SMU

Gift Fund Compliance Specialist (HR Title: Advancement Specialist)


PayCompetitive
LocationDallas/Texas
Employment typeFull-Time

What's your preference?

Apply with job updates
  • Job Description

      Req#: DEA00000464

      Hourly Range:

      $25.64 per hour

      About SMU:

      A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching.

      SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

      SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

      SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

      Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

      SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

      About the Department:

      Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.

      DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Senior Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.

      SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fundraising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.

      About the Position:

      This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

      The Compliance and Reporting Specialist reports to the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship. This position is responsible for assisting in the execution of a compliance program for all donor-established restricted funds at SMU. This position also supports impact reporting and other donor stewardship efforts. Specifically, this position will be tasked with researching and analyzing fund spending activity, maintaining and monitoring multiple databases with complex information, and collaborating with other stakeholders across SMU to ensure donors’ intent is being fulfilled. This position also assists with impact reporting and assisting in the administration of all data and communications related to that process.

      Essential Functions:

      • Fund Compliance: Maintain accurate records of funds established by donors in multiple databases; code fund spending parameters; assist in the analysis of compliance reports and spending activity of funds.

      • Impact Reporting: Assist donor stewardship efforts with the collection, review, preparation and assembly of impact reports; track project deadlines and milestones; assist with proofreading and editing content and formatting of all impact reports, with great attention to detail.

      • Other Responsibilities: Contribute to Donor Relations team activities/responsibilities, including providing assistance for major stewardship projects; interact with DEA colleagues as needed on special projects; act as a trusted advisor and inspire confidence; model integrity in decisions, communication and treatment of individuals internal/external to the University; cultivate alliances across internal units to build/maintain strong relationships. Other duties as assigned.

      • Occasional evening and/or weekend work is required.

      Education and Experience:

      Bachelor’s degree is required.

      A minimum of two years of work experience is required. Experience working in a position requiring strong systematic knowledge and approach to data management is also required.

      Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

      Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

      Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. A strong focus on attention to detail for writing, editing, and record keeping is essential. A proven track record of resourcefulness, good judgment, creativity, and problem solving is preferred.

      Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and PowerPoint), as well as proofreading, spelling and grammar. An a strong working knowledge of MS Excel, including ability to use formulas and tables is also required. The ability to learn new applications quickly is essential.

      Experience with a database is also required, preferably a CRM database.

      Physical and Environmental Demands:

      • Sit for long periods of time
      • Bend
      • Reach above shoulders
      • Sit for long periods of time
      • Handle objects (dexterity)

      Deadline to Apply:

      May 9, 2025

      Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by April 30, 2025

      EEO Statement:

      SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

      Benefits:

      SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

      SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

      The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

  • About the company

      SMU is a private university of 11,000 students near the center of Dallas with a mission to expand knowledge through academic excellence and hands-on research. Our distinguished history, our vibrant region and our outstanding alumni all position SMU...