Development Specialist

Development Specialist

The Development Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of all gifts to the university. This position serves as a critical component of donor stewardship and institutional data integrity, ensuring that gift records, receipts, and financial transactions comply with university policies and regulatory requirements. This position works closely with Texas Gift Operations and Development staff across the university to maintain seamless and audit-ready gift administration functions.

Responsibilities include processing checks, credit card transactions, and electronic payments in accordance with established financial controls in a timely and accurate manner. The specialist must enter and maintain gift records in the donor database, ensuring data integrity and compliance with university policies. They will generate and distribute gift receipts, acknowledgement letters, and tax documentation to donors within required timeframes. The specialist will also submit daily deposits to the Office of Accounting remotely or in-person at the Bursar's Office as needed, reconcile daily gift batches, and prepare reports for Finance and Accounting. Additionally, they will support audit readiness by maintaining thorough and organized gift documentation in compliance with internal controls and external regulatory requirements. The specialist will research and resolve discrepancies in gift records, donor information, or fund coding in coordination with university colleagues and donor representatives. They will apply gifts to the correct funds and accounting based on donor intent and university fund structure, maintain confidentiality of donor records, and adhere to CASE, IRS, and institutional gift acceptance policies. Effective communication and professional interaction with internal and external stakeholders are also required.

Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field, and minimum one year of experience in a related field such as operations or higher education administration. Strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and exceptional attention to detail are essential. Proficiency with spreadsheet and word processing applications (Microsoft Suite Applications and Smartsheet preferred) is also required.