Donor Services Specialist
Benefits of working at VCU
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes : comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.
Job Code
Specialist LG 1
Recruitment Pool
All Applicants
Posting Number
req6575
Unit
Development MBU
Department
Development & Alumni Relations
Department Website Link
support.vcu.edu
Location
Address
111 N. 4th Street, Richmond, VA 23219 USA
Duties & Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Donor Services, the Donor Services Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting the mission of Development & Alumni Relations by implementing best practices to guide teams on gift acceptance, compliance, and donor intent. The ideal candidate is a curious problem solver, is process-driven, has a keen eye for the minute details and consistently conducts themselves with a high level of integrity. This is an exciting opportunity to join the growing Office of Development and Alumni Relations as we embark on preparing for VCU's next comprehensive campaign.
This is a pooled posting for the following opportunities :
- Donor Services Specialist for Gift Agreements
- Donor Services Specialist for Gift Acceptance
- Donor Services Specialist for Gift Assurance
Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter identifying the role or roles in which they are interested. A diversity statement is preferred, but not required.
Incumbents hired for Gift Agreements will :
Lead gift agreement efforts by :Managing the gift agreement inbox / intake process to meet service level expectationsServing in a consultative role with unit fundraisers and working with a sense of urgency to expedite the gift agreement processNegotiating language with campus partners in drafting gift agreements, ranging from templated to highly complex agreements in order to :Enhance knowledge and understanding of related policies and procedures
Ensure donor intent meets university needs and requirementsEnsure legal and administrative compliance with IRS, state, federal, and university policies and regulations.Collaborating with university counsel for unprecedented or unique situationsPartnering with the Gift Acceptance Specialist to build gift acceptance documentation for committee(s) review and approval of proposed gifts, including due diligence / risk mitigation, impact to VCU and VCUHS, and anticipating questions or concerns that may be raised by the reviewing committee(s)Managing communication, in written and oral form, of detailed program information, guidelines and standards to various audiencesOrganizing and tracking gift agreements in processCollaborating with and advising strategic partners across the universityCrafting addenda as needed to capture updated donor intent or release of restrictions to ensure funds are spendablePartner with Prospect Development and participate in pipeline reviews to provide proactive guidance to fundraising staffIncumbents hired for Gift Acceptance will :
Lead gift acceptance efforts to :Serve in a consultative role with partners across the organization to foster understanding and compliance with gift acceptance policies
Educate and assist partners to structure gifts and sponsorships that maximize philanthropic impact
Review proposed gifts that may require gift exceptionsPartner with the Gift Agreement Specialist to build documentation for committee(s) review and approval of proposed gifts (e.g., due diligence)Educate and assist partners in producing compliant event and sponsorship documentationManage the gift-in-kind process through review and initial approval for in-kind donations across campusesDirect the recognition through naming process and proposals in coordination with facilities management, fundraisers across DAR, and university boardsBegin to build a database of existing and potential naming opportunities across VCU for the purposes of developing a donor recognition programLead fund management efforts to :Create and update funds in internal databases with a focus on donor intent and compliance with VCU policies and procedures
Ensure that requests for new funds meet established policies and procedures, including minimum endowment and naming requirementsWork closely with the affiliated foundations to ensure that funds are communicated promptly upon establishmentIncumbents hired for Gift Assurance will :
Build and execute a comprehensive gift assurance program to ensure that gifts from donors, both endowed and current, are spent according to the donors' intentions and in the university's best interests by :Partnering with leaders across the university, health system and foundations to develop strategies that advance constituent fundraising and engagement goals and ensure our donors can be stewarded effectively and informed on the use of their gifts
Coordinating with relevant stakeholders across the university and health system to ensure the timely and proper use of endowed and current fundsDeveloping best practices and policies for the spending of current use funds in partnership with fiscal administratorsTraining faculty and staff in the use of funds, including reviewing gift agreements for donor intent
Coordinating with various stakeholders to execute reporting requirementsDeveloping and facilitating implementation of policies and procedures to minimize risk in the use of gift funds through periodic audits of fundsManaging the pledge review process (2x / year) for the Donor Services teamCoordinating the development of addenda to gift agreements as needed to clearly document updated fund purposes as VCU's needs change and funds can no longer be awarded as originally intendedIncumbents hired for ALL positions will :
Develop, maintain and enhance resources and training for stakeholders around respective donor services functionsProvide a high level of proactive customer service internally to DAR and externally to all constituents and stakeholders, including email and phone communicationParticipate in cross-training with other team members to ensure business continuityPerform other duties as assigned to contribute to the mission of the organization and priorities of the Philanthropic Services teamQualifications
Minimum Hiring Standards :
Bachelor's degree in communications, legal studies, business or a closely related field or an equivalent combination of closely related experience and educationPrior experience in legal writing, compliance, advancement services, or donor relationsProven ability to translate complex information and outline needs and requirementsAbility to think through complex situations and solve problems with integrity, while meeting required deadlinesProven ability to work independently and collaborate with the team and external partnersExcellent customer service and interpersonal communication skillsExceptional attention to detail and organizational skillsStrong understanding of technology solutions such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Google Suite, DocuSignExpertise in writing, including the use of English grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntaxUnderstanding of CASE, IRS, state, federal, and university policies and regulations or a willingness to learn and apply knowledge within the first 60 days of employmentDemonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCUPreferred Hiring Standards :
Two years of experience in fundraising operations, or fundraising operations certificateExperience working in a fundraising database (Blackbaud CRM or similar)Experience working with data sets, reports and / or financial informationProficient in project management and process trackingExtensive understanding of fundraising or donor relationsFLSA
University Employee
Job FTE
Exemption Status
Exempt
Restricted Position
E-Class
UF - University Employee FT
Job Category
University Employee
ORP Eligible
Salary Range
Commensurate with experience up to $65,000
Compensation Type
Salaried
Target Hire Date
1 / 10 / 2025
Contact Information for Candidates
Izzy Kane
irkane@vcu.edu
Documents Needed to Apply
Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter identifying the role or roles in which they are interested. A diversity statement is preferred, but not required.
Salary : $65,000
