Lead Data Services Associate
Description
Who We Are:
The Orthodox Union (OU) is the largest Orthodox Jewish organization in the U.S., founded in 1898. The OU supports a vast network of synagogues, youth programs, advocacy efforts, services for individuals with disabilities, and international initiatives. It also operates the leading kosher certification service, recognized globally by the Ⓤ symbol on numerous kosher food products.
Position Overview:
The Lead Data Services Associate serves as a subject matter expert across key donation processing workflows and acts as a quality control and escalation point for the Data Services team. This role combines hands-on execution of complex transactions with oversight of junior staff work, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strong cross-functional alignment with Finance and Relationship Managers.
This individual operates with a high degree of independence, is trusted to manage sensitive and high-volume processes, and plays a critical role in maintaining data integrity and improving operational workflows.
Responsibilities:
Advanced Donation Processing & Data Management
- Manage and execute complex transaction workflows, including wires, stock gifts, and non-standard donations
- Update and maintain the wire tracking spreadsheet, including transaction entry, coding, and allocation research
- Input transactions received via non-donation accounts in coordination with accounting
- Monitor and manage the IDB donations account on a daily basis
- Liaise with Accounting to obtain required details for accurate entry into Velocity
- Review and reconcile stock-related activity, including stock tickets and Chase account activity
- Manage and work the pending pledge queue to ensure timely resolution and accurate recording
- Execute and/or oversee soft credit processing for complex donor scenarios
Quality Assurance & Review
- Perform QA review of wire coding and allocations completed by junior staff
- Review Velocity entries for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal standards
- Conduct a wire review to ensure proper documentation, coding, and downstream impact
- Identify trends in errors or inconsistencies and proactively address root causes
- Serve as an escalation point for complex or unclear transactions
Internal Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
- Partner with Relationship Managers (RMs) to clarify donor intent and resolve allocation questions
- Communicate with Finance/Accounting to reconcile discrepancies and ensure alignment across systems
- Bridge gaps between departments by proactively identifying missing or unclear information
- Support resolution of high-priority or sensitive transaction issues
Ownership of Key Workflows
- Own critical processes, including wire tracking, stock donation processing, and pending pledge management
- Ensure workflows are consistently executed, documented, and improved over time
- Maintain and refine SOPs related to owned processes
Team Support & Leadership
- Act as a go-to resource for junior team members on complex transactions and systems questions
- Provide guidance and informal training on tools such as Velocity and internal tracking systems
- Review and provide feedback on junior staff work to improve accuracy and efficiency
- Support onboarding and knowledge transfer for new team members
Requirements:
- 4+ years of experience in data services, donation processing, or a related operations role
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems (Velocity experience preferred)
- Deep understanding of donation types, including wires, stock, and pledges
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage high-volume, complex data
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a customer service or donor support environment
- Familiarity with ServiceNow or similar ticketing/workflow management platforms
- Experience working with cross-functional service queues or internal request systems
Salary & Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $60,000- $75,000, commensurate with experience.
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:
The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.
Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.
In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.
Additional Benefits and Perks:
- 10 Paid sick days
- 10-15 Paid vacation days
- Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
- Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
- Free life and disability insurance
- Discounted continuing education opportunities
- 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)