THE ORGANIZATION

Since 1930, La Crosse Community Foundation has been bringing people, ideas and resources together to help create a thriving, vibrant community. We administer and steward 300 named funds created through charitable gifts from individuals, families and businesses who care about enhancing the greater La Crosse area. In 2023 we awarded over $4.2 Million in grants and scholarships from these funds to local nonprofit organizations, government agencies and educational institutions to catalyze positive change in La Crosse County. Our organizational culture is fast-paced and one of engaged teamwork, where we support one another in reaching our individual and collective goals. We strive to offer great flexibility for team members to accommodate a healthy work-life balance. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce from a wide range of backgrounds to enhance our organization and bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our work.

THE POSITION

We are currently seeking a part-time (24 hours/week) Donor Services Specialist. This position reports to the Donor Services Director and serves as the primary administrative professional with the Foundation.

PAY & BENEFITS

Pay will be commensurate to experience and the median average wage of comparable positions at similar sized community foundations in the Midwest ($20.00 to $24.00/hr). Benefits include a generous stipend in lieu of health insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, hazardous weather pay, 403B retirement plan match up to 5%, annual increases, and personal and professional advancement opportunities. All team members are expected to spend some of their weekly hours in the office, but have the flexibility to work from home when needed.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the ranking questions below and submit with a resume to Megan Pierce, Donor Services Director, La Crosse Community Foundation, 401 Main Street, Ste 205, La Crosse, WI, 54601 or megan@laxcommfoundation.com. Questions can be directed to Megan by email or calling 608-782-3223.

Ranking Questions:

APPLICATION PACKET DEADLINE

Posted 2/20/2024. Review of applications will begin March 11th, and position will remain open until it is filled. Interviews are anticipated to begin the week of March 18th. Ideally the candidate will be available to begin work sometime in mid-April.

Position Summary

The Donor Services Specialist is a key member of the Foundation’s team of professionals who are focused on providing community members with the highest level of service to enhance our mission of connecting people, passion and giving. This 0.6 FTE position reports to the Donor Services Director and serves as the primary administrative professional with the Foundation. Specifically, this position effectively implements accurate data maintenance and database processes, serves as the first line of engagement for anyone who contacts the foundation, and leads administrative responsibilities to support engagement with donors, scholarship fundholders, board and committee members, and professional advisors.

Core Strengths

Detail-Orientated | Diligent | Responsive | Initiative | Helpful | Steady

Required Attributes/Behaviors

• Enjoys implementing processes effectively and efficiently
• Thrives in and helps contribute to a culture of accuracy
• Derives satisfaction in being helpful; has a sincere appreciation for the opportunity to engage with individuals in person, email, or on the phone
• Ability to focus intensely on specific parts of a larger task
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities
• Introspective with an eye for process improvement

Principal Duties & Responsibilities (% of Time)

35% of Time

Manage data maintenance with the Foundation’s database to ensure effective and efficient engagement with donors, fund holders, and nonprofit organizations.

• Implement database maintenance processes for all donor related profiles to ensure records are always accurate and up-to-date.
• Manage all gift acknowledgement communication on a weekly basis.
• Provide communication and recognition for all tribute gifts in a timely manner.
• Work with Donor Services to implement effective communication strategies using the Foundation’s database for direct mail, email, and newsletter campaigns.
• Understand and implement data reporting.
• Recommend data maintenance processes to better utilize the Foundation’s database.
• Utilize software to administer donors through engagement opportunities that will encourage continual giving to La Crosse Community Foundation.
• Assist with the administration of scholarships to ensure donors’ needs are met and awardees receive effective communication to follow through on scholarship requirements.

20% of Time

Serve as first line response to anyone contacting La Crosse Community Foundation

• Administer all front office responsibilities including but not limited to greeting guests when they enter the office, answering the phone and transferring calls, and responding and passing along emails sent to the general foundation email account.
• Coordinate all communication for board and committee meetings
• Be the first contact for any grant requests for agency funds.
• Participate in a rotating staff office coverage including either opening or closing the office on a regular basis.

30% of Time

Serve as a member of the La Crosse Community Foundation Donor Services Team in implementing the stewardship plan which focuses on building relationships, elevating social capital opportunities, and creating unique and memorable experiences for stakeholders.

• Facilitate intentional stewardship for all non-fund holder donors to support continual engagement with the Foundation long after their first gift
• Support the development and implementation of a professional advisor engagement program
• Lead all activities and engagement opportunities to steward board and committee members including but not limited to organizing staff/board member lunches, sending birthday cards, and planning a small event.
• Measure board and committee member engagement in annual self-assessment
• Develop and implement annual appreciation outreach for Forever Society Members
• Utilize a variety of donor engagement software including but not limited to Thank View, Give Butter, Mail Chimp, and Microsoft 365
• Assist with keeping the website up to date and an upcoming website redesign.
• Participate in all Donor Services Team meetings

15% of the Time

Support overall Foundation operations

• Model the values of the Foundation in all relationships and activities
• Adhere to the team agreements of the Foundation – Connection to Mission, Transparent Communication, Strive for Constant Improvement, Feedback Forward, Self-Accountability and Ownership, Trust and Honesty
• Participate in ongoing strategy development and implementation
• Attend all staff meetings and other events as requested by the CEO or COO
• Respond to colleague’s needs when information, support or coverage is needed
• Enter relationship information into our database to maintain accurate and current information

• This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work and may not list all duties.

Preferred Qualifications

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply. La Crosse Community Foundation is an organization committed to continuous growth, and applicants need not meet all criteria below to be considered for this position. First review of applications is focused on answers provided to ranking questions.

• Post-secondary degree, commensurate experience will be considered
• Experience working with information from a database
• 3 years or more of experience working in a customer service and/or professional environment
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively individuals from a variety of backgrounds
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and have the ability to become adept at using our internal software/donor management system
• Maturity to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive donor and grantee information
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for special events, meetings, etc. (occasional)
• Personal attributes of integrity and credibility, and an infectious energy and enthusiasm
• A passion for community involvement and philanthropy