This position is responsible for leading and directing all activities of gift processing and gift administration within the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF).  The Manager of Gift Administration will direct and oversee a variety of operational and technical processes, and related improvements, related to the collection and management of gifts and associated data. This position serves as department expert and key resource on gift acceptance, accounting policies, as well as IRS and CASE reporting standards. The Manager of Gift Administration will also serve as a primary resource to donors and development staff in the colleges and campuses on the management, recording, recognition and reconciliation of gifts.

This position requires in depth knowledge of donor record retention policy, gift acceptance, accounting and administration policy, Donor Management System database (DMS) and using sound judgment to apply consistent policy to unique and individualized transactions.  The department processes approximately 150,000 gifts annually and affects a database with over 1M donor and alumni records, which interface with the gift administration function and other University data sources.

Responsibilities: 

Manage gift administration processes for optimal efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of donor gift processing.  Gifts include event registrations, stadium seating scholarship payments, in-kind gifts to the University as well as the Foundation, pledges, corporate matching payments, third party payers, deferred gifts and other types of payments. (50%)

• Establish, monitor and ensure adherence to gift administration service standards.  Oversee communication of such standards to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure continuous process improvements in the gift administration function, while adhering to appropriate gift processing controls and customer service expectations.  Automate related processes to optimize operational efficiency.
• Develops and ensures compliance with internal controls, cash handling procedures, PCI and other related compliance issues.  Work with the Assistant Controller and AVP of Finance & Fund Administration to ensure compliance with IRS tax law and CASE guidelines for gift recording and reporting.
• Measure on-going productivity of department.  Ensure gift processing continues to set and achieve aggressive standards on the accuracy and turnaround of gifts, receipts, and acknowledgements.
• Advise on gift acceptance policies as it relates to gift processing.  Evaluate and apply gift policy guidelines to unique non-cash gifts for efficient processing.
• Lead and/or participate on special project teams aimed at strategic planning, problem solving and continuous improvement in accordance with Finance and UMF-wide goals

Establish effective relationships with key stakeholders and constituents related to the gift administration process (25%)

• Serve as strategic partner with development staff on the identification, processing and recognition of gifts, providing timely and accurate communication to development staff and donors.
• Work collaboratively with Information Systems to develop, maintain and continually enhance gift entry, database and related tools and reporting.
• Collaborate with the University’s tax office, Office of General Counsel (OGC), Director of Legal Affairs and CFO on complex gifts and related recognition including in-kind gifts made directly to the University.

Manage the teams’ human resource activities in an effort to optimize employee morale, performance, growth and retention. (25%)

• Recruit, coach, motivate and create a culture dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion, superb customer service and highest quality results
• Work collaboratively to develop clear departmental and individual goals and priorities; conduct regular performance reviews
• Identify staff training and professional development opportunities and work with Human Resources to design and implement plans

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

• Continuous learning in diversity, equity and inclusion for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
• Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
• Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
• Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.
• Strive to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace when hiring, promoting, and offering career advancement opportunities.

Qualifications: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required and six years of experience in a gift administration, fund accounting, or closely related area with two of those years in managing staff including hiring, performance evaluation, ability to give work direction and ability to train others affectively
• Intermediate level experience with software and spreadsheet packages required (Microsoft Word, Excel experience preferred), with email and internet experience.
• Database administration experience including data entry, data integrity, scanning, indexing, clarification, query reporting, large volume mail merge activities.
• Experience with process optimization concepts and projects
• Ability to initiate and lead special projects.
• Ability to develop organized approaches to problem solving.  Ability to independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.  Ability to take initiative and function independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and requests and exercise authority to ensure that goals are met.

Preferred:

• Seven or more years of experience in a gift administration, fund accounting, or closely related area
• Previous gift administration experience in higher education or large, complex non-profit organization

At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.