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 Associate Director of GDS, the Gift Specialist performs accounting tasks in a varied and complex environment exercising a high degree of judgment in selecting and applying guidelines and policies. The Gift Specialist works in close coordination with the Stewardship and Gift Accounting 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 University’s teaching and research programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpret gift and pledge agreements to create appropriate gift designation and coding in coordination with Stewardship and development officers.

• Work closely with Gift Accounting to record proper operational and endowment codes.

• Manage public email folder to identify and modify incorrect transactions including mass updates for accounting changes

• Audit and approve gifts and pledges that have been recorded throughout the day.

• Coordinate monthly tax receipt mailing to donors.

• Assist with general gift processing as needed.

• Track and report potential gift values for the monthly endowment wire submitted to Gift Accounting.

• Handle sensitive donor and student information in the strictest confidence, according to DAR and Vanderbilt policies

• Work in close collaboration with DAR colleagues.

• Maintain strong and effective relationships with Vanderbilt faculty and staff external to DAR.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience, is required.

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

• Superior verbal and written communication skills

• The ability to exercise sound judgment in the handling of confidential information.

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

• The knowledge of software programs applicable to development.

• A professional team player who is highly motivated and having courteous interpersonal skills and an excellent customer service attitude is required.

• The capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex academic environment.

• Sound judgment and excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail.

• The ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

• 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.