Senior Prospect Researcher - Philanthropy

Senior Prospect Researcher - Philanthropy

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Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top‑ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program.

Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Cali ‑Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe.

If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Senior Prospect Researcher

The Senior Prospect Researcher plays a critical role in supporting high‑level fundraising efforts at Scripps Research by leading research initiatives focused on principal and presidential‑level prospects. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development Information Services, this role serves as the lead researcher for top‑tier prospects and works closely with the AVPs of Principal Gifts to support key initiatives for Scripps Research and Cali ‑Skaggs.

This position will combine reactive research with proactive discovery to identify individuals and organizations with the capacity and alignment to significantly impact the institution’s mission. The successful candidate will bring analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and leadership to the Office of Philanthropy’s prospect development strategy.

• Serve as the lead researcher for principal gift, presidential, and board‑level prospects, delivering comprehensive, strategic research to inform high‑level cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Proactively identify new high‑net‑worth individuals, foundations, and organizations aligned with Scripps Research’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Support board development efforts by identifying, researching, and evaluating high‑capacity prospects with relevant expertise and philanthropic potential to serve on the Board of Directors, aligning candidates with strategic initiatives and institutional priorities at Scripps Research.
• Collaborate with development officers to provide insight and recommendations on prospect interests, giving capacity, philanthropic affiliations, and potential pathways to engagement.
• Develop detailed prospect profiles and briefing information in support of principal and transformational gift activities.
• Monitor philanthropic trends, industry news, and donor movement to identify emerging opportunities for engagement.

• Work closely with the Executive Director of Development Information Services and the broader Development Information Services team to ensure integration and alignment of research activities across philanthropy.
• Provide strategic guidance on prospect management practices, portfolio reviews, and pipeline development, supporting effective use of research data to drive results.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Office of Philanthropy, including the AVPs of Principal Gifts, to ensure that research insights inform donor strategies and organizational priorities.

• Maintain high standards for data accuracy, privacy, and compliance in all research and prospect development activities.
• Leverage internal database, external tools, and analytical resources to develop insights on wealth, capacity, and philanthropic alignment.
• Contribute to strategic planning through the interpretation of data…