The YMCA is now hiring a Development Operations Specialist!

The Development Operations Specialist will report to the Manager of Development Operations and is responsible for daily gift entry and administration, database management, gift acknowledgments, finance reconciliation, and department reporting.  This position is responsible for the data quality, integrity, analysis, and management of donor records, prospects, and pipelines in Raiser’s Edge. This position is responsible for working with all members of the Development team to maximize fundraising effectiveness, in support of the development of a robust donor pipeline and stewardship efforts. This team member is expected to contribute to the development of effective donor stewardship strategies and also reporting mechanisms that allow measurement of key activities and growth in revenue. The Development Operations Specialist must be proficient in Raiser’s Edge.

Salary range starts at $60,000+ per year, includes full-time benefits, and opportunities to grow within the organization

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is an evolving global model of social enterprise and innovation. Joy is rooted in what we do and how we do it. This model architects culturally relevant, shared experiences, breaking barriers, and fostering connections among generations and diverse communities, through physical and digital avenues. The entire organization remains focused on helping human beings find their value and share it with the world.    The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other.    Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:  We offer salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and the value you bring to our team.  Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees, along with access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.  Generous paid time off (PTO), including paid holidays. We also offer flexible work hours to help you balance your personal and professional life.  403(b) plan with company contributions after 2 years of service to help you plan for your future.  Opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and training programs.  A supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.  Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events. 

Scope of Responsibilities 

Serves as the database administrator for Raiser’s Edge, collaborating with team members, IT, Finance, and other YMCA staff to optimize database configuration, queries, and data policies and reporting to meet the needs of end-users and optimize database performance.

Utilizing knowledge of multiple funding streams, conducts financial analysis and creates standard, custom, and ad-hoc reports using Crystal Reports and Excel.

Performs all gift processing, acknowledging and receipt activities, ensuring all gifts are acknowledged in a timely and accurate manner.

Oversees all donor records including maintenance, quality assurance, and tracking.

Collaborates with the fundraising team to track and report on fundraising progress and donor trends.

Prepares research profiles on potential donor and Board of Managers suspects

Ensures data quality of donor records, lists, and reports to accurately track fundraising progress.

Collaborates with vendors and keeps abreast of new database features and trends to maximize database optimization and performance

Works in close partnership with the Y’s Finance department to ensure all gifts and pledges are recorded and tracked properly.

Performs special projects as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the Development team.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience preferred, but not required

Three (3) or more years of Raiser’s Edge database administration, including prospect and constituent management, data import/export, developing standard and customer reports, and optimizing performance.

Advanced proficiency with Crystal Reports and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Demonstrated data, financial analysis, and reporting skills, including knowledge of multiple funding streams and implications.

Passionate and committed to the YMCA’s mission to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. 

Demonstrated collaboration skills with end-users and other team members to assess needs and provide support.

Proven successful organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills, as well as attention to accuracy and detail to ensure data integrity and quality.

Must be proactive and creative problem-solver, able to work both independently and with a broad range of stakeholders to develop relationships, facilitate collaboration, and achieve results.

Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills with strong writing skills.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required