Data Analyst & Prospect Researcher, Philanthropy - Full-Time

Saint Louis Zoo•St. Louis, MO

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Data Analyst & Prospect Researcher plays a vital role in advancing the Zoo’s mission to inspire conservation, education, and connection with wildlife. This position transforms donor and visitor data into actionable insights that support philanthropic growth, strengthen donor relationships, and fuel strategic fundraising initiatives. Working closely with frontline fundraisers and leadership, this role ensures data-driven decision-making across annual, major, corporate, planned, and campaign giving.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in data analytics, information science, nonprofit management, business, or a related field
3+ years of experience in data analysis, prospect research, or fundraising operations (nonprofit or cultural institution preferred)
Experience working with fundraising and membership databases
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Ability to communicate data insights clearly to non-technical audiences
High level of discretion and respect for donor confidentiality
Mission-driven and conservation-minded
Analytical and intellectually curious
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
Collaborative and service-oriented
Organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with zoo, museum, aquarium, or environmental nonprofit fundraising
Familiarity with prospect research tools (iWave, WealthEngine, Foundation Directory, LexisNexis, etc.)
Advanced Excel skills or data visualization tools
Experience supporting capital or comprehensive campaigns and major gift fundraising programs

Responsibilities

Analyze donor, member, and visitor data to identify giving patterns, engagement trends, and upgrade opportunities
Support donor segmentation strategies across membership, annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, and campaigns
Develop predictive insights to inform donor pipelines, portfolio assignments, and solicitation strategies
Translate complex data into clear, compelling insights for fundraisers and leadership
Conduct proactive and responsive prospect research for individual, foundation, and corporate donors
Identify and qualify prospective donors aligned with the zoo’s mission, capital projects, and conservation priorities
Prepare donor profiles, capacity assessments, and briefing materials for solicitations, tours, and cultivation events
Partner with gift officers to support moves management, portfolio development, and strategic next steps
Design and maintain dashboards and reports tracking fundraising performance, pipeline health, and campaign progress
Support capital and comprehensive campaigns, including feasibility studies, prospect lists, and naming opportunity analysis
Provide data support for leadership, board, campaign cabinet, and volunteer committees
Monitor progress toward annual, campaign, and project-based fundraising goals
Maintain data accuracy and consistency in the fundraising CRM (e.g., Raiser’s Edge NXT)
Establish and document data standards, definitions, and best practices for philanthropy data
Collaborate with gift processing and membership teams to improve data workflows and reporting efficiency
Support data hygiene initiatives, audits, and system improvements
Partner with Membership, Marketing, Education, and Finance teams to align data and reporting
Support donor engagement strategies tied to animal care, conservation programs, exhibits, and education initiatives
Provide data insights that inform donor communications, stewardship, and recognition efforts
Stay current on best practices in nonprofit analytics, prospect research, and conservation philanthropy