The Advancement Database Administrator (ADA) will perform the critical role of managing the use of the Raiser’s Edge-7 database to support the Advancement team in engaging NOLS alumni and philanthropic prospects and donors. The ADA will design, build, and deliver custom reports and queries to facilitate this work while monitoring the integrity and structure of the data and translating it into usable, actionable information.

The ideal candidate is goal-oriented and strategic, innovative and proactive, able to provide input on best practices related to fundraising data, and timely in delivering quality data to Advancement stakeholders. This is a great opportunity for a dedicated individual to contribute to the evolution of NOLS fundraising. 

NOLS has embarked on a multi-year digital transformation modernizing the applications and tools supporting the school. The current project is focused on transitioning from Raiser’s Edge-7 to Mission CRM, a Microsoft D365 Fundraising and Engagement software application. The ADA will aid in data analysis and restructuring to support the transition.  

In essence, the ADA provides RE-7 expertise and oversees RE-7 input and export data, from gift entries to fundraising progress reports. The ADA position aims to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of data deliverables to support fundraising efforts and donor and alumni engagement.

Key Logistical Information:

• This is a temporary (1-year) position with some flexibility regarding full-time work commitment.

• Start date: Aug 15, 2023.

• Benefits: eligible for Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time off, 403(b), 403(b) contribution.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an ADA do?

This role is in our Advancement Operations Team. 

This role is at a mid to senior level depending on experience which means you will be involved in the following activities: 

• Providing RE-7 expertise and training, serving as a subject matter expert on best practices for capturing data into RE-7 

• Gift entry oversight, including gift processing, training, and compliance

• Designing and building queries and reports to facilitate the work of the Advancement team

• Utilizing additional tools like MS Excel for reporting where RE-7 is insufficient

• Migrating data on a regular basis from the core database to RE-7 by utilizing global edit functionality 

• Serving as the main point of contact for RE-7 issues and questions and providing outstanding customer service to users

• Creating and managing dashboards for analysis and tracking for fundraising and financial reporting

• Aiding in the transition from RE-7 to Mission CRM by analyzing, restructuring, and cleaning data in RE-7

• Performing User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to identify and report functionality and security issues

• Collaborating with Advancement and IT departments in the implementation of school-wide data governance, championing data management efforts that positively impact fundraising and engagement

What makes a great Advancement Database Administrator at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• High-level understanding of advancement operations as they pertain to data; experience implementing data best practices

• At least 5 years experience in Raiser’s Edge 7 as an administrator in a non-profit fundraising environment

• Expert knowledge of RE-7 with the ability to run reports and queries, enter gift transactions, create custom fields, and export and import data 

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products required (knowledge of Microsoft D365 software a plus) 

• Experience with database transitions

• Ability to identify data to be captured and recorded in RE-7 and recommend or assist in determining the best structure 

• Strong commitment to accuracy and database integrity  

• Ability to exercise independent action, work successfully in a team environment, and collaborate across departments

• Good judgment in dealing with confidential information

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Process gifts daily and provide training 

• Aid in the development of a new fund structure for gift processing

• Support migration from RE-7 to Mission CRM

• Create reports and queries for the Advancement team

• Play an instrumental role in the ongoing fundraising operations of the school and help the team shape the future data systems of the department

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader.

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states, and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• We offer discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• All employees can benefit of free Outdoor Equipment "Rental" at our various locations

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits package. 

• Wellness Time: Accrued leave that may be used for many HR-approved reasons throughout the season.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to counselors that are available 24/7 to assist employees with work-life balance concerns.

Next steps

All you need to do is start the process by clicking on the yellow button on the top right.

You’ll answer some questions that are related to your day-to-day job. After the job closes, your answers will go through our sift process: all answers will be anonymised, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers.

If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next step, which includes an interview.

Additional Information

NOLS can currently employ remote employees who have legal working rights in the United States and Canada. We can support remote employees in the following states/provinces: Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ontario, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

Pre-Employment Check

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Reasonable Accommodation

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.