Philanthropy Specialist - Gift Operations

About the role

The Philanthropy Specialist partners with Gift Operations colleagues to process philanthropic gifts received by UT MD Anderson. The role supports donor stewardship efforts through timely reporting, accurate transaction processing, discrepancy resolution, and exceptional customer service. The position requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, initiative, and professionalism in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting financial transactions, gift processing, reconciliation activities, data management, customer service, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Gift Processing: Process and post institutional donations accurately and in a timely manner; serve as backup support for Annual Fund, credit card, matching gift, special event, and peer-to-peer donation processing activities; perform daily deposit general ledger management; reconcile deposits and gift exceptions; identify discrepancies and resolve donation processing issues; maintain compliance with organizational policies and donor-directed fund allocation requirements.
• Special Projects, Reporting & Analysis: Work independently on special projects and assigned initiatives; participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT); generate reports supporting donor stewardship and operational needs; research donor and gift information to resolve exceptions; apply analytical thinking to determine appropriate solutions; utilize accounting best practices and departmental guidelines; communicate findings and resolutions to stakeholders; support continuous process improvement efforts.
• Gift Data Management: Capture and maintain gift data within various electronic systems; ensure integrity and accuracy of gift-related records; research and resolve gift data discrepancies; maintain accurate documentation and record retention practices; gather facts and perform complex analysis to support decisions; utilize independent judgment when resolving data issues; track and store information using Microsoft Excel, Teams, and OneDrive; collaborate with Finance and Gift Operations team members to ensure data quality.
• Customer Service & Collaboration: Respond to cases and email inquiries from internal and external stakeholders; triage inquiries to the appropriate Philanthropy staff members; determine the purpose of requests and provide appropriate resolution; investigate and resolve donor account inquiries; assist with donation disputes and processing concerns; work effectively with minimal supervision; collaborate with internal teams and external vendors; maintain a professional, responsive, and positive attitude in a fast-paced environment; support multiple campaigns and projects concurrently; serve as a subject matter expert and resource for other team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• One year of clerical, office, administrative, organizational, or related support experience, or may substitute required Bachelor's degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one-to-one basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising/non-profit, government agency, marketing, advertising, public relations, law, healthcare, or related industry.

Pay

Minimum $25.48 per hour — Midpoint $31.73 per hour — Maximum $37.98 per hour

Schedule

Typical work schedule: Days. Remote work within Texas only.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.