Advancement Services Associate

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

All‑inclusive medical, dental and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions

Generous paid time off plans

Tuition waiver for full‑time employees

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking an Advancement Services Associate to enhance the efficiency of fundraising activities at North Central College. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring data integrity within the CRM, tracking contributions, and supporting fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities include maintaining a data-driven system, assisting cross-functional teams, and providing recommendations for data issues. A Bachelor’s degree is required, alongside excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Proficient in using computer-based systems including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Capable of processing large volumes of data daily with accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for communication with staff and alumni.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a data-driven philanthropic activity management system.
• Perform data updates for alumni and corporations.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity within the CRM database.

Skills

Computer proficiency

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Training in office operation

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM software

Job description

Position Title

Advancement Services Associate

Position Summary

The Advancement Services Associate (the Associate) plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of North Central College’s fundraising and engagement activities. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Services, this position ensures donor and gift data integrity in the CRM database. The associate will track and ensure that the contributions to the College, primarily monetary and from a variety of channels, are promptly and accurately recorded, processed, and acknowledged. The associate will regularly provide the Advancement staff with the current status of fundraising efforts and interact with other institutional offices to represent their activities using best data practices. The person in this position will provide recommendations to solve data issues to ensure alumni and donor data integrity. The Associate will coordinate prospect research, proposal development, pledge agreements, gift processing, and stewardship. Operationally, the Associate will assist in standardizing best practices and core processes across the department. Additionally, this role will support other initiatives to help the College achieve its fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Maintain an efficient and effective data‑driven philanthropic activity management system, and support key fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
2. Perform data updates for alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and churches within the appropriate systems. Updates are sourced from returned mail, address change requests, and information provided by other college departments.
3. Maintenance of the CRM database including data accuracy, integrity, and protection, and identify challenges and solutions that may lead to training appropriate college staff.
4. Recognize and identify key campaign and contribution data elements and assist in Institutional Advancement tracking and reporting initiatives, such as the Day of Giving.
5. Perform gift‑related entries, provide reports on a daily basis, link gifts to existing proposals as well as develop thank you letters, receipts, and correspondence.
6. Assist with the matching gift program, comprising of form submissions and report execution through a variety of third‑party portals and company platforms.
7. Partner cross‑functionally with campus offices, including the Business Office and Financial Aid, to identify electronic payments, accounting accuracy, and reconcile outstanding items from various sources and payment methods.
8. Process online contributions from third‑party sites through the creation of new giving form pages, and provide insight on the usage of the sites for numerous campaigns and events.
9. Partner with internal constituencies regarding mail pieces and other data requests pertinent to gift entry as part of the department’s annual and campaign communication/solicitation/engagement sequences.
10. Communicate with constituents of the College to satisfy various donation‑related needs, including but not limited to annual giving statements.
11. Leverage wealth screening, research tools, and industry best practices to research and analyze prospects for annual and major gift cycles.
12. Evaluate and synthesize research results to develop thorough and accurate donor profiles for gift officers and college leadership to inform strategic donor pipeline development.
13. Monitor news, trends, and wealth events to maintain up‑to‑date intelligence on high‑net‑worth individuals and potential donors.
14. Ensure discovery research is completed regularly, accurately, and according to ethical, APRA, and NPF standards; ensure research is documented in the CRM.
15. Oversee processes and procedures for the hard copy filing system relating to constituent groups.
16. Perform other job‑related duties and tasks as appropriately assigned.

Other Key Responsibilities

1. Support the College’s mission, vision and values, and contribute to the advancement of the College’s Strategic Plan.
2. Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement.
3. Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge and ability to use computer‑based systems including word‑processing and spreadsheet applications.
2. Must be able to create, review, and edit comprehensive reports and analytics with attention to accuracy and detail.
3. Accurately process large volumes of data on a daily basis, which requires a person who is disciplined and well‑organized.
4. Ability to continuously demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with college personnel and with alumni and other donors on the telephone.
5. Grasp knowledge of college organization, operation, philosophy, and vision for the future, and willingness to work with a group or team.
6. Exercise discretion with regard to personal and confidential information.
7. Independent judgment and initiative required, and must continually demonstrate a proactive approach.
8. Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office and the ability to adapt and incorporate new technologies required.

Education / Training

A Bachelor’s degree is required. Training in computerized office operation, word processing, spreadsheet applications, and accounting is desirable.

Experience

At least 1-5 years of experience in an office environment, preferably in a college/university, accounting/financial services, or corporate setting.

Licenses or Certifications

A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required.

Benefits

• All‑inclusive medical, dental and vision group insurance
• Health and dependent care savings plans
• Employer‑paid life, AD&D and disability group insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
• Employee assistance plan resources
• Tuition waiver for full‑time employees, spouse and dependent children
• Generous paid time off plans, including 3 weeks vacation to start
• 15 paid holidays per year, including 5 days during NCC Winter Break

EEO Statement

North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources. Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.