Advancement Information Services

Powering the Future of Berkeley Advancement: Introducing AIS

At the intersection of UC Berkeley’s world-class fundraising and cutting-edge digital infrastructure stands Advancement Information Services (AIS). Under the leadership of Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer Jennifer Sierras, AIS is the engine behind the technology solutions and data integrity that drive our campus's advancement efforts.

Our mission is clear: to match Berkeley’s singular fundraising strength with corresponding excellence in technology. By aligning our digital roadmap with Campus and Advancement priorities, we ensure that every donor interaction and alumni connection is supported by a secure, scalable, and sophisticated data ecosystem. AIS is currently in the unique position of supporting the current system of record - CADS - while leading Advancement’s digital transformation via the URSA Implementation Project.

Technology and Data Governance

To ensure strategic and optimal use of campus resources, AIS operates under the Technology and Data Governance (internal to UDAR) structure. This framework improves transparency and coordination, ensuring that every technology investment directly serves our collective business needs and long-term advancement goals.

Executive Steering

Technology Advisory

Data Advisory

Teams in AIS

The AIS Ecosystem: Three Specialized Units

AIS is comprised of three distinct teams, each playing a vital role in the lifecycle of our constituent data and technical infrastructure:

1. Strategic Planning and Management (SPM)

SPM acts as the architect of our Technology and Data project portfolio. Functioning as our Project Management Office (PMO), this team of expert project managers develops and designs the blueprints for growth. SPM provides transparency, manages the project portfolio, oversees security and privacy compliance, and provides the framework for intake, initiation, reporting, and risk management ensuring every request aligns with Technology and Data Governance.

2. Technology Services (TS)

The backbone of our operations, Technology Services provides system architecture and administration in addition to security/access for over 1,000 users across campus and device support for UDAR. Most importantly, TS administers the Cal Advancement Data System (CADS), Data Warehouse, and Integrations — the ecosystem of record for nearly 2 million constituent records and the critical link for transmitting financial data to the campus general ledger.

3. Data and Business Solutions (DBS)

DBS offers a holistic approach to managing our most valuable asset — data: 

  • Data Management (DM): The office of record for all philanthropic gift and constituent data. DM ensures the proper acquisition, architectural design, and governance of data for constituents, aka: alumni, donors, and friends of the University.
  • Data Quality and Integrations (DQI): Ensures a high-integrity data ecosystem through rigorous validation standards and proactive monitoring of data holdings to meet operational, governance, and compliance requirements.
  • Solutions Management (SM): A team of seasoned analysts dedicated to process improvement, support of existing solutions,and the implementation of new tools that benefit the entire organization

What We Do

Our Commitments to Campus

AIS is committed to driving transformation across the advancement landscape through:

  • Digital Engagement: Partnering campuswide to realize deeper connections through Journey Map alignment.
  • Fundraising Acceleration: Building the data foundations necessary to bolster campaign success and pipeline development.
  • Operational Integrity: Ensuring compliance, financial integrity, and timely gift processing in partnership with Advancement Operations.
  • Data Consolidation: Integrating disparate data assets into a standardized, accessible system of record.
  • Innovation: Applying shared methodologies to improve end-to-end business processes.
  • Modernization: Stay connected with our continued progress on the URSA Implementation Project, our initiative to further modernize our advancement capabilities.

Resources and Support

Whether you are looking for data insights or need technical assistance, AIS is here to support your team’s success:

Upcoming Project