Director of Prospect Research and Analysis

Job Description

Department:
Advancement Ops and Prospect Research

Pay Rate Type:
Salary

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

As an integral member of the advancement strategy team, the director of advancement research brings a solutions-focusedperspective to convert research and insights into opportunities to maximize both fundraising performance and prospect identification.

This data-driven individual proactively formulates strategies,gathers intelligence, analyzes data and executes projectsleveraging observations and collaborative relationships to supportresearch outcomes and the needs of the Division of College Advancement.

The hiring range for this position is $100,000 to $115,000.

To be successful in this position, an individual should be able toperform the essential duties and bring the education, experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. This listof duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive,and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

• Oversee staff and operations of the Prospect Research and Analysis (PRA) team under the supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Donor Engagement, Operations, and Research
• Generate and analyze broad data sets, search for explanationsand underlying causes, draw conclusions, and develop actionable recommendations
• Manage and optimize processes for research, data validation,and recording using proven research methodologies and a consistentresearch cycle (planning and direction > collection >processing > analysis > dissemination > evaluation)
• Conduct topical “deep dives” using data mining and intelligencegathering efforts to uncover patterns in specific giving groups for various funding priorities and strategic initiatives
• Strategize and lead work to expand the pool of targeted donorprospects focusing on accurate identification and research methodologies to increase the effectiveness of fundraisingefforts
• Identify new fundraising opportunities by keeping abreast oflocal, national and/or international news and industry trends, aswell as collaborating with internal colleagues across the College
• Prepare and manage briefing materials for key meetings andevents involving senior staff at the College and in Advancement
• Partner with the liaison to the president on briefing materialsthrough regular meetings and calendar review
• Hone institutional techniques for prospect identification,tracking, and documentation with PRA staff
• Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs, and best practices, implementing changes accordingly to meet Colby’s goalsand objectives
• Lead data collection and visualization efforts for special initiatives that do not have department owners and requirecross-functional coordination, including long-term research projects and surveys in collaboration with campus partners at Colby
• Track and provide summary reports using data visualization techniques to enhance pipeline development and highlightsignificant discoveries found through the research process
• Elevate and promote the PRA team, including coordinatingstrategy meetings in partnership with fundraising leadership,routine reporting and development of highly tailored prospectstrategies through in-depth analysis of existing and newlyresearched donor information, and trend forecasting
• Conduct workstream analysis and generate recommendations toelevate the value and use of information provided by the PRAteam
• Foster a team culture that inspires curiosity, innovation, and forward thinking while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties,responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with orwithout notice

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; advanced degree preferred
• At least five years of relevant experience in an advancement or development office in an institution of higher learning preferred;capital campaign experience ideal
• Highly proficient in using database applications including
  
  Raiser’s Edge NXT
• Demonstrated professional work experience in positions requiring problem solving, business judgement, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to…