Lead Data Services Associate

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

• Manage and execute complex transaction workflows, including wires, stock gifts, and non-standard donations
• Update and maintain the wire tracking spreadsheet, including transaction entry, coding, and allocation research
• Input transactions received via non-donation accounts in coordination with accounting
• Monitor and manage the IDB donations account on a daily basis
• Liaise with Accounting to obtain required details for accurate entry into Velocity
• Review and reconcile stock-related activity, including stock tickets and Chase account activity
• Manage and work the pending pledge queue to ensure timely resolution and accurate recording
• Execute and/or oversee soft credit processing for complex donor scenarios

Quality Assurance & Review

• Perform QA review of wire coding and allocations completed by junior staff
• Review Velocity entries for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal standards
• Conduct a wire review to ensure proper documentation, coding, and downstream impact
• Identify trends in errors or inconsistencies and proactively address root causes
• Serve as an escalation point for complex or unclear transactions

Internal Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration

• Partner with Relationship Managers (RMs) to clarify donor intent and resolve allocation questions
• Communicate with Finance/Accounting to reconcile discrepancies and ensure alignment across systems
• Bridge gaps between departments by proactively identifying missing or unclear information
• Support resolution of high-priority or sensitive transaction issues

Ownership of Key Workflows

• Own critical processes, including wire tracking, stock donation processing, and pending pledge management
• Ensure workflows are consistently executed, documented, and improved over time
• Maintain and refine SOPs related to owned processes

Team Support & Leadership

• Act as a go-to resource for junior team members on complex transactions and systems questions
• Provide guidance and informal training on tools such as Velocity and internal tracking systems
• Review and provide feedback on junior staff work to improve accuracy and efficiency
• Support onboarding and knowledge transfer for new team members

Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in data services, donation processing, or a related operations role
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems (Velocity experience preferred)
• Deep understanding of donation types, including wires, stock, and pledges
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage high-volume, complex data
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a customer service or donor support environment
• Familiarity with ServiceNow or similar ticketing/workflow management platforms
• Experience working with cross-functional service queues or internal request systems