Donor Database Coordinator

LJA Mission Statement

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. Located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska is a conference and retreat center that hosts more than 50,000 overnight guests annually. All of our facilities are located on a scenic 1,200-acre campus, which boasts panoramic views, abundant recreation opportunities, and a 200-acre lake. As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, charitable giving plays a significant role in supporting the mission and ministry of Lake Junaluska.

Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to provide administrative and database support within the Lake Junaluska Development Office. The Database Coordinator will join a team of charitable giving professionals that manage all philanthropic efforts of Lake Junaluska. Together, the Development team members serve as advocates for the mission of the organization and work to engage donors who are passionate about our mission of transformation and renewal. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, thorough, analytical, collaborative and passionate about our mission. 

Essential Functions

Gift Processing, Reporting and Acknowledgement

• Record, process and acknowledge all charitable gifts received in a timely manner.

• Record, process and track charitable giving data, including online gifts, donor soft credit, matching gift programs, pledges, in-kind donations and credit card transactions.

• Prepare, edit and process gift acknowledgement letters, tributes, year-end tax letters, pledge reminder letters and related materials.

• Prepare standard and custom reports to share with team members and present at weekly team meetings in order to assist with decision making.

• Organize and maintain records related to planned giving program and estate gifts.

Administrative Support & Donor Database Management

• Provide administrative and database support to the Development Office.

• Track, maintain and update information in donor database system Raiser’s Edge.

• Accurately record, research discrepancies, reconcile and adjust information in donor database.

• Routinely audit donor database system in order to support donor engagement and ensure the integrity of the data.

• Generate data and reports needed to support Development initiatives, including fundraising appeals (both digital and in print), special events, major gift solicitations, planned giving, etc.

• Track, maintain and catalog records (both digital and in print) for programs housed within Development Office, including brick walk, bench program, planned giving program, giving circles and societies and the Columbarium.

• Assist with grant and endowment reports.

• Coordinate with accounting staff to ensure accurate tracking of funds in Financial Edge system.

• Assist marketing department with data development for marketing and development mailings.

Stewardship and Donor Engagement

• Assist with stewardship of donors to include emails, phone calls and thank you cards.

• Support donor engagement events, including Annual Banquet, Society Receptions, donor recognition events, Friends of the Lake 5K, Associates Celebration Weekend, etc.

• Provide effective communication both internally to the Development team and externally to donors and community members.

• Be an advocate for the mission and ministry of Lake Junaluska as a key member of the Development team.

• Support donor outreach and philanthropic initiatives through donor research, data input and proactive communication with colleagues. 

Additional Responsibilities

• Proactively develop personal database/software knowledge and skills through regular training, independent study and application of learning.

• Utilize digital marketing platforms to develop and distribute email campaigns, website content, and other donor communications. 

• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures and report any unsafe activities or conditions immediately to supervisor or the Human Resources department.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned and required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 3 years relevant experience.

• Advanced computer skills required; advanced database skills preferred.

• Must be detail oriented in order to ensure accuracy.

• Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of software systems, including Microsoft Office.

• Knowledge of systems such as Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge preferred.

• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet time sensitive deadlines.

• Must have demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, client relation skills and a commitment to providing responsive and conscientious customer service.

• Must remain discrete and maintain confidentiality with respect to donor records.

• Ability to solve problems and handle a variety of customer and employee questions with effective solutions.

• Must possess excellent hospitality skills and a strong desire to foster an attitude of Christian hospitality.

Performance/Success Factors

• Be a proactive and engaged team member, taking initiative to support the mission and ministry of Lake Junaluska.

• Be punctual to work and other related functions.

• Complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner.

• Ability to prioritize daily tasks and events.

• Perform routine duties with minimal supervision.

• Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

• Strives for excellence in all tasks and duties and foster an attitude of “exceeding guest expectations”.

• Able to work independently but operate within LJA policy guidelines using independent judgment.

Lake Junaluska is an Equal Opportunity Employer