Database Manager - GIFTs Online/Blackbaud Grantmaking Important - New York, New York

Barbara Brown

Research to Prevent Blindness
Database Manager
Research to Prevent Blindness
Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) is the leading nonprofit organization supporting eye research directed at the prevention, treatment or eradication of all diseases that damage and destroy sight. As part of this purview, RPB also supports efforts to grow and sustain a robust and diverse vision research community. Since it was founded in 1960 by Dr. Jules Stein, RPB has awarded more than $368 million in research grants to the most talented vision scientists at the nation’s leading medical schools. As a result, RPB has been associated with nearly every major breakthrough in the understanding and treatment of vision loss in the past 59 years. Learn more at www.rpbusa.org.

Database Manager

A new position of Database Manager is being created at Research to Prevent Blindness.  This key position will be part of an 8-person, highly interactive, high-performance team.  The position has two major components and sets of responsibilities relating to:

 

1. Donor, fundraising and partnership databases; and
2. Grants administration and grant database. 

The incumbent will report to the Director of Strategic Partnerships, but also have responsibilities to the Director of Grants Administration.  The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years’ experience in data management with experience in a philanthropic, nonprofit or a related organization.  Knowledge of grants management and donor management software is essential, specifically GIFTS Online/Blackbaud Grantmaking and Raiser’s Edge, as is proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to conduct internet research.  The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented person and will understand best practices in grantmaking and donor management with a demonstrated commitment to continuous quality and process improvement.

Partnership Activities
Assist with all aspects of RPB’s efforts with regard to its donors, fundraising and partnerships.  Reporting to the Director of Strategic Partnerships for this portion of the job, his/her responsibilities will include:

• Implementation and maintenance of all aspects of the donor database.
• Enter all contributions (check, credit card and online payments) into the database.
• Issue paper batches to be reviewed and approved by the accountant.
• Issue thank you letters and mail on a timely basis.
• Maintain files in both Raiser’s Edge and hardcopy for trusts, major gifts and partner funders.
• Assist accountant with monthly revenue reconciliations.
• Run reports as requested.
• Maintain ongoing relationship with the vendor, Blackbaud, for billing, training and system updates.
• Comply with all state filing requirements for nonprofit organizations.  File reports completely, accurately and on time with each state that requires filing.  Maintain and change lists of states as necessary.
• Conduct internet searches for organizations and individuals as requested.
• Other administrative tasks as required.

Grants Administration Activities:
Assist with the grantmaking process and provide links between RPB’s scientific reviewers, staff and grantees so that all grantmaking activities are smoothly implemented.  Reporting to the Director of Grants Administration for this portion of the job, her/his responsibilities include:

 

• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of grants management software and integrity of data.
• Respond to grant seekers’ requests for information.
• Develop a good working understanding of RPB’s awards and the eligibility criteria of each.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of review committee meetings, as well as assist in the docket preparation and distribution for each meeting.
• Assist with preparation and disbursement of award letters and grant agreements as well as declination letters; create special language as needed for these external documents.
• Provide reports and respond to inquiries and grants histories as requested.
• Maintain grantee and grants committee contact lists.
• Maintain electronic and physical files related to all aspects of the grants cycle, including:  grant application materials, grant agreement and disbursement, progress reports, correspondence with prospective grantees and materials related to grant recommendation and declinations.
• Create training materials for GIFTS Online and work with the Director of Grants Administration to improve GIFTS Online for RPB staff and grantees going forward.
• Provide administrative support and assist in special projects, as needed, for this small office, including telephone coverage.

Requirements:

Education:   Undergraduate degree preferred


Experience: 

• Minimum of three years in data management with experience in a philanthropic, nonprofit or related organization. 
• Knowledge of grants management and donor management software is essential, specifically GIFTS Online and Raiser’s Edge, as is proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and internet research. 
• Understanding of best practices in grantmaking and donor management with a demonstrated commitment to continuous process improvement.

Skills: 

• Detail-oriented person with proven analytic and problem-solving skills.
•  The ideal candidate will enjoy organizing and creating meaning out of data.
•  Highly required: excellent attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills combined with initiative, resourcefulness and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal direction are essential. 
• Mathematical literacy and understanding of basic accounting concepts are helpful. 
• Ability to maintain and respect sensitive, private and confidential information related to grant recommendations, grantees, donors, advisors, office communications and matters in general. 
• Because the nature of the role includes regular interactions with our board, grantees and other constituents, must possess excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills, while also being a good listener.

Character:

• Ability to understand and consider organizational culture and change and should be open-minded, flexible in approach and willing to adapt when necessary.
•  Must have an “all-hands-on-deck,” information-sharing, enterprising attitude, with a willingness to learn and grow.
•  S/he will be self-disciplined with the demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a high-performance team. 
• S/he should be confident to think and speak independently, while being collegial, respectful and possessing a good sense of humor. 

Compensation

RPB offers a competitive compensation package that includes unusually rich benefits. RPB presently pays for all health care premiums for the employee and qualified dependents; contributes 25% of an employee’s salary into a 403(b), funded by the employer; and provides 5% for out of pocket medical expenses. There is a waiting period before non-health-care-insurance benefits begin.

Research to Prevent Blindness is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.
Research to Prevent Blindness has retained the services of BSBSearch. Please email a cover letter and resume in confidence to:
Barbara Brown
Managing Director
BSBSearch
bbrown@bsbsearch.com