Development Research Analyst

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

10h•$64,000 - $68,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education! At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose. By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities. We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration . Position Summary: The Development Research Analyst supports efforts to increase fundraising by identifying new donor prospects, providing fundraisers with timely information on existing donor prospects, using data and analysis to help fundraising leaders inform strategy, and more. They work closely with fundraising partners on campuses and are assigned as liaison to certain fundraising units. This position is a liaison to the Boulder campus, but the Research & Analytics team as a whole supports four campuses and the President’s Office. Incumbents are expected to seek opportunities for professional development that enhance job performance, develop and maintain a network of contacts with other prospect research professionals nationwide, and understand and apply national best practices, processes, and technologies. See Apra, our professional organization, for more information on the prospect development profession. This position can be either hybrid (part work from home, part in-office) or fully in-office. It requires 1-2 days a month spent on campus, meeting with fundraising partners. Incumbents are also expected to attend occasional team meetings in System Advancement’s Denver office. System Advancement provides central management and coordination of the back office functions to support the campus-based fundraising field staff. These functions include research, marketing and communications, gift processing, database management, estate gift planning, and other services. Most members of System Advancement, including the Research & Analytics team, work the hybrid model, so most team interaction will be virtual. This position is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff system and reports to the Assistant Director of Research & Analytics. Where You Will Work: Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration. This position can be either hybrid (part work from home, part in-office) or fully in-office. It requires 1-2 days a month spent on campus, meeting with fundraising partners. Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented. Equal Opportunity Statement: CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis).
One (1) year of equivalent experience related to fundraising, research, data analysis, management and maintenance
Ability to utilize internet navigation and research tools (e.g., on-line, printed, etc.)
Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with development staff
Ability to analyze and synthesize complex financial and/or constituent information
Ability to follow ethical guidelines and uphold high ethical standards
Ability to deal with confidential material
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, and to be cognizant of and address details.
Ability to analyze issues and solve problems.
Knowledge of Securities and Exchange Commission documents and financial terminology
Proficient personal computer skills, especially as they relate to donor tracking software and the Microsoft Office Suite of products (i.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years’ equivalent experience, as stated above
Non-profit experience, preferably in a higher education fundraising environment
Experience with Salesforce Ascend donor database or similar Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system

Responsibilities

Researches, synthesizes, and analyzes biographical and financial information on specific individuals, foundations, and corporations for major gift fundraising needs
Follows ethical guidelines to utilize intuitive and creative approaches in all aspects of research
Critically assesses information identified to determine relevance
Utilizes print, online media, and online vendor tools and screenings to identify new high potential individual, foundation, or corporate donor prospects
Locates timely information about alumni, business transactions, market trends, and/or and higher education status or affiliation
Identifies potential prospects as related to pertinent situations and projects
Serves as a liaison between Advancement and assigned system or campus partners by meeting with stakeholders as necessary to build relationships and effectively collaborate with unit partners
Along with the rest of the team, supports CU President with event bios, briefings for personal meetings, prospect lists, and analyses as needed
Collaborates with fundraisers and internal partners to research, build, and maintain quality prospect pools and to move prospects through the process of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Maintains an active awareness of organizational vision, mission, goals, objectives, and directions of CU Advancement, the CU System, and its four campuses
Participates in strategy meetings to share pertinent information already obtained, determine research needs, and ensure research efforts provide useful information that supports fundraising efforts
Participates in trainings with fundraising staff as needed to educate and increase awareness of services and information available through their own efforts, and information that can be obtained through research staff, materials, and databases.
Takes turn managing request queue, including negotiating deadlines and scope of work, keeping track of upcoming deadlines, and quickly completing low-effort research or training requests
Proactively develops new ideas and projects
Participates in special projects as requested
Conducts descriptive analysis projects for system and campus fundraising partners and leadership, including analysis of giving patterns, historic giving and projections, pool demographics, etc.
Creates data visualizations or narratives and presents on results as needed
Updates donor database (Salesforce Ascend) with information on donors, alumni, and prospects obtained through research
Analyzes, prioritizes, and disseminates results of database screenings with the purpose of informing decision-making and increasing private support
Develops and maintains a network of professional contacts with the purpose of cultivating an understanding of national best practices, principles, techniques, and technologies for fundraising performance
Learns about technologies, products, and tactics that could improve the effectiveness of the CU Advancement program and applies relevant information to grow and achieve an industry-leading program

Benefits

With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.
No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.