Vanderbilt University’s Gift and Donor Services (GDS) team receives and processes between 60,000-70,000 gifts per year from donors in support of Vanderbilt’s students, faculty, research, and innovation. They play a crucial role in the stewardship cycle by ensuring that all gifts are accurately and efficiently recorded in compliance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Council for Advancement and Supported of Education (CASE) guidelines. Reporting to the Director of GDS, the Gift Processing Specialist is responsible for recording and processing gifts and pledges within the Development and Alumni Relations CRM. The Gift Processing Specialist performs accounting tasks in a varied and highly complex environment exercising a high degree of judgment in selecting and applying guidelines and policies. This role collaborates closely with the Gift Accounting and Stewardship teams to ensure gifts are properly coded and endowment units are transferred within the required timeline.

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. DAR is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt’s teaching and research programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Record and process gifts and pledges within DAR’s CRM in accordance with guidelines and policies. This includes cash, checks, credit cards, securities, bank drafts, gifts-in-kind, matching gifts, and payroll deductions.

• Manage recurring donations including credit card transactions and electronic fund transfers.

• Reconcile all checks/cash in preparation for the daily deposit.

• Provide accounting support by setting up allocations, requesting chart of accounts, and modifying or transferring gifts and/or pledges.

• Assist with the transfer of securities and facilitate wire transfers working with Vanderbilt’s external financial partner.

• Maintain comprehensive understanding of gift processing including planned gifts, security processing, matching gifts, gifts-in-kind, athletic seating, and bequests.

• Assist the Director with large-scale data projects related to gift entry and processing.

• Maintain strong relationships with DAR partners to include Advancement Information Services, Annual Giving, CRM Administration, the development team, Gift Accounting, and Stewardship.

• Collaborate with university partners who intersect with GDS particularly around initiatives like Giving Day, merchandise campaigns, and key solicitations.

• Provide high-level service to DAR colleagues and donors with inquiries regarding gift and pledge record details.

• Handle sensitive donor information in the strictest confidence, according to departmental and institutional policies.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Certifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

• Two years of relevant work experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills are necessary.

• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information

• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system

• Knowledge of software programs applicable to development is desirable

• The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, professional team player with courteous interpersonal skills and an excellent customer service attitude

• Candidate must also have the capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment

• The ability to apply sound judgment in all situations is required, as are excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities are essential

• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.