Major Gift Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Provides overall leadership and supervision of the Gift Accounting team. Directs and coordinates departmental goals and ensures that UICA revenue, from both charitable gifts and engagement activities, is processed in an accurate and timely manner and according to donor intent. Partners with the Associate VP Controller, Director of Financial Accounting and Financial Services Manager to guide overall strategy of Finance department and collaborates with UICA and University colleagues to steward gifts through the full lifecycle from donor agreement through gift receipt and reporting.      

**Position allows for work from home up to 2 days per week depending upon business need and leader approval. Our office is located in Iowa City, IA.**

• Leads and oversees daily gift accounting and revenue functions  

• Develops and ensures compliance with internal controls, cash handling procedures, PCI, and other related compliance issues

• Advanced knowledge of ERP and CRM software packages; ability to identify requirements, facilitate system integrations, implement effective processes, drive automation, and extract data related to donor giving to inform organization business decisions 

• Maintains thorough knowledge of Federal and state tax law, IRS rules and regulations regarding charitable contributions, and substantiation rules; serves as a key contact and resource to donors, UICA staff, and campus clients

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and not-for-profit accounting 

• Review and approve general ledger revenue transactions and adjustments 

• Partner with Annual Giving, Communications, Engagement, and UI Treasury to deliver forward looking solutions for digital payment processing, online giving, crowdfunding, and registration platforms 

• Oversee payment handling and proper accounting for Alumni and Donor Engagement and Athletics revenue, including event fees, auction proceeds, and premium seating contributions    

• Consults with development, legal counsel, and AVP Controller regarding documentation of unique gift scenarios and solicitations and potential gift acceptance issues

• Leads process for acceptance, liquidation, and accounting of complex transactions related to closely held securities, partial interest assets, real estate sales, life insurance policies, and other non-cash gifts

• Coordinate with external legal counsel and real estate brokers to facilitate receipt of residential, farmland, and commercial property gifts, ownership transfers, listing and sale, and closing process  

• Coordinates with other UICA departments to ensure accuracy and consistency in recording a gift through its complete lifecycle, from solicitation materials through donor acknowledgement

• Assists with UICA audit procedures related to gift, pledge and revenue transactions and processes 

• Build and maintain relationships with university foundation finance peers to share resources, benchmark best practices, and stay ahead of industry news and trends 

• Assists the AVP Controller in identifying and mitigating organizational risk

• Manages all aspects of the employee lifecycle; inspires performance through clear expectations and ongoing feedback; motivates, develops, coaches, and rewards employees for growth; creates a work environment that is consistent with UICA mission/vision and that emphasizes our organizational culture and values.

• Plans and oversees the overall operational, reporting, budgetary, and financial responsibilities of assigned unit; develops and maintains work systems, procedures, and productivity standards that advance the mission and goals of the unit and enable optimum performance of the people and other resources within it; allocates resources to effectively accomplish the work of the unit; monitors, evaluates, and aims to improve effectiveness of unit operations; makes business decisions that are consistent with UICA mission/vision and our organizational culture and values 

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; in accounting, finance or related field is preferred. 5 years of relevant experience required. CPA, AICPA NFP Certificate in Financial Management and advanced technology skills preferred.