Prospect Manager

The Prospect Manager plays a critical role in advancing the University of the Cumberlands’ philanthropic success by identifying, researching, and managing prospective donors with high giving capacity and philanthropic interest. This foundational position builds processes and procedures to conduct in‑depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations; develops and manages prospect pipelines; and partners closely with Major Gift Officers to ensure portfolios are actively managed and aligned with institutional fundraising priorities.

• Prospect Research: Conduct comprehensive research on high‑net‑worth individuals, corporations, and foundations to identify philanthropic capacity, interests, and connections to the University. Utilize internal databases, public records, wealth screening tools, and external research resources to develop detailed prospect profiles. Analyze giving patterns, philanthropic affiliations, business interests, and personal connections to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies. Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date prospect research records in the University’s CRM system.
• Portfolio & Pipeline Management: Manage and monitor prospect pipelines to ensure a healthy flow of prospects at all stages of the donor lifecycle (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship). Partner with Major Gift Officers to develop, assign, and refine prospect portfolios based on capacity, affinity, and strategic fit. Track prospect movement, engagement activity, and next steps to ensure timely and intentional progression through the pipeline.
  
  Recommend prospect assignments, reassignments, or disqualifications based on data, performance, and institutional priorities.
• Collaboration with Major Gift Officers: Serve as a strategic partner to Major Gift Officers by providing research insights, portfolio analysis, and prospect strategy recommendations. Support Major Gift Officers in developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for top prospects. Monitor portfolio activity to ensure Major Gift Officers are actively managing their portfolios and meeting engagement expectations. Prepare prospect briefings, dashboards, and reports for frontline fundraisers and Advancement leadership.
• Data Integrity, Reporting & Best Practices: Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and confidentiality in all prospect research and management activities. Develop and deliver regular reports on pipeline health, portfolio performance, and prospect movement to Advancement leadership. Stay current on best practices in prospect research, wealth screening, and portfolio management in higher education advancement. Support special research projects, campaign planning, and strategic initiatives as needed.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree required. Coursework or an advanced degree in research, data analytics, nonprofit management, or a related field is a plus.
• Experience:
  
  2–5 years in prospect research, prospect management, advancement operations, or a closely related field. Candidates with stronger research fundamentals and an aptitude for the role are encouraged to apply.
• Higher education or nonprofit experience preferred; transferable experience in financial research, business intelligence, or related fields will be considered.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and present actionable insights.
• Proficiency with CRM systems; familiarity with Blackbaud NXT and Research Point preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information ethically and professionally.

• Experience supporting major gift or campaign fundraising efforts.
• Familiarity with wealth screening, predictive analytics, and prospect scoring methodologies.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative mindset with a service‑oriented approach to supporting fundraising teams.
• Interest in building foundational systems and processes in a newly created role.
• Commitment…