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 (Level III) 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
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Manage and execute complex transaction workflows, including wires, stock gifts, and non-standard donations
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Update and maintain the wire tracking spreadsheet, including transaction entry, coding, and allocation research
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Input transactions received via non-donation accounts in coordination with accounting
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Monitor and manage the IDB donations account on a daily basis
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Liaise with Accounting to obtain required details for accurate entry into Velocity
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Review and reconcile stock-related activity, including stock tickets and Chase account activity
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Manage and work the pending pledge queue to ensure timely resolution and accurate recording
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Execute and/or oversee soft credit processing for complex donor scenarios
Quality Assurance & Review
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Perform QA review of wire coding and allocations completed by junior staff
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Review Velocity entries for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal standards
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Conduct a wire review to ensure proper documentation, coding, and downstream impact
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Identify trends in errors or inconsistencies and proactively address root causes
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Serve as an escalation point for complex or unclear transactions
Internal Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
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Partner with Relationship Managers (RMs) to clarify donor intent and resolve allocation questions
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Communicate with Finance/Accounting to reconcile discrepancies and ensure alignment across systems
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Bridge gaps between departments by proactively identifying missing or unclear information
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Support resolution of high-priority or sensitive transaction issues
Ownership of Key Workflows
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Own critical processes, including wire tracking, stock donation processing, and pending pledge management
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Ensure workflows are consistently executed, documented, and improved over time
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Maintain and refine SOPs related to owned processes
Team Support & Leadership
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Act as a go-to resource for junior team members on complex transactions and systems questions
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Provide guidance and informal training on tools such as Velocity and internal tracking systems
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Review and provide feedback on junior staff work to improve accuracy and efficiency
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Support onboarding and knowledge transfer for new team members
Requirements:
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4+ years of experience in data services, donation processing, or a related operations role
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Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems (Velocity experience preferred)
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Deep understanding of donation types, including wires, stock, and pledges
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Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage high-volume, complex data
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience in a customer service or donor support environment
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Familiarity with ServiceNow or similar ticketing/workflow management platforms
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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:
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10 Paid sick days
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10-15 Paid vacation days
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Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
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Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
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Free life and disability insurance
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Discounted continuing education opportunities
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403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)
