Data Specialist

Department: Advancement
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, 40 hours weekly
Reports To: Director of Advancement

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Data Specialist is responsible for maintaining the Blackbaud
Altru database – overseeing data accuracy, training, and implementation of systems best practices, as well
as setting up and maintaining fundraising designations, programs, and ticketed events. This full-time position
works in collaboration with the Advancement team, Marketing, Membership, Education, and Visitor Services
to generate reports, pull targeted mailing lists, and assist with donor research, stewardship and donor
management. Also responsible for timely and accurate gift entry, donor acknowledgements, and production
of membership packages.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Generally the work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday,
8:30am to 5:00pm but evening, weekend and holiday work may be required depending on the needs of the
organization. This position reports to work onsite at Descanso Gardens.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

• Oversee and maintain the integrity and quality of Descanso Gardens’ data.
• Assist in creating policies and procedures to ensure consistent data activity across departments.
• Coordinate all database functions such as: web forms, ticketing, user roles, acknowledgement

processes, membership renewal processes, etc.

• Ensure all data are entered accurately and completely; review transactions regularly, make

correcting entries, merge records as appropriate, and report errors or inconsistencies to the
appropriate manager.

• Assist with the data components of the monthly membership renewal process as well as upgrade

campaigns and lapsed member campaigns, including pulling targeted mailing lists.

• Perform data entry of new, renewal and gift memberships as needed; assemble and mail

membership packets and acknowledgment letters, and oversee volunteer help as needed.

• Perform data entry of donations as needed, and assist with proper recording and

acknowledgement in compliance with IRS standards.

• Assign user roles per managers’ requests and Descanso policies, and regularly review such roles

with department managers to ensure appropriateness.

• Stay current on enhancements to the database and facilitate user training as needed.
• Produce monthly and weekly development reports such as revenue reports and gift lists; design

and produce reports and queries as needed for various departments.

• Assist the Advancement department in tracking donor engagement and maintaining donor lists.
• In coordination with Human Resources, administer employee memberships and other database-

facilitated employee privileges such as complimentary tickets.

• Support the accounting department during its reconciliation to the database, and in resolving issues

between Altru and the payment processor.

• Provide ongoing and timely support to Descanso staff to help troubleshoot data issues as needed.
• Investigate and resolve problems related to database functions.
• Provide excellent customer service to donors, members, and visitors.
• Other duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED and PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position requires use of computers, standard office equipment including photocopier, postage meter,
ten key, credit card processing machine, printer, hand-held (two-way) radio, projectors.

This position requires flexibility to work in an office and an active outdoor environment which includes
public interaction, exposure to various noise levels, and other distractions throughout the Gardens. Must
be able to walk long distances and on occasion access various areas of the Gardens including areas not
accessible by paved roads or dirt trails. This position occasionally requires lifting of up to 15 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS :

• 2+ years of database experience;
• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience;
• Experience with Blackbaud products preferred;
• Experience with, and knowledge of data best practices;
• Knowledge of fundraising and moves management practices preferred;
• Detail oriented and extremely well organized while able to understand and apply big-picture

concepts;

• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• A high degree of appropriateness and ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to manage and streamline processes in a complex and diverse environment;
• Excellent time management skills and an ability to work in a deadline-driven environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work across teams, as well as

independently;

• Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, especially in Excel and Word mail merge.

COMPENSATION: $24/hour

To apply: Interested parties may apply by submitting a MS Word or PDF Letter of Interest and Resume to
jobs@descansogardens.org with DATASP2204 in the subject line. Only those applicants meeting the minimum
requirements and submitting all required information may be contacted for further inquiry. We will accept
resumes until the position is filled.

No phone calls, please.

Descanso Gardens Guild Inc. acknowledges that equal opportunity for all persons is a fundamental human
value. Each employee and applicant will be considered on the basis of individual ability and merit, without
regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy,
national origin, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information,
protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristics.

Location: 1418 Descanso Drive,La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 per hour