The job: 

The Fund Development Specialist provides oversight and direction to the Fund Development team on donation collection, processing and tax receipting. This role manages the processing of donations and as part of the Operations Team contributes towards improving and maintaining the integrity of the database.   

The position supports the Associate Director, Fund Development and Special Events with the management of donation coding and finance/audit back up as well as creating and documenting donation processes.   

You: 

You have a passion for data, enjoy accounting and excel at customer service.  You enjoy technology and are always looking for opportunities that could improve the team’s tools and technology to support fund raising, gift processing, donor stewardship and prospecting.  You enjoy working in a collaborative environment where you can contribute towards team strategy.  You are committed to bringing your true self to work each day and working towards a better future for women and families in our community. 

Us: 

We are a large and closely connected fund development team of 23 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: 

• Providing expertise on gift coding for the Fund Development team – understanding how the Finance department systems align with Raiser’s Edge, how fund-based accounting is managed within the organization and how gift coding impacts Fund Development donor stewardship processes.  

• Responsible for the timely and accurate processing of donations including determining the rightful donor, receipt entitlement, fund-based accounting gift coding as well as reconciling donation collection software and ensuring donation documentation meets the needs of the Fund Development and Finance teams as well as the auditors.  

• Resolving issues between the General Ledger (GL) and Raiser’s Edge as identified by Finance.   

• Acting as the CRA expert for the Fund Development team – advising the team on processes and rules for accepting and receiving donations.  Preparing tax and acknowledgement receipts as needed. 

• Ensuring the Fund Development team remains PCI compliant. As needed devise solutions to meet fund raisers’ needs around donation collection at events  

• Working with the Data Governance committee to develop and document the Operations team’s processes. Ensuring the integrity of our data by conducting monthly data clean ups.    

• Supporting the Fund Development team with donor stewardship – preparing donor renewal reminders, renewal of monthly donor’s credit card details, processing returned mail, privacy requests and responding to donor phone calls and emails. 

• Coordinating the distribution of donations of gifts-in-kind to women and children in the community    

• Collaborate with Fund Development colleagues on inclusion, diversity, equity 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 

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

• 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) 

• 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: 

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

• Salary $62,483 

• Extended medical and dental benefits   

• A defined benefit pension plan  

• Five weeks of vacation and personal days 

• Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members  

• 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.