Prospect Research Analyst

The Prospect Research Analyst (PRA) is a strategic partner to the University's fundraising program, identifying and evaluating prospective donors, delivering research intelligence, and providing the analytical insight that development teams need to cultivate and solicit major gift donors effectively. The PRA operates with a high degree of autonomy, bringing analytical rigor and professional judgment to estimate giving potential and support the strategic movement of prospects through the donor pipeline.

• Utilizes advanced research methodologies to gather biographical, financial, and philanthropic data from public records, subscription databases, and internal data systems to assess wealth, giving capacity, and philanthropic propensity.
• Translates complex financial, biographical, and organizational data into clear, strategically focused research products tailored to the needs of gift officers, University leadership, and volunteer boards.
• Monitors news, business developments, and other publicly available information to surface timely intelligence that informs development strategy.
• Supports proactive prospect identification through constituent screenings, giving report reviews, targeted wealth analyses, and other pipeline development initiatives.

• Consults with development staff to understand research needs, recommend approaches, and advise on prospect strategy by delivering timely intelligence through research, analysis, and ongoing monitoring of publicly available information.
• Presents findings and strategic recommendations to a range of audiences, from frontline gift officers to senior leadership.

• Collaborates with Prospect Management and Pipeline Development colleagues on portfolio reviews, prospect assignments, and related processes, ensuring pools and portfolios are well-populated, strategically aligned, and regularly refreshed.
• Provides data-informed recommendations that shape cultivation strategies, solicitation planning, and portfolio decisions.
• Maintains data integrity within the CRM by keeping prospect ratings, assignments, and related prospect information accurate and current.

• Manages a personal research queue with a high degree of autonomy, exercising sound judgment to prioritize requests and meet deadlines effectively.
• Supports research coordination as assigned, including queue management, project intake, and timely delivery of executive research for University leadership.
• Maintains current knowledge of evolving research resources, tools, and industry best practices to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of research delivery.

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience in higher education, nonprofit, advancement, or other roles requiring strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

• Demonstrated expertise in prospect research methodologies, wealth assessment, and donor analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize large volumes of data into strategic insight.
• Experience with CRM platforms and prospect research tools.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information into clear prose and present findings effectively to audiences ranging from frontline staff to senior leadership.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; adept at managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of initiative, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to continuous professional development.
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to manage sensitive and…