Chapman University

Associate Director of Gift Administration

Chapman University$90K — $100K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5 years of relevant experience in gift administration and fund management in higher ed or nonprofit sectors.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent; master's or professional certification preferred (e.g., CPA, JD).
  • Experience with gift agreements, scholarship and endowed fund management, and compliance.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills essential for problem-solving and prioritization.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
  • Proficient in computer applications including word processing, Excel, and enterprise software.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and ensure proper documentation of gift funds in alignment with donor intent and legal standards.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to address and resolve gift documentation inquiries.
  • Maintain an updated database for donor documentation.
  • Draft gift agreements and liaise with Legal Affairs as necessary.
  • Communicate with campus partners regarding compliance with donor intent for restricted funds.
  • Advise campus units on the proper interpretation and usage of restricted gifts.
  • Oversee scholarship fund operations and ensure compliant award processes.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities for continuous learning.
  • Supportive team environment with a focus on collaboration across various campus departments.
  • Access to university resources and facilities for staff.
  • Strong emphasis on work-life balance with flexible scheduling options.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title
Associate Director of Gift Administration

Position Type
Regular

Job Number
SA82024

Full or Part Time
full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range
$90,000-$100,000

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the AVP of Gift Administration & Stewardship, the Associate Director of Gift Administration manages all aspects of gift funds from acceptance to closure, ensuring alignment with donor intent, legal standards, institutional policies, and compliance mandates. The Associate Director serves as the primary campus expert for gift documentation, gift account oversight, restricted fund management, and scholarship tracking. This role partners closely with Finance, Legal, Advancement Services, and academic units to enable compliant, efficient fund administration and optimize donor and campus partner experience.

Responsibilities

Gift Documentation & Fund Compliance
  • Manage gift documentation, ensuring legal and policy sufficiency and clear documentation of donor intent.
  • Review incoming gift documentation and collaborate with internal and external partners to resolve any gift questions or issues.
  • Maintain a comprehensive donor documentation database.
  • Draft initial versions of gift agreements and correspond with Legal Affairs, as needed.
  • Work with Systems teams to ensure gifts are accurately recorded and receipted.


Gift Account Management & Fund Compliance
  • Communicate with campus partners to ensure spending and usage of restricted gift funds comply with donor intent and university policy.
  • Advise campus units on the appropriate use of restricted gifts and the interpretation of gift documentation.
  • Coordinate with Investments and Financial Services for fund/account establishment, changes, and closures.
  • Serve as primary point-of-contact for fund managers and development officers on account questions/issues.
  • Review gift reports to confirm proper fund designation.
  • Conduct internal control checks to ensure accurate administration of gift funds.


Scholarship and Award Administration
  • Oversee and continuously improve scholarship fund set-up, tracking, and disbursement workflows.
  • Ensure compliance in scholarship selection and award processes.
  • Partner with Financial Aid, Investments, and other campus colleagues to ensure awarding in compliance with gift terms.
  • Collaborate with the Stewardship team on donor stewardship efforts, including endowment and annual scholarship reporting.


Audit, Policy, and Compliance Reporting
  • Facilitate and respond to internal/external audits of restricted funds and gift administration practices.
  • Track, analyze, and report gift compliance metrics; recommend policy and procedure enhancements.
  • Assist AVP with policy revisions.


Supervision & Training
  • Supervise specialist(s)/coordinator(s)/manager(s).
  • Develop and deliver training and guidance to campus departments on gift use policy, fund management, and compliance.
  • Serve as a primary resource for staff and fund users regarding restricted funds and policies.
  • Oversee department budget


Required Qualifications
  • 5 years of relevant experience in gift administration and fund management in the higher ed or nonprofit sectors.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required; master's degree or professional certification preferred (e.g., CPA, JD).
  • Demonstrated experience with gift agreements, scholarship, and endowed fund management, and compliance.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational, writing, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize duties when faced with interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workload, and carry out duties in a timely manner to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to use tact and diplomacy while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
  • Strong computer skills to use word processing, Excel spreadsheets, web-based applications, and enterprise software, including the University's CRM.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships as a team member within University Advancement as well as campus-wide and within all levels of the community to support university programs and goals.


Desired Qualifications
  • Prior supervision/coaching experience.
  • Knowledge of university policies and procedures.


Special Instructions to Applicants

Minimum Number of References

Maximum Number of References

About Chapman University

Chapman University is a private university in Orange, California. It encompasses ten schools and colleges, including Fowler School of Engineering, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Fowler School of Law, and Schmid College of Science and Technology, and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities ? High research activity". The university offers 110 areas of study (49 majors and 61 minors), and encompasses 11 schools and colleges. Chapman University's Fowler School of Law has consistently ranked among the top 100 law schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Learn more about Chapman University
Size
2,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Chapman University

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Associate Director of Gift Administration jobs: