CRM Developer - Internal Only

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university unlike any other. We're dedicated to serving the needs of students and patients and our passionate community isn't afraid to tackle difficult challenges others can't or won't. We’re home to creativity, teaching, discovery and healing. Our location in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, means the nonstop energy of our city ignites our innovation and provides unlimited opportunities.

Department Summary: The mission of VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders with our institution, working in partnership with all VCU schools, programs and campuses as one development and alumni relations community and implementing the best practices and efficient strategies to achieve a comprehensive development program.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The CRM Developer will be responsible for custom SQL and CRM development initiatives for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to support the fundraising and alumni engagement efforts of Virginia Commonwealth University. The primary responsibilities are to design, maintain and deploy internal customizations to the Blackbaud CRM web application using SQL, XML specs, and the Blackbaud SDK. This development work includes integrating various data sources and optimizing user interface development to streamline processes and create application efficiencies.

This position will work with the team of CRM developers, project manager, business analyst, data analysts as well as other creative stakeholders and business units for the continued development of modernization of Blackbaud CRM and the connected systems. This position will develop and optimize systems through a period of modernization and optimization.

In addition, this position will support marketing optimization by building and maintaining data structures, queries, exports, and segmentation logic. The role will collaborate with marketing and development teams to ensure data accuracy, strengthen audience strategies, and reporting to enhance engagement and fundraising outcomes.

A strong understanding of both CRM data elements and data presentation fundamentals are needed to help support building and measuring effective strategies.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Experience building information technology systems.

• Demonstrated experience working with Blackbaud CRM, Salesforce for NonProfit, Ellucian CRM, or Banner Advancement. 

• Knowledge of the SQL query language including experience in design and best practices for speed and efficiency in various use cases.

• Familiarity with API integrations, scheduled SFTP jobs, and automated data workflows supporting CRM, marketing, and engagement platforms.

• A passion for data. Great analytical skills. Able to define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and provide actionable recommendations.

• High attention to detail and the ability to audit work for accuracy and quality.

• Ability to read, understand and translate complex and highly detailed user requirements into accurate project specifications. Ability to translate highly complex and ambiguous user needs into accurate user requirements. 

• Must create mutually respectful working relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels that are candid and productive.

• Excellent communication, collaboration and customer service skills are essential.

• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical staff in a way that is affirming of subject matter experts.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience building reports with Report Builder, SQL Server Reporting Services, Tableau or other reporting tools.

• Experience with Business Intelligence (BI) reporting tools like SAS Visual Analytics, Power BI, Tableau (preferred).

• Knowledge and understanding of fundraising techniques, concepts and channels.

• Familiarity with fundraising and engagement technologies and vendors such as GiveCampus, PeopleGrove, or similar platforms.

• Strong understanding of BBCRM’s Ad-Hoc query functionality.

Additional Information:

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

VCU is also committed to hiring veterans. The University will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in calculations of the annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual.

Unit: Development MBU

Department: Advancement Solutions

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience, up to $70,000

University Job Title: IT Developer/Programmer 1

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt 

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H-IB visa status, etc.): No

Wireless stipend: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid work available; must be able to come into the office 1x per week

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Izzy Kane 
Contact Email: irkane@vcu.edu