POSITION Database Specialist (full-time, non

POSITION
Database Specialist (full-time, non-exempt)
OVERVIEW
Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation generates resources, builds relationships and champions DPS and
public education to impact system-wide achievement in support of DPS’ bold and ambitious goal to ensure
Every Child Succeeds. Building on our strong history and close alignment with DPS, DPS Foundation is
aggressively accelerating our role in service to DPS and the more than 89,000 students served. DPS
Foundation facilitates support from individuals, corporations and foundations to advance the five priority
goals of the Denver Plan 2020. In partnership with the Superintendent, DPS leadership and the broader
community, DPS Foundation is guided by our own strategic plan aligned to DPS, which calls for doubling
our donor base and annually raising $15-20 million by 2016. For more information, visit
www.dpsfoundation.org.
JOB SUMMARY
The Database Specialist’s primary responsibilities include maintaining the structure and integrity of DPS
Foundation’s database utilizing Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge, processing donations on a daily basis including
gift entry, acknowledgment letters and all supporting documents, providing analysis of the effectiveness of
fundraising strategies, supporting data and training needs of the organization, collaborating with the
Marketing & Communications and Development departments and helping to research and create new data
protocols. The Database Specialist is an important and heavily replied upon individual that reports to the
Vice President of Development and works closely with the Vice President of Finance & Operations as well
as members of the Marketing & Communications and Development teams.
The ideal candidate must be highly proficient with the Raiser’s Edge database and Microsoft’s Excel, have
tremendous attention to detail and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality, learn
quickly, work independently and juggle competing priorities. The ability to positively interact with staff,
vendors, donors and others in a fast-paced environment while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and
efficient is valued. Exhibiting quality written and verbal communication skills are equally important.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Database Management Responsibilities
 Serve as the primary lead for DPS Foundation’s CRM and document storage databases, including
infrastructure, maintenance, coding, protocols, data entry, integrity and reporting
 Establish, execute and maintain documentation of data entry structures/protocols for Raiser’s Edge and
PaperSave databases including coordinating with departments to ensure new protocols are established
and Raiser’s Edge is updated as fundraising and marketing efforts evolve
 Efficiently manage and execute the entry and import of data from multiple sources including wealth
screenings and constituent acquisition campaigns into Raiser’s Edge
 Generate regular reports including the monthly YTD fundraising reports, donor and constituent growth
reports, campaign revenue reports, gift validation and reconciliation reports
 Coordinate with staff to either execute or assist with the creation of department and role specific
dashboards, reports and queries that allow for analysis of fundraising and marketing efforts
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Coach database users to be able to independently utilize Raiser’s Edge by conducting training, providing
information and helping to resolve problems
Work with staff to ensure database inefficiencies are identified and establish protocols for consideration
of new database systems and additional systems, as needed
Maintain data integrity by submitting data to Blackbaud for data health updates, regularly check for
duplicate constituents, run data maintenance queries and address any data integrity issues as they arise
(i.e. constituent records, code tables, acknowledgment letters, appeals, campaigns and funds)
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending professional trainings, reviewing
professional publications and benchmarking emerging practices
Gift Processing Responsibilities
 Process all gifts, pledges and recurring donations and record them in Raiser’s Edge on a daily basis
utilizing NetCommunity, PaperSave, batch and import following organization protocols and standards
 Route daily batch validation and gift reports to appropriate staff
 Generate and mail donor acknowledgment letters on a daily basis including coordinating with
appropriate staff to ensure letters are signed and mailed within time protocols
 Work with Development and Marketing & Communications teams to ensure acknowledgement letter
templates are drafted and uploaded into Raiser’s Edge prior to need
 Prepare tax credit documentation for qualifying gifts
 Maintain organized electronic copies of all gift documentation (source files, receipts, acknowledgement
letters and internal correspondence) in PaperSave database; ensuring files are maintained with integrity
and uploaded on a daily basis
Support Responsibilities
 Cross-train with Executive & Administrative Assistant to ensure he/she is a reliable and competent backup for gift entry, acknowledgement letters and updates/corrections and be cross-trained by Executive &
Administrative Assistant to learn mail processing and preliminary gift processing steps for “seasonal”
increases in workload and absences from work
 Regularly attend Development team meetings to align Development team’s work plan with database
related responsibilities
 Attend all required meetings and special events as requested and assist with other projects
 “Seasonal” increased hours may be required during major campaigns, at year-end and at fiscal year-end
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
The successful candidate should possess the following:
 Bachelor’s degree and minimum of two years of experience in a lead database role in a not for profit
organization
 Technical expertise with Raiser’s Edge is required and experience with Raiser’s Edge Prospect and
Event modules, NetCommunity, PaperSave and Crystal Reports is preferred; bCRE certification is
valued
 High proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other software programs including Outlook and Word as well
as the ability to operate standard office equipment
 Demonstrated analytical and logical thinking including ability to produce metrics in a presentable format;
understand end user needs and translate requests into effective queries and reports
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Ability to build and sustain helpful working relationships with staff and vendors in a fast-paced
environment while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient; maintaining a high level of
professionalism, integrity/ethics and confidentiality is critical to this role
Highly organized and detail-oriented; has initiative and follow-thru to execute projects from initial stage
through completion
Demonstrated ability to prioritize efficiently, be flexible and work on multiple projects simultaneously,
both as an individual and as part of the team
Strong administrative, written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
COMPENSATION
Hourly salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A generous benefits package includes
paid holidays, paid time off, parking reimbursement, health, dental and vision insurances, life insurance,
short-term disability insurance and matching contribution to a 401(k) retirement plan after meeting eligibility
requirements.
RESPONSE
Please send cover letter, resume and salary expectations to [email protected]. To ensure your
submission is considered, please include Database Specialist in the subject line. No telephone inquiries,
please. Position is open for immediate hire and will be open until filled.
DPS Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages qualified, diverse candidates to apply.