Advancement Services Coordinator

Freed-Hardeman University; Henderson (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee is looking for an Advancement Services Coordinator to support their Office of Advancement. This role involves managing donor communications, performing grant research, and assisting with fundraising events. Ideal candidates should possess strong administrative and interpersonal skills, a relevant degree, and experience in donor relations.

The role emphasizes collaboration and requires attention to detail. Knowledge of specific database technologies is also recommended. A commitment to the university’s mission is essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals and professional journals.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization.

Responsibilities

• Support the Office of Advancement through administrative and operational tasks.
• Prepare communications for donors and alumni.
• Conduct research on prospective donors and grant opportunities.
• Assist in planning and executing fundraising events.

Skills

Detail Oriented

Customer Service

Interpersonal Skills

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Teamwork

Motivation

Professionalism

Innovation

Social Skills

Education

Undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university

Three to five years related experience

Tools

Technologies Slate database

Ellucian Colleague

Spreadsheet software

Word Processing software

Job description

Job Title: Advancement Services Coordinator

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Advancement Operations

Summary: The Advancement Services Coordinator supports the mission of Freed‑Hardeman University by providing administrative, operational, and strategic support to the Office of Advancement. This position plays a key role in strengthening relationships with donors, alumni, and foundations through accurate record management, donor communications, event support, and grant research. The position will be based on campus within the Office of Advancement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Donor Communications & Stewardship

• Prepare and manage written communications for alumni, donors, and friends of the university, ensuring accuracy and professional quality.
• Coordinate timely acknowledgment and follow‑up correspondence.
• Generate and distribute routine notifications and reminders to support ongoing engagement efforts.
• Assist in creating reports and materials that demonstrate impact and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.

Database Management & Reporting

• Use discretion in working with confidential and sensitive data.
• Assist with maintaining and updating organizational records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and data integrity.
• Assist with tracking and managing key activities, updates, and gift information within internal database systems.

Prospect Research & Grant Development

• Conduct research on prospective donors, alumni, and organizations to identify potential funding opportunities.
• Lead the use of FoundationSearch software to identify foundations aligned with the university’s mission and funding priorities.
• Manage the foundation prospect pipeline and track grant opportunities, deadlines, and submission requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate the grant application process, ensuring all required documentation and procedures are completed accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with university leadership and departments to gather information needed for grant proposals and reports.
• Write the grants and follow through on the application process with various foundations.

Events & Alumni Engagement Support

• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of Advancement and Alumni Engagement events, including donor receptions, alumni gatherings, and special campus events.
• Support event logistics, communication, registration, and follow‑up stewardship.
• Help foster strong alumni engagement through event participation and relationship‑building efforts.

Competencies

• Detail Oriented – Attentive to specific details and possesses a strong desire for tasks to be completed correctly every time.
• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork – Collaborates with others, contributes to team success, and supports organizational initiatives.
• Motivation – Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Innovation – Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas.
• Social Skills – Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do; adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Requirements

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Undergraduate degree from an accredited four‑year college or university preferred; or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals/outlines, and proposals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

Knowledge of Internet software, Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Prior experience with Technologies Slate database and/or Ellucian Colleague is a plus.

Office Equipment

General use of office equipment such as copier, printer, scanner, telephone, and printing calculator.

Other Qualifications

Self‑motivated, excellent people and communication skills and committed to Christian education and Freed‑Hardeman University.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Pursuant to this mission and Section 703(e)(2) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Freed‑Hardeman University exercises a preference for applicants active within the churches of Christ. Freed‑Hardeman University complies with all applicable federal and state non‑discrimination laws and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or prior military service in the administration of its employment practices.