Gift Specialist (HR Title: Advancement Records Specialist I)

Hourly Range: 

21.83 per hour

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Gift Specialist position is responsible for the daily processing of charitable contributions to the University in a timely manner in accordance with SMU policies, IRS regulations, and FASB, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education guidelines. This role handles gift processing & maintenance of University constituent data which includes project work involving data updates and generating charitable tax receipts while providing stellar customer service & demonstrating keen problem solving skills. Duties & responsibilities include (not limited to): processing gifts & updating donors’ biographical & demographical information in SMU’s constituent database; maintaining & updating information, creating & modifying data, assisting with data cleanup, & document imaging. The position requires a high degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and an awareness and involvement in preparing and/or approving financial deposits.

Essential Functions:

• Process and enter gifts, pledges, and transactional information into the University's donor database from a number of different sources and payment methods. Complete all tasks associated with electronically batched gift entry to ensure timely charitable receipts and donor stewardship, including appropriate biographical and demographic information.

• Perform documented steps to record complex transactions such as pledges, planned gifts, in-kind and stock gifts, pre-deposit and matching payment transactions. Accuracy is the primary objective. Analyze gift documentation to determine legal donor, gift category, appropriate fund, and gift eligibility. Work with gift officers to coordinate donor information and intent.

• Verify and update biographical information in donor database from a multitude of sources; scan and link revenue documentation into imaging system; maintain accurate constituent gift biographical history records through research and corrections. Special database clean-up projects on a scheduled and as needed basis.

• Sort and group gifts received by mail and in person following intake best practices; manage processes such as pledge payment reminders, tax receipts, recurring gifts & automated pledge payments. Make informed decisions about proper entry, allocation, & documentation of University donations. Communicate with internal & external stakeholders as needed & staff department email/phone "Help" lines.

• Occasional overtime work may be required during peak times. 

 

 

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent is required.  Bachelor's degree is preferred. 

A minimum of 1 year of experience is required.  One year of full-time work experience in data entry is required. 

Demonstrated experience in a customer service environment with diplomacy and professionalism and the ability to work with people with varying technical skills is required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Candidate must have strong time management skills and experience in prioritizing competing priorities and completing projects in a timely manner. 

Candidate must have working knowledge of or the ability to learn university infrastructure, policies, and procedures. 

Knowledge of fundraising terminology and best practices/business rules is preferred. 

Candidate must have ability to safeguard confidential information and adhere to database security protocols. 

Knowledge of donor database/Blackbaud CRM, IRS charitable guidelines and CASE standards preferred. 

Candidate must have intermediate skill level in using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word. 

Experience with relational database and/or donor management software such as Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or SunGard Advance is preferred.  

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. 

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 6, 2025

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.