Prospect Research Strategist

Position Title

PROSPECT RESEARCH STRATEGIST

Supports the fundraising efforts of the university by carrying out proactive and reactive prospect research on individuals, corporations, and foundations. Works collaboratively with the director of advancement services, the director of corporate and foundation relations, the vice president of advancement, and the development officers to develop strategies for individuals, corporations, and philanthropic foundations.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Two years of related experience.
• Computer experience, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to project a collegial team‑building style with a proven ability to work effectively with people who possess different work styles and methods.
• Demonstrated track record in meeting goals and objectives.
• Ability to proactively engage staff, faculty and/or grant program officers by phone, video conference, e‑mail, and in person, as needed.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of online and internet resources/search engines.
• Knowledge of prospect development/prospect research principles and best practices.
• Awareness of fundraising strategies in higher education.
• General understanding of the structure of higher education and familiarity with a college environment.

Works proactively to find available state, federal, corporate, and philanthropic grant opportunities and matches those opportunities to appropriate faculty on CMU’s campus. Works collaboratively with the director of corporate and foundation relations to develop strategies for corporations and foundations, which is critical in order to meet deadlines for submissions. Conducts in-depth prospect research for corporations, foundations, and individual major gift prospects by analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating biographical, business, personal, and financial information for current and prospective donors.

Uses a variety of electronic and print resources, develops and synthesizes information on prospects to produce clear profiles/biographies of their background, career, financial capacity, philanthropic interests, and nature of the relationship to the University. Identifies, collects, and analyzes publicly available biographical, organizational, and financial information to evaluate existing and potential prospects using internal and external online tools and databases and works to appropriately assign information to the proper development officer with an accompanying profile.

Prepares high quality profiles and strategic briefings on prospects and/or groups of prospects for advancement staff and executive leadership, in advance of calls and events, in order to obtain optimal outcomes. Monitors local, national, and business news and events for individual donor prospects and corporate and foundation prospects. Keeps abreast of regional and national business developments and economic trends. Leads the ongoing monitoring of contact reports and review pertinent information inputted into the main database system.

Oversees the main database system and monitors the prospect tracking/management module of the database. Generates and updates regular reports, including alpha, geographical and status lists for the development fundraising staff. Prepares agendas and materials for prospect strategy meetings. Participates in advancement strategy meetings, goal‑setting sessions, Advancement Board sessions and other meetings as required. Develops and contributes to the research department’s annual goals and objectives.

Participates in professional development activities to stay in touch with current prospect research and fundraising trends. Performs special projects as needed.

Mon‑Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed

Mount Pleasant, MI

$47,000 – $57,000 per year

Full‑Time

Professional & Administrative - Salary

Regular – 12 month

Central Michigan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex‑based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.