Assistant Director, Research and Prospect Management

Rutgers University Foundation • New Brunswick, NJ

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director, Research & Prospect Management, the Assistant Director supports the University’s prospect development, fundraising, engagement, and reputational risk screening efforts. This role conducts appropriate-level research and screening on prospective donors, alumni, volunteers, speakers, and other external constituents to inform institutional awareness of potential risks. The position emphasizes efficient, scalable screening practices—leveraging standard tools and processes for most cases and escalating for more in-depth review when warranted. The Assistant Director contributes to consistent documentation, data integrity, and process improvement across research, screening, and CRM activities, while collaborating with senior leadership and institutional partners on higher-profile or complex situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and/or 2+ years of professional experience in fundraising, alumni relations, non-profit organizations, event planning, higher education, or related fields.

Nice To Haves

• Responsible for complex projects with guidance by leadership
• Develop comprehensive project leadership (own all project components)
• Create, manage, and execute critical elements for the department/project/program
• Perform project analysis; devise and implement process improvements to optimize outcomes
• Scope of work is highly visible and is pan-University or pan-Foundation
• Subject matter expert of department/project/program operations
• Assist with strategy development, projects, and proposals
• Begin leading strategy sessions
• Responsible for operational tasks for the department/project/program

Responsibilities

• Conduct baseline screening and research using internal tools (e.g., automated screening platforms) and targeted media/public record review for donors, prospects, alumni, and other constituents.
• Perform enhanced research for select cases that warrant deeper review based on established criteria (e.g., elevated visibility, reputational considerations, or institutional risk factors).
• Identify and document potential reputational or compliance-related considerations, applying established guidelines and escalating findings as appropriate.
• Prepare brief summaries or due diligence reports for higher-profile or complex cases, supporting internal review by senior leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Support screening and research for a wide range of engagement activities, including philanthropic conversations, volunteer leadership roles, speaking opportunities, and public-facing events.
• Track, document, and code screening activities and outcomes within CRM and related systems.
• Ensure alignment with institutional policies and support consistent application of screening standards and practices.
• Contribute to process improvements, workflow efficiencies, and documentation standards to support a scalable and sustainable screening and research function.
• Collaborate with Research & Prospect Management colleagues to support broader team priorities, particularly during periods of fluctuating screening volume.
• Other Duties as assigned

Benefits

• Office-centric hybrid work schedule
• Comprehensive medical
• Comprehensive no cost dental, and no cost vision insurance for employee and dependents
• 403(b) plan with matching employer contribution
• Accrual of three weeks of annual vacation time, in addition to five wellness days and fifteen sick days per year
• Nine holidays, as well as four floating holidays
• Significant tuition reductions
• Professional development is highly valued at the Rutgers University Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization to develop new skills and abilities for professional career progression.
• $40 monthly cell phone reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level