Advancement Director of Data and Research

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Advancement Director of Data and Research, Monday through Friday. This is a hybrid position which requires onsite presence two days out of the week. The schedule is to be determined. Responsible for all aspects of LSSI’s Raiser’s Edge Database to ensure maximum utilization of the system as well as providing timely, relevant information and reports to Senior Directors.

Benefits and Perks:
LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $65,000-$80,000/Annually.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions:

• Maintain system and data integrity of Raiser’s Edge database system.
• Act as primary liaison between LSSI and Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge.
• Together with the Chief Advancement Officer, research and negotiate service contracts with Blackbaud and other database software providers.
• Oversee gift entry procedures and make certain daily gift batches are processed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Create queries and produce reports pertaining to the gift entry process, including departmental and financial reports.
• Work with Finance Department to ensure reconciliation of gifts and pledges and coordinate communication between Advancement and Finance.
• Train Advancement and Finance Staff in relevant areas of system use and reporting.
• Determine appropriate metrics and provide them with the Chief Advancement Officer at regular intervals.
• Initiate and manage projects to improve utilization of the database.
• Respond to requests for information regarding gifts, generating queries of constituency system gift information and prepare gift reports.
• Add new constituent records to the database as needed. Analyze information and populate all appropriate data fields where information is available.
• Provide exception customer service when responding to inquiries from donors and the Advancement staff regarding gifts and pledges.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a related field required.
• Advanced user of Raiser’s Edge fundraising databases or similar nonprofit fundraising software reporting tools required.
• Demonstrated success in project management and accountability for deliverables.
• Experience writing, preparing, and analyzing reports of funds raised and progress toward goals required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and pc/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Background check clearance required.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury, and property damage required.