Project Manager, Philanthropy
About The Position
This mid-level role provides detail-oriented operational support for philanthropy, including financial reconciliation, reporting, gift processing, marketing, database and platform management. The position serves as a key partner to the Strategy and Operations Director, provides guidance and support to the Gift Coordinator, and delivers system support, analytics, and project coordination for 23 fundraising sites while ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of fundraising operations. The position offers a hybrid work environment at the Skokie, Illinois Central Office and requires up to 10% travel by car and plane. Responsibilities span donor database management and analytics, prospect research, advanced gift processing, financial reconciliation and reporting, marketing coordination, and philanthropy operations. The role supports fundraising sites with gift processing, reporting, CRM user support, online giving platforms, donor communications, operational training, documentation, and compliance.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- At least one year of experience providing support in a fast-paced organization.
- At least one year of demonstrated expertise with Blackbaud RENXT Pro, eTapestry, or another CRM platform.
- Experience in project management.
- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies across systems and reports.
- Ability to compare complex datasets, perform audits, and ensure consistency between fundraising and financial systems.
- Ability to accept responsibility and account for actions; adapt to workplace change; work independently with minimal and remote supervision; communicate clearly and concisely in writing; understand internal and external constituent viewpoints and objectives; demonstrate ethical conduct and integrity; and build and maintain relationships.
- Willingness to travel up to 10% by car and plane.
Nice To Haves
- Fundraising certification.
- Two years of development or fundraising administrative experience in a nonprofit organization, or related experience.
- Blackbaud RENXT Pro experience is preferred.
- Experience with Crescendo Interactive.
Responsibilities
- Provide analytics within the donor database; run regular queries and reports and build new analytical reports.
- Conduct weekly gift processing audits and reconciliations.
- Support users by contacting CRM customer service about outstanding questions and cases.
- Provide prospect research and basic portfolio analysis for Directors of Philanthropy; produce profiles for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Complete gift processing for communities temporarily without a Director of Philanthropy and for multiple communities during periods of increased gift volume.
- Enter gifts accurately and promptly in eTapestry, RENXT, or another database; generate gift acknowledgement correspondence from the Office of Philanthropy.
- Process recurring donations daily and at year-end, and journal recurring employee payroll deduction gift entries.
- Analyze and reconcile philanthropic revenue, designated contributions, and key performance metrics across Raiser’s Edge NXT, payment platforms, and finance systems; resolve discrepancies, maintain data integrity, and provide recurring financial reports.
- Update corporate online representation on websites including GuideStar and Charity Navigator, and maintain online giving platform presence on services such as YourCause, Benevity, and Thrivent.
- Liaise with Finance, including providing information for monthly credit card gift reconciliations.
- Prepare annual community Form 990 reports for corporate financial auditors.
- Serve as a Marketing liaison by monitoring campus collateral needs, communicating deadlines, and proofreading collateral and documents.
- Maintain a library of donor and recipient stories, photos, and other marketing materials; draft Crescendo planned giving newsletters, brochures, and templates.
- Maintain the calendar for collateral production and key events, including annual gala events.
- Partner with the Operations Director as a subject matter expert in gift processing, fundraising reporting, and IRS compliance.
- Train and support Regional Leaders in guiding Philanthropy Directors during onboarding, leadership transitions, and operational needs; develop and standardize forms, policies, procedures, and best practices to promote consistency and audit compliance.
- Monitor and respond daily to the Giving, Gift Processing, and Donor Services mailboxes and the main Philanthropy phone line.
- Upload files and organize documents on the Philanthropy SharePoint site.
- Attend meetings when requested and take minutes for distribution.
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Participate in special work groups and projects as directed.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employer-paid group term life insurance and disability coverage
- Paid time off
- Six paid holidays
- 403(b) with a 3% employer match
- Fitness center use at most facilities
- Voluntary life and AD&D benefits
- Tuition assistance and scholarships
- Employee assistance program
- Legal services
- Home and auto insurance
- Discount purchasing program
- Pet insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
