Data Specialist

Title: Data Specialist - McDaniel College

Location: Westminster United States

Job Description:

Job Description:

Reporting to the Data Intelligence & Technology Manager, the Data Specialist is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and strategically leveraging the college's constituent database to support effective communication, fundraising, and institutional analysis. While the primary focus of this role is on ensuring data accuracy and consistency through regular updates and advanced data management techniques, the Data Specialist also contributes to reporting and insights by generating lists and scheduled reports, supporting the development of interactive dashboards using Power BI and other software, and assisting with workflow automation through Power Automate and other tools.

Specific Responsibilities

Data Management and Maintenance

• Maintain and process data within the Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT database and other integrated platforms using manual entry, queries, imports, and exports.
• Perform regular data audits to ensure CRM database integrity and accuracy.
• Update and verify employment and biographical data for all constituent groups.
• Process post-import updates for new graduates, families, NCOA changes, and other external data sources.
• Apply updates from class notes, media, screenings, NCOA files, and outreach.
• Process event registrants using a multi-platform approach.
• Collaborate with Donor Relations and the Director of Prospect Research to complete updates for new donors, founders, and assigned prospect relationships.
• Log, scan, and review all incoming gifts and documentation received via mail, ensuring accurate updates in Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Assist with imaging and archiving historical and current documents to preserve institutional records and support fundraising initiatives.

Reporting and Insights Support

• Fulfill internal list requests by querying and segmenting data to support Advancement communications, events, and outreach.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of interactive dashboards using Power BI and other tools to visualize key performance indicators and engagement metrics.
• Support scheduled and ad-hoc reporting needs by preparing data sets and collaborating with team members to ensure timely and accurate delivery of insights.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of reporting tools and data presentation strategies.

Student Worker Management

• Hire, train, and supervise student workers assigned to Advancement Services.
• Oversee student schedules and assign tasks related to data entry, document imaging, and other support functions.
• Monitor the quality and accuracy of student work and provide ongoing guidance and mentorship.

Data Research and Communication

• Research constituent information using Raiser's Edge NXT, LexisNexis, LiveAlumni, Ellucian Colleague, and other institutional and online resources.
• Track and resolve returned mail to maintain accurate address records.
• Communicate effectively with staff and constituents to clarify, verify, and update data as needed.

Policy and Procedure Maintenance

• Uphold confidentiality agreements for employees and volunteers, ensuring sensitive data is handled with discretion and in accordance with institutional policies.
• Maintain and follow established standard operating procedures for all data processing functions, contributing to consistency, compliance, and data integrity across Advancement Services.

Professional Development and Training

• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in data management, reporting, and technology trends that enhance Advancement Services.
• Engage in cross-training with the Data Manager to support collaborative data projects and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Explore and apply emerging technologies, including AI tools, to improve fundraising operations and data-driven decision-making.

Information Security Role: Data User

• Adhere to all policies and procedures established by the appropriate Data Stewards.
• Comply with federal and state regulations, as well as College policies and standards governing the use of institutional data and computing resources.
• Access and use institutional data solely for legitimate College business purposes within the scope of employment.
• Implement prescribed safeguards for Limited Access and Restricted Data to ensure confidentiality and data protection.
• Maintain the accuracy, appropriateness, and timeliness of institutional data used in Advancement operations.
• Promptly report any unauthorized access, misuse of data, or data quality concerns to the Data Intelligence & Technology Manager for remediation.
• Complete the annual confidentiality agreement if access includes Restricted Data.
• Immediately report any suspected data breach to the CIO and the IT Help Desk.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Advancement team and institutional goals.
• Provide support within the constituent engagement model as needed to assist with constituent engagement communications and activities.
• Participate in college-wide events that require full Advancement team support, including occasional evening and weekend work during key times of the year when "all hands-on deck" are needed. This includes, but not limited to: Alumni Weekend, Parent and Family Weekend, Scholarship Luncheon, Founders Society Celebration, and constituent engagement events.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or high school diploma with a minimum of 1-3 years of experience managing multiple database applications.
• Demonstrated experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT is essential.
• Proficiency in relational database systems and Microsoft Office 365, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with software platforms such as GiveCampus, Almabase, LiveAlumni, LexisNexis, ThankView, Ellucian Colleague, and Informer 5 is preferred, along with familiarity with reporting and dashboard tools like Power BI and workflow automation platforms such as Power Automate.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Discretion in handling highly confidential information.
• Experience hiring, training, and supervising student workers, including managing schedules and task assignments.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to improving processes and implementing new procedures.

Working Conditions

• The overall setting of the job is in an area conducive to a normal office environment with minimal exposure to adverse conditions.

Physical Characteristics

• This position requires sitting for long periods of time, as well as some bending and stooping when working with files. This position does have some limited lifting involved but not more than 10 pounds at a time. Quite a bit of finger/hand dexterity is involved regarding typing. This position will allow for up to two workdays a week remote once fully trained.

Additional Information:

McDaniel College, in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, and employment of students, faculty, and staff in the operation of any of its educational programs and activities. McDaniel College will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on basis of any protected status including protective hairstyle, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin, disability, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military status, genetic information, marital status, veteran's status, or any other actual or perceived legally protected characteristics.

Application Instructions:

Completed applications must include the following: cover letter addressing position qualifications and related experience; resume, names and contact Information of three professional references, and a completed job application. Review of applications begins immediately. The position will remain open until filled.