Prospect Researcher

Job Title Prospect Researcher Department Advancement Services Job Code A31303 Job category Full Time Staff Terms and Hours Full Time Exempt Salary Range Starting at $49,310; commensurate with experience

Job Summary

The Prospect Researcher for Advancement Services is responsible for identifying prospective donors, conducting strategic prospect reviews, and information gathering and analyzing information to support Advancement priorities and fundraising efforts. This position collaborates closely with Advancement staff and the University Relations division to promote systematic, data-informed approach to relationship management and prospect development. The Prospect Research plays a key role in identifying, evaluating, and tracking prospective donors, as well as collecting and maintaining information that supports the cultivation of long-term philanthropic relations with alumni, parents, and friends of the University.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Prospect and Portfolio Management.

Core Duties

* Assist the Associate Director of Prospect and Portfolio Management in developing, implementing, and maintaining prospect management methodologies, prospect analysis and review processes and procedures, reporting tools, and data analytics to support fundraising strategy and performance.

* Proactively identify annual, major, and planned giving prospects through review of donor reports, news alerts and other research resources; share relevant information with fundraising staff and maintain accurate constituent records.

* Conduct prospect, donor and market research; analyze qualitative and quantitative data; prepare detailed reports, briefings, and presentations to support donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.

* Produce clear, accurate, and audience appropriate written materials, including but not limited to prospect profiles, biographies, briefings, and project summaries.

* Partner regularly with fundraising staff to review portfolios, discuss prospects and strategies, and provide research support for fundraising initiatives as requested by Supervisor.

* Ensure biographical and prospect tracking information for constituents is accurately recorded in the database in a timely and reportable format.

* Support in the management of process and systems used to track prospect activity, engagement, and philanthropic history.

* Serve as a subject matter resource on prospect research, prospect tracking, and related database and relevant applications in collaboration with Associate Director of Prospect and Portfolio Management.

* Assist with the development, testing, and maintenance of reports, dashboards, and data tools used to monitor prospect activity, stage-aging, and proposal review to support fundraising metrics.

* Support data governance initiatives, including donor coding, database mapping, and other projects that enhance data quality and reporting across University Relations.

* Work directly with Supervisor to monitor and share trends, best practices, and emerging developments in philanthropy, wealth screening, and prospect research to inform fundraising strategies.

* Support in the supervision of Advancement Services student employees as needed. Supervisory responsibilities include hiring processes, setting of expectations, training and professional development, performance management and evaluations, and disciplinary processes up to termination of employment.

Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position's purview and responsibility.

Education & Experience

* Required:

Bachelor's degree in relevant field of study.

* Required:

One to to two years of professional experience in prospect research, non-profit fundraising, or a related field.

* Preferred:
Prospect research experience through various content platforms.

* Preferred:

Experience with iWave, Windfall, Asana and Raiser's Edge RENXT.

* Or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.

Certifications & Licenses

* None.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

* Ability to conduct research, generally in digital format.

* Ability to quickly learn and use CRM and wealth screening software.

* Ability to prepare professional reports, profiles, summaries, and correspondence.

* Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

* Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and work independently while maintaining high-quality standards.

* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

* Strong ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.

* Ability to maintain and promote confidentiality of information and…