Associate Director of Gift Administration

Eastern Illinois University • Charleston, IL

75d

About The Position

Eastern Illinois University is seeking an Associate Director of Gift Administration. Reporting to the Executive Officer of the EIU Foundation, this position supports both the University and the EIU Foundation in fulfilling their responsibilities for donor-funded gift compliance by ensuring gift and endowment funds are created, managed, and expended in accordance with donor intent and that administrative obligations of the gift agreement are met. This position advises campus partners on matters related to gift compliance such as the interpretation of criteria and other donor restrictions contained in gift agreements and pledge documents. In the event an endowment or other donor agreement must be amended, this position shall facilitate the amendatory process and secure the needed approvals. The position participates in the formulation of gift acceptance policies and monitors adherence to said policies. In addition, they are also responsible for managing the University's gift documentation strategy in accordance with the EIU Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policies and appropriate University policies such as Naming Policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced certification preferred.
• Three years or more of relevant experience in one of the following or closely related fields: gift and endowment accounting and management, audit and compliance, or higher education. Experience with drafting contracts or other documentation.
• Ability to think critically about future implications of word use, academic and/or extracurricular program evolution, and potential policy changes to proactively anticipate change.
• Strong interpersonal and written communications skills with demonstrated attention to detail; listen well and effectively express thoughts and ideas.
• Ability to coordinate people and handle multiple deadline-driven projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional customer-donor service and can build trust with a variety of constituents.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills required.
• Tact, discretion, and prudence in working with confidential and sensitive data.
• Computer software skills, including Microsoft Office, and knowledge of nonprofit database systems.
• Think critically and exercise mature judgement in identifying problems and generating alternative solutions.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and respect for all colleagues even in situations where there are differing thoughts and opinions.
• Work smart and constantly seek to improve and streamline.

Responsibilities

• Gift Documentation - Oversees the successful creation, review, and approval process for donor agreements and pledges with Eastern Illinois University's frontline officers and academic leaders as appropriate. Uphold guidelines set forth in the EIU Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policies and appropriate University policies such as Naming Policies regarding acceptable restrictions on donor funds. This position assists campus partners with questions related to endowments and other donor gift agreements and is empowered to interpret donor criteria and other restrictions on use of donor gifts. This position will facilitate the development of endowments, pledges and other donor agreements, circulating drafts to appropriate parties on campus who will administer the gifts to obtain buy-in and secure the needed approvals from Foundation and Advancement colleagues before agreements are finalized. Stores and organizes signed gift agreements in shared and secure servers and paper files and ensures they are disseminated to the appropriate campus partners.
• Fund Compliance - Oversees compliance for all restricted donor-funded gift accounts and serves as the primary contact for internal inquiries about compliance and accountability issues for all established donor funded accounts. Responsible for preparing materials for consideration by the University's Naming Committee and the EIU Foundation's Gift Acceptance Committee.
• Fund Auditing - Partners with the Business Office, Office of Financial Aid, and others to regularly audit existing donor funds to ensure donor intent is followed. This could include reviews of funds with accumulated spending and low utilization, funds that do not have a balance, endowed funds below minimum balances, and funds that have not had any recent activity, among other scenarios.
• Education and Awareness - Collaborate and maintain positive working relationships with university leadership, the Business Office, unit office managers, development officers, and the donor relations teams to facilitate an effective compliance program. Supports ongoing communication and education on the use of restricted gift fund and clarifying donor intent with fund administrators. Fields questions regarding the allowable use/expenses for gift and endowment accounts including requests for release or modification of endowment and gift restrictions that have become impracticable to fulfill.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees