Data Collection Specialist

Position Title: Data Collection Specialist (Data Management Assistant I)

Employer: University of Georgia – Division of Development & Alumni Relations

Location: Athens, Georgia (Athens Area)

Employment Type: Full Time (8:00 am–5:00 pm)

Summary: The Data Collection Specialist reports to the Assistant Manager of Records Management and works closely with the Associate Director of Records. The role primarily responsibilities include data entry and ongoing maintenance of all University of Georgia donor and alumni information. The Specialist processes biographical updates received from fundraisers, alumni, and other campus databases. The position is critical to advancing the University’s fundraising mission by proactively seeking updates and processing information to keep constituent records current and accurate.

• Process biographical updates received via e‑mail, phone, automated downloads, campus requests, online sources, print media, and social networking sites for alumni, students, and donor/friends.
• Interpret requests from campus users and constituents, respond in a timely manner, and uphold confidentiality standards.
• Obtain daily update files from the UGA call center FTP site and manually process all updates.
• Search and process real‑time information such as deaths, marriages, name changes, and employment changes using newspapers, vendors, websites, and other online sources.
• Compare current CRM data with researched information to determine accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Update tasks and assignments in the departmental project management system on a daily basis.
• Scan or document evidence for confirmation of research and updates.
• Establish relationships between family members, employers, and institutions based on research.
• Create new corporate, foundation, government, or educational institution records as needed.
• Research and validate the accurateness of updates via internal documents, microfiche, printed sources, and online resources, including sites requiring authentication.

• Collaborate with coworkers on large projects and regular requests.
• Communicate progress, concerns, and questions to team members promptly.
• Verify accuracy of imported lists from HR and the Registrar regarding faculty, staff, and students.
• Reconcile new records and updates using audit reports.
• Verify accuracy of data enhancement uploads from outside vendors.
• Maintain and update presidential mailing lists and honor roll name formats.
• Monitor honor roll listings for credit amounts below $1,500 and make necessary name format changes.
• Explore and pursue resources to obtain complete data files, including updated addresses, e‑mail, current names, relationship information, and dates of death.
• Monitor news websites and newspapers for organizational changes such as mergers, acquisitions, and name changes.
• Update records based on information from the Professional Notes report.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred, along with related experience in data entry, Microsoft Office, Blackbaud products, or CRM database systems.
• Demonstrated behavior that aligns with the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia.

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management.
• Strong reading comprehension.
• Excellent verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.
• Self‑starter who works independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to follow directions, meet deadlines, and accept constructive feedback.
• Superior customer service orientation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Professionalism and adherence to confidentiality.
• Adaptable to new technology and able to learn quickly.
• Ethical conduct and accountability.

• Full‑time position; no work‑visa sponsorship.
• Employees are required to maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA and data security policies.
• Position requires occasional lifting up to 20 pounds and use of a computer workstation.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status. Persons needing accommodations for accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check, reference checks, and, where applicable, a credit check. For more information, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website or the UGA Background Check website.