Database Operations Specialist

Are you passionate about using data to drive meaningful change? This is NOT a remote position. ONSITE in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Life Scape is seeking a highly organized, analytical, and forward-thinking individual to lead our fundraising database operations, donor analytics, and development systems strategy. In this role, you'll serve as the primary administrator for Raiser’s Edge NXT, ensuring data integrity, optimizing donor engagement processes, and delivering actionable insights that support fundraising success. You'll collaborate across teams, leverage technology to improve efficiency, and help create exceptional donor experiences that advance our mission.

• Serve as the primary administrator for Raiser’s Edge NXT, managing database configuration, customizations, and integrations.
• Maintain accurate donor records, including gift processing, acknowledgments, pledges, and constituent information.
• Develop and enforce data standards, procedures, and coding structures to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Conduct regular data audits and cleanup initiatives to maintain database integrity.
• Create and maintain dashboards and reports to track key fundraising metrics and organizational goals.
• Lead system upgrades and integrations with online giving platforms, event management tools, financial systems, and data enrichment services.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.

• Manage prospect research resources and stay current on industry best practices and wealth-screening methodologies.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify prospective donors and cultivation opportunities.
• Analyze giving trends across donor segments, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.
• Support donor acquisition and retention efforts through segmentation, list creation, and campaign performance tracking.
• Provide data-driven recommendations that support fundraising strategy and growth.

• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual fundraising reports.
• Reconcile gift revenue with accounting teams to ensure accurate financial reporting and support audit requirements.
• Manage gift processing workflows to ensure timely and accurate recording of contributions.
• Generate donor acknowledgments and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, donor intent requirements, and fundraising best practices.
• Oversee donation technology platforms, event registration systems, payment processors, and PCI compliance.
• Coordinate matching gift submissions and verification processes.
• Review database-related contracts and provide recommendations regarding services, enhancements, and renewals.

• Train and support development staff on database functionality, reporting tools, and best practices.
• Develop user guides, training materials, webinars, and onboarding resources.
• Support fundraising events through onsite payment processing, gift entry, and technical troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with development staff to provide mailing lists, donor data, and reporting for appeals, stewardship activities, publications, board materials, and annual reports.
• Assist with bulk mail preparation and donor communications as needed.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Data Analytics, or related field is preferred, but not required if relevant work experience exists.
• 3-5 years of experience in database management, development operations, prospect research, or related fields within nonprofit fundraising.
• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT is preferred.
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and donor lifecycle management.
• All positions require a clear background check and drug screen upon conditional offer.

Life Scape is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Life Scape is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.