Job Title: Database Specialist

Department: Development & Communications

Primary Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid role; average of 3–4 days in the office)

Reports To: Director of Development & Communications

Employment Status: Full Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $49,920 – $56,160 annually

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Avenues for Youth provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, collective housing, and host homes for youth and young families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. The organization operates through a social justice lens in a safe and nurturing environment and partners with youth and young families as they define their experiences, life dreams, and future. Our work centers historical trauma, systems of oppression, and intersectionality, while remaining grounded in resiliency, healing, and community.

BENEFITS AT AVENUES

• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance (employee-paid)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Opportunity to work from Avenues for Youth’s brand-new headquarters opening Summer 2026

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed are representative of the position and are not intended to be exclusive or all-inclusive.

OVERVIEW

The Database Specialist supports fundraising and community engagement strategies by ensuring accurate and timely gift processing, maintaining clean and reliable donor data, and providing reporting to inform fundraising strategy. This role collaborates across the Development & Communications team and aligns work with the organization’s mission and values.

GIFT PROCESSING & DATA MANAGEMENT

• Serve as the lead administrator for the donor database
• Ensure accurate entry and coding of gifts, pledges, in-kind donations, and contact records
• Prepare and make bank deposits
• Scan checks and donor information received by mail
• Execute timely, personalized donor acknowledgment letters
• Prepare and print acknowledgment letters
• Maintain donor database integrity
• Create standard operating procedures for data collection, entry, and management
• Monitor and ensure database training for development staff

DONOR ENGAGEMENT & TEAMWORK

• Respond promptly to donor and staff inquiries
• Communicate with donors regarding payment updates or corrections
• Support donor stewardship processes
• Prepare and send new donor welcome packets
• Provide donor portfolio management support
• Assist with the annual fundraising event
• Perform additional duties as assigned

REPORTING

• Create reports and donor lists for appeals, donor segmentation, stewardship, fundraising progress, and reconciliation with  Finance
• Track and manage donor pledges and receivables, reconciling donor records with Finance

INTERNAL COLLABORATION & SUPPORT

• Partner with the Individual Giving Manager on appeal segmentation and mid-level analysis
• Support the Corporate & Community Engagement Manager with acknowledgment letter review, volunteer tracking, and partner giving
• Coordinate with the Communications Specialist on acknowledgment letter templates
• Collaborate with Finance on gift reconciliation
• Partner with the Director of Development & Communications on monthly fundraising reports, major donor reports, and acknowledgment letter review

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or Associate's degree with at least two years of donor database management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience using donor databases and giving platforms required; familiarity with DonorPerfect Online preferred. Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, and Office 365. Commitment to community-centered practices.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Must pass a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study.

OTHER

Avenues for Youth is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations provided in accordance with the ADA.

JOB CODE: 1000082