IDEA Public Schools Careers

Gift Finance Specialist

Mission:

The Gift Finance Specialist is responsible for the management, monitoring, and reporting of all gift-funded budgets to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with donor intent. This role works closely with development staff to track expenditures, prepare financial reports, and support accurate forecasting of restricted and unrestricted gift funds. In addition, the Gift Finance Specialist is primarily responsible for the processing and acknowledgment of gifts, pledges, and grants to ensure accurate donor records and compliance with IRS and organizational requirements. 

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth).

Travel Expectations:    

Only for Stepbacks 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Gift Budget Management
• Gift Processing
• Serve as a liaison between finance and advancement 
• Provide guidance on donor-funded use and compliance requirements 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage, monitor, and reconcile all gift-funded budgets, ensuring expenditures align with donor restriction and organizational policies. 
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for leadership and development department. 
• Track balances; provide timely updates to support decision-making. 
• Partner with development and regions to review budget activity, forecast spending, and ensure compliance with donor intent. 
• Assist with annual budget development by incorporating pledged and projected gift revenue. 
• Support audits and financial reviews by providing detailed reconciliations and documentation of gift accounts. 
• Accurately process and record gifts, pledges, and grants in the donor database in compliance with IRS and organizational standards. 
• Generate acknowledgment letters and receipts to donors in a timely manner. 
• Generate annual tax letters. 
• Maintain accurate donor records and ensure integrity of data for financial and stewardship purposes. 
• Assist in reconciling gift records between the development and finance systems. 
• Lend strategic lens to improvements and enhancements in gift processing and reporting. 
• Serve as a liaison between Finance and Advancement to align reporting on gift revenue and expenditures. 
• Provide guidance on donor-funded budget use and compliance requirements. 
• Maintain strong internal controls and confidentiality in all financial and donor-related matters. 

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member makes informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying questions, and evaluating multiple options. They thoughtfully align their choices with team objectives, current responsibilities, and the broader mission of the organization.

• Manage Work and Teams: This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities. They implement structured processes that support smooth team operations and strategically allocate time and resources to drive goal achievement. 

• Grow Self and Others: This team member uses data to assess development needs and designs learning opportunities that align with team goals and individual career growth. They model a growth mindset by being open about their own development and ensure that both personal and team-led learning initiatives are impactful and well-aligned with organizational priorities. 

• Build a Culture of Trust:  This team member consistently demonstrates self-awareness and emotional intelligence, fostering psychological safety and trust within the team. They build respectful, reliable relationships and engage in direct, compassionate feedback, supporting a culture of honesty and mutual respect. 

• Communicate Deliberately: This team member leads inclusive discussions that surface obstacles and drive actionable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard. They communicate key information clearly across multiple channels and establish feedback loops that promote open dialogue, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Required experience:

• 1–2 years of experience in budget management, fund accounting, and/or non-profit operations
• Proficiency with donor management and accounting platforms
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in budget management, fund accounting, and/or non-profit operations
• Advanced proficiency with donor management and accounting platforms
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality

Physical Requirements:

• Able to sit for long periods. 
• Able to provide their own uninterrupted workspace. 
• Able to provide own high-speed internet. 

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $58,400 and $67,200, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values