Gift Processing/Cash Application Specialist in CHICAGO, Illinois at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the position

This position is responsible for accurately and efficiently processing all incoming donation and gift revenue for the ELCA Churchwide organization, Women of the ELCA, and the ELCA Foundation, including endowments, securities, and planned gifts. All revenue must be recorded in a timely and precise manner within the Blackbaud CRM gift processing system.

This is a full-time, Chicago-based hybrid position, requiring onsite attendance two days per week.

The eligibility of a candidate for remote or hybrid positions may depend on the residency of the candidate, and the budget for the role, including salary or pay, insurance coverage, and/or tax burden. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

1. Donation / Revenue Processing – Process daily all donations and revenue received through all channels (ACH/Wires, lockbox receipts, remote deposits, online credit card transactions, and cash deposits). Balance each batch entered in the gift processing system to the deposit ticket and/or detail provided, ensuring each are posted to the proper constituent record and program intended.

2. Work closely with the ELCA foundation on setting up and processing all foundation gifts.

3. Recurring Credit Card Donation – Process monthly recurring credit card donations (bi-monthly) and post in the GL sub-ledger all approved credit card charges. Provide a list of all declined credit card charges to the appropriate staff and remove from batch entries prior to finalizing posting.

4. In House Checks – Sort weekly in-house checks received via mail at Churchwide office, separating donations (for ECIS entry) and other receipts (for Workday entry). Prepare deposit tickets for donation receipts and deliver to Office of the Treasurer for remote bank deposits.

5. File Maintenance – Properly file remittance batch details (digital and paper) in an orderly and timely manner.

6. Other duties as assigned.

1. 2 years’ experience processing gift/cash receipts

2. Speed and accuracy in data entry, 10key, and attention to detail.

3. Ability to multi-task (multiple systems, emailing, calling, etc..), work under pressure and meet monthly deadlines.

4. Strong analytical skills and the ability to research problems and drive issues to closure.

5. Strong communication skills (verbal and written). Ability to work effectively in a team atmosphere and deliver prompt customer service to internal and external customers.

6. Proficient in Excel.

7. Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.

8. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

9. Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Must have experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).

Physical

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. May be required to lift boxes of materials. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel

Position requires minimal travel for in-person staff events.

Benefits

The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees, health and dependent care FSA’s, a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays. All benefits commence on your start date.

Contact

If you have questions about this job or your application, please complete this form to contact Human Resources.

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience.