Special Projects Assistant

**About Western**: Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. **About Us**: The University Advancement division plays a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond. All departments within the Division build enduring alumni and public trust through understanding and support for Western University in a coordinated campus-wide effort that results in the engagement and funding needed to make an impact. There are 3 departments within the Division - Departments of Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations The Advancement Operations department is a partner in the University Advancement division in the areas of constituent database and technology services, prospect management, research and pipeline, data analytics and storytelling, gift and pledge management, records and document management, and financial reconciliation and reporting. In addition, we provide support to the annual planning process as well as budget management, human resources and facilities support for University Advancement. An integral part of the University Advancement’s Development operations, the Prospect Management and Data Analytics team plays a key role in designing, implementing, coordinating, and managing prospect management, prospect research, and data analytics in support of development operations across all programs (Annual and Leadership Giving, Major Gifts, Principal Gifts and Legacy Giving) and across all faculties and divisions **Responsibilities**: The position of Special Projects Assistant will be a key team member responsible for maintaining individual and organizational records within University Advancement's new Blackbaud CRM Database. The incumbent will support the philanthropic and engagement strategic goals of the University Advancement Portfolio, specifically with the Prospect Management and Data Analytics team, through the research, verification, and updating of constituent data. Investigative skills, attention to detail, and accurate data entry will be essential to improving the engagement and prospecting opportunities with Western’s alumni and constituents. The role will also focus on other key projects identified as priorities throughout the fiscal period. **Qualifications**: **Education**: Current student or recent grad **Experience**: - High volume data analysis and data entry experience required - Project based experience required - Experience working in a fundraising and constituent management environment preferred **Knowledge, Skills & Abilities**: - Excellent data entry skills with high level of accuracy and the proven ability to meet frequent deadlines - Excellent research/investigative skills - Proven ability to coordinate project based tasks - Exceptional organizational skills; ability to coordinate multiple tasks independently - Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively in a team environment - Strong customer service skills to handle inquiries and resolve issues in a professional and timely manner - Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and ability to prioritize work - Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office (strong understanding of Excel) and database management required (PeopleSoft Contributor Relations preferred) - Proven ability and natural inclination to interact with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner - Ability to work with social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to facilitate the search for lost constituents This position is expected to be filled internally. **Why Western?**: Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English. **Western Values Diversity**: **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be acknowledged.