Description
Summary
Identify, research, and evaluate potential annual, major, and principal giving prospects. Prepare individualized bios and in-depth profiles using industry standard biographical and financial resources. Assess prospects’ capacity and inclination to support specific institutional priorities, communicating findings to strengthen cultivation and solicitation strategies. Collaborate with the Director of Prospect Management and Research to support the building of development officers’ portfolios and fundraising strategies, assist with moves management activities including stage, classification, and assignment updates, and maintain accurate research records and prospect data updates in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Essential Functions
Research analytics
Research, analyze, verify, and evaluate financial and biographical information on individual, foundation, and corporate donor prospects, alumni, and current donors. Use industry standard reference sources and databases, prospect research tools, public records, and library resources to develop accurate and actionable findings.
Profile and briefing preparation
Prepare concise, in-depth personal profiles and background reports, both proactively and in response to requests, on individuals, corporations, and foundations to support qualification, cultivation, and solicitation. Assemble and verify alumni/donor database information to create summary biographies for participants attending University functions, including briefings for the Vice President for University Advancement and the President’s Office.
Proactive prospect identification
Identify key prospects and new sources of private support, with an emphasis on prospects with capacity of $10,000 or more, using news alerts, prospect research tools, and the alumni/donor database.
Prospect management collaboration
Collaborate with the Director of Prospect Management and Research to support the building of development officers’ portfolios and fundraising strategies. Assist with prospect moves management, including stage, classification and assignment updates.
Other duties and responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to: reviewing new research materials; supporting data integrity in the alumni/donor database in accordance with standardized procedures; monitoring daily, weekly, and monthly publications to identify relevant alumni, higher education, philanthropy, and business trends; and participating in professional development such as webinars and training to remain current on technology and best practices.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
The following Degree is required:
Bachelor’s degree required
The following Degree is preferred: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Library Sciences, Data Analytics, other research-based sciences, or related field
The following Experience is required: 1 year of experience in prospect development, research, or prospect management function in a nonprofit, or higher-education setting
Additional Information
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Experience in prospect research, prospect management, advancement services, or a similar analytical role in higher education or nonprofit fundraising.
Experience using and maintaining accurate records in a fundraising CRM such as Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Experience with research tools and databases such as DonorSearch, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory, LinkedIn, SEC EDGAR, real estate and business lookup resources, and news alert platforms.
Ability to think critically, summarize, and present prospect information, analysis, and data in an organized and meaningful way.
Experience working directly with frontline fundraisers or serving assigned units in a consultative or liaison capacity.
Application Deadline
The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by March 27, 2026.
