics. Of key importance is the ongoing work to add new records to the Alumni Affairs & Development (AA&D) CRM, Advance, in particular the import of information from the University’s Student Information System (SIS). This work enables the creation of alumni records as students graduate and creates the foundation of AA&D’s work to engage and raise funds from its alumni.

Using multiple data sources and software tools, the manager will also explore, recommend, and carry out biographical data integrity projects to ensure high-quality CRM data is available as colleagues undertake alumni outreach efforts, donor solicitation plans, and reporting and analysis of outcomes to support data-driven strategies within AA&D.

The Data Integrity Manager will collaborate with managers in Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) on the evaluation and improvement of business systems and processes to optimize biographical data accuracy. This includes but is not limited to critical analysis of projects and processes, identifying opportunities to leverage Harvard-approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) and similar tools to build efficiencies, enhance accuracy, and reduce manual processes. This person will also collaborate with managers in AA&D Advancement Solutions, in particular the Data Acquisition Manager, to refine and enhance processes and procedures for optimal biographical records management.

The position requires relevant technical experience, operational expertise, and exemplary communication and project management skills. The ideal candidate will be organized and professional, focused on prioritizing their colleagues and the objectives of Harvard’s AA&D organization.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for five critical projects that occur on a scheduled basis each year: Preparation of the voter eligibility file for the annual Harvard election; converting student records to alumni at graduation, which enables new grads to join the worldwide community of Harvard Alumni; the creation of new student records; the creation of new parent records; and regular National Change of Address (NCOA) updates, which ensure that AA&D domestic mailing addresses are accurate, and that AA&D is meeting requirements from mail houses it relies on for bulk mail.
• Partners with AA&D Advancement Solutions managers and other internal and external business partners to develop or improve business processes and enhancements; stabilize business systems and processes; and implement technology that support data integrity for AA&D. This includes research and experimentation to identify improvements (efficiency, accuracy) for routine projects and programs, using Harvard’s Artificial intelligence resources and similar tools.
• Delivers high-quality, responsive, and efficient data integrity services that prioritize the support of fundraising and alumni engagement objectives through the delivery of quality data, working with AA&D business partners to identify opportunities and solutions.
• Coordinates with the Data Acquisition manager on projects designed to enhance the integrity of AA&D biographical data within AA&D and University policies.
• Establishes processes for managing the import and extract of large volumes of data from different campus systems. Performs updates of large volumes of data (formatting, cleaning, prepping), creating data extracts to facilitate batch data loads to add or modify records.
• Oversees centralized support model that provides project support to AA&D colleagues at the University, including entity matching and subscriber data services.
• Analyzes and interprets data to identify issues, evaluate scope and impacts; recommends appropriate methods to resolve.
• Understands complex and varied ways data is leveraged by Alumni Affairs and Development. Ensures practices for storing and maintaining data will optimally facilitate retrieval and use of information. Responsible for recommending changes in data collection and management practices to address ways data gaps impact business.
• Using SQL, and/or in partnership with AA&D Business Intelligence, oversees the design and development of ad hoc queries and reports to support data integrity and projects.
• Plans and executes all levels of testing (unit, system, user acceptance, volume).
• Collaborates with departmental leadership to develop project plans and manage communication to project teams, vendors and key stakeholders. Manages communication to project teams, managers, vendors, and key stakeholders. Works independently to execute assigned tasks.
• Supervises one direct report on projects, including selection, supervision, work assignment, learning and development, and performance evaluation. Ensures projects and tasks are managed in Workfront. Assists efforts to onboard new staff (as appropriate); coordinates with team to identify, delegate and prioritize projects.
• Intakes requests for back-end data changes in Advance, drafts requirements and collaborates with Advancement Systems’ teams to implement changes. Drafts and executes testing plans for back end data changes. Communicates completion to requestors and stakeholders.
• Supports other departmental activities as needed, including assisting in maintaining data as needed. Maintains Data Acquisition’s team’s project queue in Workfront.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of six (6) years’ experience as an operational technical administrator with a successful track record as a leader, manager, and strategist in a complex organizational environment, fundraising, and/or administration.
• Familiarity with standard Microsoft Office desktop tools such as Word and Excel, FileMaker, SharePoint; Adobe and Adobe Workfront; ability to become proficient with technology used in AA&D. Experience with SQL; familiarity with Qlik.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as Harvard Alumni Day and College Reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that take place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Experience working in an academic environment.
• Communicates effectively with technical staff and non-technical staff.
• Familiarity or expertise with Artificial Intelligence (AI); experience with Robotic Process Automation preferred.
• Superb organizational skills. Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change. Ability to manage multiple tasks under competing deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing functional requirements and an appreciation for structured development techniques in conjunction with software release management processes. Public speaking and presentation skills required.
• Must be conscious of data security and risk management.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team. Able to work effectively with internal and external constituencies in a University environment. Adept at evaluating problems accurately and displaying sound and confidential judgment. Must have an even disposition and be able to work effectively and politely with all people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of situations.

• Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Identity

Work Format Details

Salary Grade and Ranges

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks