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Chapman University

Associate Director of Gift Administration

🇺🇸 Orange, CA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $90K - $100K 💻 Development & Advancement 🗓️ July 13th, 2026
CRM

Edtech.com's Summary

Chapman University is hiring an Associate Director of Gift Administration. This role directs all phases of gift fund management from acceptance through closure while ensuring compliance with donor intent, legal standards, and institutional policies. The Associate Director also serves as the campus expert on gift documentation, fund oversight, scholarship tracking, and collaborates with Finance, Legal, and academic units to facilitate effective fund administration.

Highlights
  • Manage gift documentation, fund compliance, and donor intent alignment.
  • Oversee scholarship fund setup, tracking, and disbursement ensuring compliance.
  • Serve as primary contact for fund managers, development officers, and campus partners.
  • Conduct reviews and internal controls to maintain accurate gift fund administration.
  • Collaborate with Finance, Legal Affairs, Advancement Services, and campus departments.
  • Supervise staff and provide training on fund management policies and procedures.
  • Facilitate audit responses and recommend compliance process improvements.
  • Strong computer skills required including CRM, word processing, and Excel.
  • Requires bachelor's degree and 5 years relevant experience; master's degree or certifications (CPA, JD) preferred.
  • Compensation range: $90,000-$100,000 annually.

Associate Director of Gift Administration Full Description

Associate Director of Gift Administration
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Posting Details
 Position Information 
Position Title  | Associate Director of Gift Administration
Position Type  | Regular
Job Number  | SA82024
Full or Part Time  | full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification  | Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range  | $90,000-$100,000
Pay Range Information  | Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
 Position Summary Information 
Job Description Summary  | Reporting to the AVP of Gift Administration & Stewardship, the Associate Director of Gift Administration manages all aspects of gift funds from acceptance to closure, ensuring alignment with donor intent, legal standards, institutional policies, and compliance mandates. The Associate Director serves as the primary campus expert for gift documentation, gift account oversight, restricted fund management, and scholarship tracking. This role partners closely with Finance, Legal, Advancement Services, and academic units to enable compliant, efficient fund administration and optimize donor and campus partner experience.
Responsibilities  | Gift Documentation & Fund Compliance Manage gift documentation, ensuring legal and policy sufficiency and clear documentation of donor intent. Review incoming gift documentation and collaborate with internal and external partners to resolve any gift questions or issues. Maintain a comprehensive donor documentation database. Draft initial versions of gift agreements and correspond with Legal Affairs, as needed. Work with Systems teams to ensure gifts are accurately recorded and receipted. 
Gift Account Management & Fund ComplianceCommunicate with campus partners to ensure spending and usage of restricted gift funds comply with donor intent and university policy. Advise campus units on the appropriate use of restricted gifts and the interpretation of gift documentation. Coordinate with Investments and Financial Services for fund/account establishment, changes, and closures. Serve as primary point-of-contact for fund managers and development officers on account questions/issues. Review gift reports to confirm proper fund designation. Conduct internal control checks to ensure accurate administration of gift funds.
Scholarship and Award AdministrationOversee and continuously improve scholarship fund set-up, tracking, and disbursement workflows. Ensure compliance in scholarship selection and award processes. Partner with Financial Aid, Investments, and other campus colleagues to ensure awarding in compliance with gift terms. Collaborate with the Stewardship team on donor stewardship efforts, including endowment and annual scholarship reporting.
Audit, Policy, and Compliance Reporting Facilitate and respond to internal/external audits of restricted funds and gift administration practices. Track, analyze, and report gift compliance metrics; recommend policy and procedure enhancements. Assist AVP with policy revisions.
Supervision & Training Supervise specialist(s)/coordinator(s)/manager(s). Develop and deliver training and guidance to campus departments on gift use policy, fund management, and compliance. Serve as a primary resource for staff and fund users regarding restricted funds and policies. Oversee department budget

Required Qualifications 
5 years of relevant experience in gift administration and fund management in the higher ed or nonprofit sectors. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required; master’s degree or professional certification preferred (e.g., CPA, JD). Demonstrated experience with gift agreements, scholarship, and endowed fund management, and compliance. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational, writing, research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize duties when faced with interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workload, and carry out duties in a timely manner to meet deadlines. Ability to use tact and diplomacy while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. Strong computer skills to use word processing, Excel spreadsheets, web-based applications, and enterprise software, including the University’s CRM. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships as a team member within University Advancement as well as campus-wide and within all levels of the community to support university programs and goals.

Desired Qualifications  | Prior supervision/coaching experience. Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
Special Instructions to Applicants  | At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Minimum Number of References  |
Maximum Number of References  | 
Pre-screening Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
  1. Letter of Recommendation 1
  2. Letter of Recommendation 2
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Contact Us
Office of Human Resources
One University Drive
Orange, California 92866
[email protected]
 
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.