Gift Specialist

Job ID: 53988
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department
FSU Foundation

Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.

Responsibilities

The Gift Specialist, Gift Services contributes to the integrity, maintenance and management of advancement information through gift and membership entry, gift and membership research, analysis of data, reporting, data entry, and clerical support within the Gift Services unit. The Gift Specialist is expected to uphold and exemplify the operating practices and mission of the Foundation and Alumni Association Gift Services.

Analyze, Research and Record Gifts, Memberships, and Event Registrations

Uses a variety of resources to identify donors/members and their relationships, with mindfulness of the tax, donor/member stewardship and reporting implications of their work. Maintains knowledge of basic tax code for charitable contributions, as well as guidelines established by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Reviews and analyzes data for accuracy, logic and relevance. Creates and updates donor database records. Performs queries and exports/imports in the database. Reconciles financial data in a variety of formats to ensure cohesive bookkeeping with the accounting database. Enters a variety of gift, membership, or event data with high level of accuracy and efficiency. Protects confidential information. Scans gift documentation.

Edit and Proofread

Merges critical data into spreadsheet or word processing documents. Edits donor acknowledgement letters, pledge reminders and other correspondence, personalizing based on the complexity of the gift to continue the cycle of stewardship and future gifts to FSU.

Donor and Customer Service

Communicates effectively directly with fundraisers, campus contacts and donors. Corresponds with high level of written and verbal proficiency.

Other Duties as Required

Performs simple gift or membership projects as assigned by Assistant Director or Senior Director. Maintains information in a variety of formats including network files and digital images.

Qualifications

High school diploma/equivalent and four years of experience, to include one year working in a fiscal environment. (Note: post-high school education can substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)

Commitment to best practices of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Excellent organizational, customer service, and communication skills.

Proficiency in the Microsoft Office products suite (Excel, Outlook, Word), or equivalent software.

Experience prioritizing, organizing and performing multiple work assignments simultaneously and in a detail-oriented environment.

Strong math and language skills, to include the use of proper spelling and grammar.

Ability to handle confidential, sensitive information with the highest degree of professionalism.

*Applicants must upload a cover letter & resume with their online application.*

Preferred

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Ability to understand complex concepts.

Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a fiscal environment.

Ability to process complex financial data with a high level of accuracy.

Other Information

A skills test is required upon interview.

Helpful

• Who is an ideal candidate for this position?  You are incredibly detail-oriented but at the same time flexible and willing to pivot from one task to another on short notice to support department workflow. You can maintain a high level of data entry accuracy under tight deadlines. Good communication skills are a must.
   
• What to expect in the first 90 days?  During the first two weeks you’ll follow a detailed schedule of training with department directors and staff. These trainings will include a department overview, database training, department expectations and communication training, and the basics of gift entry. In the first 60 days, you’ll learn Foundation and gift processing business rules and will apply this knowledge, along with your data entry skills, to processing daily batches of online gifts, Alumni Association memberships, and eventually check gifts. You will receive daily constructive feedback from department production coordinators regarding items entered in batch incorrectly with the ultimate goal of minimizing errors. During days 60-90, you’ll work closely with your supervisors and production coordinators to begin tracking your batch accuracy and production to consistently meet department metrics.
   
• What is a typical day in this position?  Each morning you’ll look at your schedule and share with the group your primary tasks for the day, maintaining open communication to contribute to department workflow. Then, working in date order, you’ll work on online (or check) gift batches or Alumni Association memberships. Working on these items will require using the database to identify donors and members, updating demographic information in the database, and possibly internet research. You’ll enter all data for gifts and memberships into database spreadsheets to be reviewed by department production coordinators and then posted to the accounting department. 
   
• Is Gift Services right for you?  Our department strives to provide a family-friendly feel even under times of tight deadlines and high volumes of work. A teamwork environment is very important to us. We hold optional department lunches and periodic celebrations to enhance the workday. You’ll not only gain experience processing charitable donations, but you’ll learn how Gift Services works closely with the Fundraising, Research and Prospect Management, Donor Relations, and Reports teams. You’ll grow your knowledge of IRS guidelines, fundraising stewardship, and communication skills.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about our university and campuses.

Pay Plan

This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Soft Money Funded Position

This position is time-limited based on soft money funding, with renewal contingent upon available funds and the needs of the University.

Criminal Background Check

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check. The background check will be conducted as authorized and in accordance with University Policy 4-OP-C-7-B11.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Veterans' Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of the service members and veterans, will receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. For information on who may be eligible for Veterans' Preference, click here or call FSU Human Resources at (850) 644-6034.

IMPORTANT: In order to claim Veterans' Preference, applicants must upload a DD-214 (and other documentation, as applicable) with their online application prior to the closing date of the job opening.

Tobacco Free Campus

Effective January 1, 2014, tobacco use, including simulated tobacco use, is prohibited on property, interior and exterior, owned or managed by Florida State University. This policy applies to all Florida State University students, employees, consultants, contractors, visitors, and external individuals.