The Database Specialist trains, coaches and assists the Fund Development team with one-to-one support on their technical skills use of the database (Raiser’s Edge NXT) and the maintenance of their donor records (clean data) as well as researching and implementing technology that will enhance the team’s productivity. The position supports the Manager, Fund Development Systems and Digital Philanthropy with the management of the database and mining donor data for the Fund Development team. The position is also responsible for expanding our digital fundraising by developing our peer-to-peer fundraising portfolio and as a member of the Fund Development Operations team also processes donations.  

You: 

You are a Raiser’s Edge specialist who takes responsibility for the integrity of the donor database.  Your attention to detail and intrigue with data sparks your curiosity in mining data that will assist your colleagues to steward strong donor relationships.  You enjoy technology and are continuously looking for opportunities that could improve the team’s tools and technology to support and improve: fund raising, gift processing, donor stewardship and prospecting. 

Your close relationship with our donor data gives you a unique position to lead the Peer-to-Peer Giving portfolio.  Working collaboratively with the Manager Marketing Communications and Manager Fund Development Systems and Digital Philanthropy, you will develop strategically crafted and engaging campaigns.  

You have experience working with the Raiser’s Edge NXT database and are comfortable teaching and supporting others.  You enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can contribute towards the strategy for the use of Raiser’s Edge NXT architecture and the acquisition of additional technology. 

Us: 

We are a large and closely connected fund development team of 20 people.  We each work independently on our responsibilities while working collaboratively as a team to meet our annual revenue targets.  Most of the team has been with the YWCA for 5+ years, we share a love of both travel and food and we can often be heard laughing. 

We are a cooperative team that pulls together whenever and however is needed.  You will be asked both for your opinion and to lend a hand on strategy and tasks that are outside of your responsibilities.  We are in the early stages of unpacking our individual and team power and privilege and exploring how IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and ability) as well as Reconciliation can be more integrated into how we operate each day. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Work one-on-one with Fund Development Managers to provide training and coaching on their use of the database, adherence to data standards and maintenance of clean data  

• Ability to make decisions on the individualized approach that best supports each Manager  

• Ability to translate business needs into database architecture  

• Responsible for monitoring data integrity in the Raiser’s Edge NXT database by executing monthly, quarterly and annual queries to identify and correct data coding errors   

• Identifying the need for new and additional queries to maintain data integrity  

• Create dashboards, reports, lists and data exports to support the Fund Development Team to manage donations and solicit and steward donors  

• Research newly released Raiser’s Edge NXT functionality and assess viability for implementation into our processes  

• Research and implement software applications that could enhance productivity for the Fund Development team   

• Processing and reconciling donations  

• Review gift batches, check validation reports and make corrections to gift coding for others on the Fund Development Operations team 

• Organize and facilitate the processing of credit card donations on site at events  

• Develop and execute the annual Peer-to-Peer strategy including designing website copy, digital marketing and donor stewardship  

• Manage the QGiv fundraising software which includes setting up tribute giving, donation pages, supporting donors to run campaigns, training colleagues on batching gifts and reconciling all donations flowing through QGiv  

• Communicate with donors as appropriate to resolve issues and share information  

• Project Manage the writing of the monthly Fund Development Board Report (list of gifts solicited, received and declined and activities in Planned Giving, Inner Circle and Women of Distinction), review with the VP Fund Development before it is shared with the CEO and YWCA Board  

• Design, create and coordinate delivery of birthday and seasonal cards or videos for donors  

• Support the Fund Development team with donor stewardship, donor communication and special events   

• Manage event invitations and donor stewardship on behalf of the VP Fund Development & Special Events  

• Collaborate with Fund Development colleagues on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility discussions, activities and strategies in order to ensure our fund development work aligns with the YWCA’s IDEA values and emerging trends in the fund development sector 

• Other duties as required 

What you’ll need: 

• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook   

• Intermediate understanding of Raiser’s Edge NXT   

• Intermediate understanding of data segmentation in a fundraising environment    

• Intermediate experience with Importacular or other data import software  

• Familiar with User Experience (UX) design and donation page design   

• Basic social media, search engine optimization and marketing skills   

• Familiar with gift processing and charitable tax receipting, basic accounting principles and CRA guidelines   

• Ability to lead group and one-on-one teaching and coaching sessions, translating database principles, usage and best practices to a non-technical audience   

• Organization and time management skills, including the ability to manage changing priorities and establish boundaries     

• Accurate and detail-oriented approach to executing responsibilities    

• Strong organizational and critical thinking skills with the ability to understand other’s point of view    

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cooperative, open and transparent work environment    

• Creative, technical and professional written communication skills    

• Collaborative team player with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships including being tactful, diplomatic and managing confidential information    

• Independent approach to learning; comfortable asking questions, identifying opportunities for learning and approaches mistakes inquisitively   

• Strategic and proactive thinking in all aspects of work with the success of the Fund Development team as the foundation of all decisions and responsibilities    

• A degree/diploma in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience 

• 1-2 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, preferably in a fund development capacity 

• 1-2 years of experience with Raiser’s Edge or a combination of Raiser’s Edge and other customer relationship management or database software   

• Blackbaud Fundamentals certification  

• A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.  

• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties. 

What we offer:

• free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres 

• a workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion. 

• Five weeks of vacation and personal days 

• Caring, supportive and flexible work environment that recognizes that work is one of the many responsibilities we have to prioritize in our lives