Strategic Partnerships Operations Manager

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for an Operations Manager to join our Strategic Partnerships team! The Operations Manager strengthens LifeWorks’ Strategic Partnerships team by managing the systems, processes, and infrastructure that power fundraising and engagement efforts. Reporting to the Chief Mission Officer, this role oversees CRM administration, accurate donation processing, data integrity, and reporting; leads metrics and KPI tracking to measure progress toward fundraising goals; and drives process improvements that enhance efficiency across the department—including developing and maintaining dashboards, coordinating reconciliation and reporting, providing actionable performance insights, and documenting processes to promote consistency and accountability. Combining technical expertise, strategic thinking, and project management, the Operations Manager ensures data-informed decision-making and the smooth execution of LifeWorks’ departmental initiatives.

This full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $79,135.41-$86,477.87 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and maintains NEON CRM, LifeWorks’ donor database, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and integrity.
• Implements regular NEON CRM system upgrades, maintains user permissions, and trains team members on new features and best practices.
• Retrieves and imports donor data from workplace giving portals and other third-party sources on a regular basis.
• Documents data management processes and ensures compliance with internal policies and industry standards.
• Oversees all aspects of donation processing, including proper coding of gifts and timely reconciliation with the Finance team on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Generates and distributes donor gift acknowledgments, ensuring appropriate signatures and delivery.
• Manages donor pledge renewals, communication timelines, and in-kind or special event donations.
• Sorts and distributes all checks, in-kind donations, and matching gift information daily.
• Develops and maintains dashboards and reports that track donor activity, revenue, and engagement trends for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Mission Officer, and the broader team.
• Provides actionable performance insights and supports KPI tracking to measure progress toward fundraising goals.
• Coordinates monthly and quarterly reconciliation and reporting to ensure alignment between Development and Finance.
• Assists in donor strategy development through research and data analysis to identify potential prospects.
• Collaborates with frontline fundraisers to ensure accurate data supports donor cultivation and stewardship strategies.
• Supports Strategic Partnerships projects and cross-functional initiatives, such as team planning, onboarding, and resource coordination.
• Optimizes existing team workflows and processes.
• Interacts regularly with agency staff, volunteers, donors, board members and / or client populations in a professional and confidential manner.
• Assists in the coordination of special events, including RSVP tracking, registration, name tags, and follow-up communication.
• Partners with internal teams to ensure data, reporting, and event logistics align with organizational and departmental goals.
• Attends regular Strategic Partnerships team meetings to align on priorities and progress.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of operations management or relevant experience in a nonprofit environment; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven success managing and optimizing CRM systems (e.g., NEON, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar) to support fundraising and donor engagement.
• Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills; able to identify patterns, streamline processes, and maintain clean, reliable data.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data management and revenue reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to translate data into actionable insights and visualizations that drive decision-making.
• Experience tracking and interpreting metrics and KPIs to measure team and fundraising performance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft 365 tools; comfort working with large datasets and reporting dashboards.
• Excellent project management, prioritization, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Collaborative and proactive; able to work closely with Development, Finance, and Marketing teams to ensure alignment and data integrity.
• High integrity, initiative, and curiosity; anticipates needs and continuously seeks opportunities to improve systems and workflows.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love. 

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. 

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.