Director of Prospect Management & Research

Position Summary

The Director of Prospect Management and Research is responsible for supporting the Foundation’s strategic business goals by overseeing the Prospect Management and Research functions. This position plays a pivotal role in the evolution of our Prospect Management function in a rapidly growing, high‑achieving organization and will require a strong partnership with leaders across multiple functions, including the Development leadership team and Advancement Services leaders.

• Manage the Prospect Management and Research teams to ensure prioritization of research requests and prospect management assignments, with a heightened focus on new lead identification and caseload optimization. Maintain staff metrics to track individual performance and overall production and review work to maintain standards of quality, accuracy and overall productivity.
• Oversee prospect assignment process and departmental collaboration with development officers and managers to facilitate assignment of viable prospects into the appropriate portfolios. This includes ownership of caseload reviews, prospect identification activities, and all other caseload optimization activities.
• Manage the team to ensure accurate and timely entry of prospect management information into the CRM database. This includes the development and maintenance of prospect management policies, procedures and staff training.
• Oversee the maintenance of the CRM system in the areas of prospect management data. This includes reviewing interactions and the opportunity pipeline and alerts to ensure that entries are in accordance with prospect management policy and procedures.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospect management‑related CRM enhancements, with the team closely partnering with the Programming team to identify enhancements and complete end‑user testing as needed.
• Establish and maintain policies that efficiently enhance data integrity including creating and monitoring anomaly reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Provide visible leadership across the entire organization by engaging in organization‑wide activities such as department meetings, all‑staff meetings, and staff events.

• Champion for inclusive priorities both internally and externally.
• Must have a strong executive presence and the ability to seamlessly navigate various aspects and units of a large university.
• Team leadership and team‑building skills, proven track record of building and managing small teams.
• Well‑developed interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of major gifts fundraising prospect management and performance metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to apply an ethical code and to manage sensitive information with the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Strong computing and technical skills, including familiarity with fundraising databases, online research tools, Microsoft applications, and the ability to create complex database queries; ability to envision the use of all technical tools in concert to their fullest potential for increased departmental effectiveness.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities, produce quality work, and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work to the demands of the position, which may exceed a 40‑hour work week.

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years’ management experience in prospect management and research, preferably within a higher education institution.
• Experience with maintaining prospect information and data management systems, and user knowledge of donor/constituent management database systems and the ability to work effectively with systems administrators or programmers.
• Demonstrated leadership experience working across matrixed organizations, preferably in a fundraising environment.

Salary:
The expected salary for this position is $100,000+. It will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also placing an emphasis on internal equity.

Benefits start from day one. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans and will make an annual contribution to your health savings account if enrolled in one of the high‑deductible health plans offered by the Foundation. Additionally, we provide:

• A generous contribution to your 403(b) retirement plan.
• Emphasis on work/life balance: a hybrid schedule, thirteen paid holidays, five weeks of paid time off per calendar year, and additional sick time.
• Professional development opportunities, including trainings, committees, conferences throughout the year, and tuition reimbursement after one year of employment.

The UConn Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We celebrate different perspectives and are committed to a welcoming environment that values your unique experiences and identity.