Database and Prospect Research Manager, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis IN

Kristin Champa

Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) is a fully accredited ecumenical graduate school located in Indianapolis, IN related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and serving the whole people of God. We welcome all faiths to explore/ engage in an intellectually rigorous, spiritually formative, and emotionally supportive education that equips our students to go out into all the world and serve—whether that is in the church or out in the community. CTS also offers a robust counseling program that provides professional counseling preparation and spiritual/theological integration for those training to become mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, pastoral psychotherapists, and spiritual care specialists.

JOB SUMMARY: Critical to scaling Christian Theological Seminary’s fundraising programs and in anticipation of a major comprehensive campaign, the Manager serves as a key strategist and integral member on the Development team. The Database and Prospect Research Manager implements and manages a comprehensive fundraising database system, gift acknowledgement process, prospect research program and will be responsible for the integrity of the database, including oversight of gift entry. Prospect research including donor screening, rating, review, and prospect mining activities are important facets to the success of the campaign readiness and major gift program growth. The stewardship program, including generating donor acknowledgement letters and tax gift receipts are included in these responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Database Management and Reporting Responsibilities

• Serve as the Raiser’s Edge program operational and functional subject matter expert; proactively looks for ways to optimize Raiser’s Edge functionality to track donor and/or donation data that is not currently tracked or tracked outside of Raiser’s Edge
• Serves as the primary operational and database liaison on fundraising project initiatives
• Ensure that best practices in data management and reporting functions are being implemented
• Identify operational deficiencies and recommends standards, policies and procedures that will mitigate risk to ensure data and database integrity
• Assists development staff with database administration activities
• Oversee Raiser’s Edge (RE) security and configuration and the creation of new campaign, fund, and appeal records
• Responsible for daily data entry and maintenance of biographic and demographic constituent data
• Responsible for the creation of donor acknowledgement/tax receipt letters ensuring that they meet non-profit tax substantiation requirements and are accurate and timely
• Maintain tools to track and report progress towards individual and team development goals and campaign goals
• Maintain campaign tracking and reporting functions, including the maintenance of all gift agreements and naming opportunity agreements
• Produce prospect reports for the President, VPA and Campaign Leadership Committee meetings (as needed)
• Produce the Annual Report lists and distribution of the Annual Report
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive program for data management, ensuring proper prospect and donor information is entered to benefit the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all database functions
• Design reports and queries for mailings/invitations, etc.
• Responsible for completion of all constituent data entry and updates
• Handle all imports and exports of data
• Manage database software maintenance
• Conduct database analysis and research including needs assessment
• Keep up with news and trends in database technology and development methodology
• Assign appropriate access rights and ensure proper training for all new and current users
• Update internal policy and procedural documents as needed to reflect changes in the organization’s operations
• Coordinate and assist with the operational handling of donations and purchases from fundraising events
• Ensure the integrity of philanthropic data by performing regular data audit checks, duplicate records reports, identifying data entry errors and/or incorrect code usage and taking corrective action to mitigate future errors
• Ensure that donor data, both electronic and paper form, are properly secured and retained

Prospect Research

• Oversee regular wealth screening activities working closely with the Director of Annual Giving
• Support the VPA and advancement team in major gift prospect research, updating profiles as needed, and conducting new research following industry best practices
• Research and collate research briefings for all potential donors (as needed), including individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Prepare and provide oversight for the preparation of briefings for relevant staff for events and meetings
• Assist with planning and implementation of prospect management research procedures

EDUCATION AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus five years of experience with prospect research and database management in a nonprofit setting
• Five years proven experience with Raiser’s Edge and report writing, prospect management and gift posting.
• Skilled in proofreading, report-writing, and delivering presentation
• Exceptional computer skills with all Microsoft Office programs and Raiser’s Edge,
• Working Knowledge of fundraising information sources and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research
• Exceptional project management, communication, organizational, detail oriented, interpersonal and research skills
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workflow
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• RE Certification a plus, knowledge of Financial Edge recommended
• Experience in a seminary, theological institution, faith-based or social services organization preferred but not required.
• Resonance with the mission, vision, and core values of Christian Theological Seminary.

Interested applicants can find more or information or apply here or advancement@cts.edu.

CTS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to recruitment, hiring, or any other status of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other category protected by law.