Research Analyst, Prospect Development

Overview

The Research Analyst is a key member of the Prospect Development team in the Yale Office of Development, providing critical research support for the department’s fundraising initiatives and the university’s For Humanity capital campaign. Responsibilities of the Research Analyst include: research and write qualification reports to determine philanthropic profile of potential donors to support campaign priorities; compose high‑level detailed reports and provide strategic analysis on potential donors to support fundraiser and administrator visits;

and work on ongoing projects in prospect management and data analytics areas in prospect development. In addition, the Research Analyst has the following responsibilities: conducts complex and independent investigation of biographical and financial information on major donor prospects and on trustees from current or prospective corporations and foundations to assess quality of potential donor and giving ability based on assets.

Monitors economic trends through financial publications and services, SEC filings, corporate disclosures, and trade publications to quantify a donor prospect’s ability to give based on new and pre‑existing sources of wealth, and to determine the gift ask amounts and timing of the approach. Prepares analytical reports that summarize and synthesize data and other critical information to be used in creating and cultivating fundraising strategies.

Queries and provides reports pulled from the database of record. Utilizes external data sources to discover and connect potential new donors for ongoing fundraising efforts.

• Ability to review, interpret, and synthesize a large volume of data into clear, concise analysis while working in a deadline‑orientated environment. Strong computer skills.
• Superior written and oral communication skills. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to deliver analysis with an appropriate balance of brevity and substance and convey financial, statistical, and industry information in accessible language.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving skills with ability to initiate and apply creative solutions. Native curiosity and interest in learning new things. Capable of generating new approaches to uncovering difficult to find or difficult to determine information.
• Dependable, tactful, good ethical judgment. Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. Ability to maintain high standards for self and others, take interest and pride in improving skills, surpass expectations and put forth best product as an individual and as a team.
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace.

Background in conducting research using a wide variety of print and electronic sources and materials.

• Identifies, investigates, analyzes, organizes and evaluates information yielded from a variety of sources to determine a donor prospect’s financial capacity, ability to give, philanthropic interests, and relationship to the University.
• Devises research strategies and methods to identify potential donors and/or new donor prospects. Identifies the type of information to look for and determines what relevant donor information (biographical and financial, philanthropic interest, history of previous donations, prior university solicitation, etc.) is needed to craft fundraising and cultivation strategies.
• Identifies new sources of wealth and tracks existing sources to strengthen donor relationships with the University.
• Analyzes financial publications and corporate disclosures to deepen relationships with current donors and to identify new donor prospects to build a robust University donor base.
• Writes donor prospect briefings for development team.
• Investigates new donor prospects and constantly re‑evaluates and monitors established donor sources.
• Participates in planning long‑ and short‑term development strategies with the team to solicit funds and meet department fundraising targets.
• Assesses client needs, manages own schedules.
• May present lectures at industry conferences.
• May perform other duties as assigned.