Advancement Specialist

Advancement Specialist (Contract)

Our client is seeking an experienced Advancement Specialist for a 9-month contract engagement. This role will support a critical fund and donor records project, conducting a comprehensive audit of restricted funds, scholarships, endowments, and donor documentation to ensure compliance, accuracy, and optimal utilization of available resources. The ideal candidate will have experience working with advancement operations, fund administration, higher education, or nonprofit development environments.

Position Details

• Job Title: Advancement Specialist
• Employment Type: Full-Time Contract
• Duration: Through July 2027
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid (initial training and onboarding onsite)
• Compensation: $26.00–$28.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Advancement Specialist will lead a comprehensive review of approximately 1,500 donor-funded accounts, including scholarships, endowments, grants, and restricted funds. This individual will research historical donor records, analyze documentation, identify opportunities for fund utilization, and ensure records are accurate and compliant with donor intent and organizational guidelines.

Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, persistence in researching historical records, and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear documentation and recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a detailed review and audit of donor funds, scholarships, endowments, and restricted accounts.
• Research historical donor agreements, records, and supporting documentation.
• Review both electronic and physical files to validate fund usage requirements and restrictions.
• Identify funds eligible for broader utilization opportunities.
• Document findings, recommendations, and decisions related to fund administration.
• Partner with advancement, archives, and administrative teams to gather and verify information.
• Ensure fund records are maintained accurately and updated as necessary.
• Support compliance efforts by ensuring donor intent and fund restrictions are properly documented.

Qualifications

Required

• Previous experience reviewing, tracking, or administering scholarships, endowments, grants, restricted funds, or donor-funded programs.
• Experience working with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.
• Strong research, auditing, and investigative skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables and VLOOKUP functions.
• Ability to independently analyze information and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent written documentation and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Experience working within higher education, nonprofit, or advancement environments.
• Knowledge of advancement operations and donor stewardship practices.
• Experience with fund administration, compliance, or financial record review.
• Familiarity with donor databases and enterprise record management systems.

Desired Skills

• Investigation and data analysis
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Information synthesis and documentation
• Attention to detail
• Time management and project execution
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Technology & Systems

• Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge
• Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUPs)
• Document management and database platforms

Work Environment

• Collaborative team environment with frequent interaction across multiple departments.
• Primarily desk-based work involving data review, record research, and documentation.
• Ability to manage a large-scale audit project with established deadlines and milestones.