Development Operations Specialist

Art and Wellness Enterprises • Bentonville, AR

2d

About The Position

The Development Operations Specialist supports the Development team by ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency across donor systems, documentation, and workflows. This role is responsible for executing core development operations functions including gift agreement processing, database administration, sponsorship tracking, and reporting support. The Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining system integrity, supporting compliance, and enabling Development staff to focus on donor engagement and fundraising strategy.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
• 5+ years of experience in development operations, advancement services, nonprofit administration, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience managing gift or sponsorship agreements , including drafting, routing, execution, and documentation
• Strong working knowledge of fundraising databases/CRMs (Tessitura preferred) and document management systems (e.g., SharePoint)
• Experience managing electronic signature workflows (e.g., DocuSign)
• Proven ability to ensure data integrity and resolve discrepancies across systems, documents, and stakeholders
• Experience developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and training colleagues on systems and workflows
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential donor information

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with Tessitura , including gift processing, plans, and reporting
• Experience with sponsorship benefits, recognition standards, or fulfillment tracking
• Familiarity with prospect research and portfolio management
• Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, or complex nonprofit environment
• Prior experience supervising interns or project-based staff

Responsibilities

• Gift Agreements & Compliance
• Draft, route, execute, and file gift and sponsorship agreements from proposal through completion
• Ensure gift agreement terms align with approved benefits, recognition standards, and institutional policy
• Manage DocuSign workflows, approvals, execution, and agreement status tracking
• Receive fully executed agreements and gift processing documentation and store them in Tessitura and SharePoint using standard naming conventions
• Investigate discrepancies as they arise across systems or documents with coordination across multiple individuals
• Systems Management, Reporting & Data Integrity
• Maintain alignment across Tessitura, SharePoint, dashboards, and benefit tracking systems
• Run ad hoc Tessitura reports, partnering with Data Strategy as needed
• Audit Gift Processing Forms (GPFs) to ensure alignment with approved plans and executed agreements
• Partner with Data Strategy on Tessitura training related to development plans
• Update constituent records when needed to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Sponsor Benefits & Recognition Oversight
• Maintain sponsor benefit charts
• Ensure sponsor recognition and benefits are not activated prior to agreement execution
• Resolve discrepancies related to sponsor benefits or documentation
• Identify and flag sponsors confirmed after programs or exhibitions have launched
• Development Operations & Process Management
• Meet with Development Officers to review dashboards, address questions, and resolve discrepancies
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures for development workflows
• Train Development Officers on systems, documentation requirements, and handoff processes
• Identify gaps or inefficiencies and recommend improvements to Development operations workflows
• Prospect Management & Research
• Conduct prospect research to support Development strategy
• Assign new prospects to portfolios based on direction from Development leadership
• Manage and oversee the Development Intern, including supervision, training, and work assignment
• Additional Responsibilities:
• Serve as a cross-functional liaison across Development, Donor & Museum Relations, Marketing, Finance, IT, and Data Strategy
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support evolving Development operations, strategic initiatives, and cross-departmental priorities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree