Advancement Services Associate

Job title: Advancement Services Associate

About the Role The Advancement Services 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, tracks and records contributions, and coordinates prospect research, pledge agreements, and stewardship to support fundraising goals.

What You'll Do

• Maintain an efficient data-driven philanthropic activity management system; support key fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
• Perform data updates for alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and churches; updates sourced from returned mail, address change requests, and information from other college departments.
• Maintain the CRM database including data accuracy, integrity, and protection, and identify challenges and solutions that may lead to training appropriate college staff.
• Recognize and identify key campaign and contribution data elements and assist in Institutional Advancement tracking and reporting initiatives, such as the Day of Giving.
• 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.
• Assist with the matching gift program, comprising form submissions and report execution through a variety of third-party portals and company platforms.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Communicate with constituents of the College to satisfy various donation-related needs, including but not limited to annual giving statements.
• Leverage wealth screening, research tools, and industry best practices to research and analyze prospects for annual and major gift cycles.
• Evaluate and synthesize research results to develop thorough and accurate donor profiles for gift officers and college leadership to inform strategic donor pipeline development.
• Monitor news, trends, and wealth events to maintain up-to-date intelligence on high-net-worth individuals and potential donors.
• Ensure discovery research is completed regularly, accurately, and according to ethical, APRA, and NPF standards; ensure research is documented in the CRM.
• Oversee processes and procedures for the hard copy filing system relating to constituent groups.
• Perform other job-related duties and tasks as appropriately assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Strong communication skills are critical to the success of any organization that deals with customers. Effective communication can enhance retention and visibility, helping North Central College distinguish itself from competitors.
• Proficiency with computer-based systems including word-processing and spreadsheets; ability to create, review, and edit comprehensive reports and analytics with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to process large volumes of data daily; disciplined and well-organized.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with college personnel, alumni and other donors; ability to work with a group or team.
• Knowledge of college organization, operation, philosophy, and vision for the future; willingness to work with a group or team.
• Exercise discretion with regard to personal and confidential information; independent judgment and initiative; proactive approach.
• Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office; ability to adapt to new technologies.
• Experience with CRM systems and fundraising data management is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $50,000-$57,000 per year.