Senior Specialist, Development Gift Administration - 26023

Overview

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Senior Specialist, Development Gift Administration. This role serves as the primary technical liaison between Development and Fundraising Operations, Accounting, and Program Operations, supporting high-touch donor gift administration. The Senior Specialist ensures timely, accurate IRS tax acknowledgments for major individual and foundation donors by implementing efficient systems and communication protocols. As the first line of expertise for high-touch gift administration at the donor and transaction level, the role contributes to a donor-centered experience and provides clear reporting on gift activity to inform fundraising strategy and accountability.

Salary Range:  $95,600 to $119,500

**THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION – candidates must be available to work in the DC office 2 days per week.***

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.  In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  

Responsibilities

• Convene and lead a cross-functional Gift Administration Working Group to resolve process issues and prioritize key transactions.

• Ensure prompt and accurate processing of high-touch gifts from non-mail sources (e.g., stock, wire, Lockbox Anonymous, donor-advised funds, foundations, corporations, and third parties).

• Review daily gift backup files to interpret and route donor correspondence to relationship managers and Development staff.

• Collaborate with Program Operations to support Development’s SmartSimple gift administration needs.

• Manage SmartSimple data entry, integrity, reporting, and analysis for major donor gifts and pledges; identify trends to inform strategy and operations.

• Liaise across Development, ProgramOps, FundOps, and Accounting to synthesize information for efficient gift administration (e.g., restrictions, pledge documentation, soft credits, reporting schedules).

• Create and/or maintain clear documentation of gift administration processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and knowledge transfer across teams.

• Facilitate smooth transitions in gift processing workflows across Development teams.

• Oversee quality control and assurance for adjustments to priority high-touch gifts.

• Own end-to-end resolution of assigned tasks and issues, ensuring follow-through and timely communication with all stakeholders.

• Produce regular reports and dashboards highlighting insights to enhance donor stewardship and operational efficiency.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail with Big-Picture Awareness – Maintains accuracy in donor transactions while identifying patterns, risks, and opportunities that impact broader fundraising goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication – Leads diverse stakeholders across departments to ensure clarity and alignment in complex gift administration.
• Ownership and Accountability – Manages processes end-to-end, ensuring donor intent is honored and issues are resolved promptly.
• Adaptability and Resilience – Stays composed under pressure, prioritizes urgent needs with clarity, and navigates high-stakes, ambiguous situations with professionalism.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required

• A minimum 5+ years in development operations, customer service, project management, or related field (or 3 years with an advanced degree.)

• MUST HAVE:

  • Proven success in gift processing or advancement services, with understanding of FASB/GAAP for nonprofits.

    • Estates, foundations, corporations, etc.
    • Deep understanding of donor relations lifecycle

  • Experience with CRM donor management systems required (Blackbaud CRM strongly preferred.)

  • Familiarity with grants management systems (e.g., SmartSimple) and financial system integrations preferred.

  • Skilled in reviewing, reconciling, and maintaining data integrity across multiple systems.

  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail Problem-Solving, Data Analysis, and Process Improvement.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with tact and diplomacy in constituent communications.

• Profici