Fundraising Operations Supervisor and Research Assistant

---

Job description

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Fundraising Operations Supervisor and Research Assistant. This position is primarily responsible for the management and integrity of constituent records in the Ellucian database and includes, among others, gift processing and acknowledgements, database and general record management, and performance of routine procedures to bring records into the Advancement module from other areas of campus. The candidate will take the lead in expansion and cleanup of database records for Ellucian/Banner and provide ad hoc reporting for Foundation staff and University needs, as required. This position is responsible for the management of student workers doing gift and data entry projects. In addition, the candidate will assist the Senior Director with various prospect research projects including identification and general research of potential donors in order to support the Foundation gift officers. As a member of the Foundation team, assist with special events, works some evenings and some weekends, and interacts with University leadership, faculty and staff, alumni and donors. This position is located in River Forest, IL and reports to the Senior Director, Operations & Research and Donor Management.
Responsibilities/Duties:

1. Fundraising Operations
   1. Responsible for supervision of gift processing, including gift and pledge entry, payroll processing, gift acknowledgements and the Call and Thank process
   2. Primary responsibility for undertaking critical data integrity tasks to maintain consistency and quality of Foundation records. Monitor data trends and changes, address accuracies, cross-references, and other information comprising constituent records.
   3. Report creation and delivery out of Ellucian/Banner, and through Access and Argos including routine and ad hoc reports, solicitation lists and mailing lists
   4. Research and resolve issues related to the database and gift entry issues as they occur.
   5. Maintain procedure manuals/documents, specifications and training documents for both student workers and staff. Conduct training sessions, as requested.
   6. Serve as backup for Senior Director for enhanced research and analysis, data mining, querying functions, and routine financial reconciliation tasks.
2. Research
   1. Perform initial levels of prospect research (web and social media research and evaluate general information on individuals and organizations) to assist with the identification of potential donors in support of the Foundation's fund raising activities.
   2. Assist with developing proactive major gift prospect identification and identifying new donors and funding sources for programs and initiatives in line with Foundation fundraising initiatives
   3. Work with Foundation staff to ensure appropriate prospect coding in the appropriate Ellucian/Banner forms.
   4. Watch for changes in research resources and advise staff of updated confidentiality issues.
3. Other responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director, the AVP of Development and/or the Foundation President and CEO.

Skill Sets:

• Demonstrated competence with fundraising software and relational databases, preference for strong knowledge of Ellucian/Banner or Advance
• Familiarity with fundraising concepts
• Strong knowledge of applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Argos, and CRMs; knowledge of SQL a bonus
• Initiative, proactive team player with positive attitude, strong verbal and written communication skills and problem resolution skills.
• Strong personal discretion to deal with confidential information.

Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required; Training/experience in Information Systems (Ellucian) preferred
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia health, disability and retirement plan enrollment is available to full-time employees and their eligible dependents. Tuition benefits are also available for employees and their qualified dependents.
Application Information:
Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.
In compliance with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's Executive Order 2021-20 , Concordia University Chicago requires all on-campus faculty and staff to submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing. Further information regarding Concordia's response to COVID-19 can be found here .
Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.
Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.
About Concordia University Chicago:
Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovative and Professional Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu .
Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.