Development Research Director

Council on Foreign Relations • New York, NY

2d • $120,000 - $140,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is seeking a Development Research Director. The newly created position of Development Research Director will report to the VP and Chief Development Officer, and will play a key strategic role in advancing CFR’s fundraising goals through high-quality prospect research, data analysis, and strategic insight. This position is responsible for identifying, researching, and qualifying prospective donors (both individuals and foundations), for tracking and monitoring prospect activity, and for delivering actionable intelligence to support major gifts, campaigns, and overall development strategy. The ideal candidate combines deep experience in prospect research and fundraising analytics with strong communication and writing skills, discretion, and an understanding of philanthropy and donor motivations. This full-time position is based in CFR’s New York City office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development research, prospect management.
• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape and donor motivation both for individuals and foundations.
• Advanced proficiency with research tools and databases (e.g., iWave, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, LexisNexis, Foundation Directory Online, RelSci).
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to interpret and synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment in handling confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prospect Identification & Research
• Identify and qualify prospects through proactive research and data mining of internal and external sources to broaden existing funding opportunities and identify new sources of support.
• Conduct detailed biographical, financial, and philanthropic research on individuals and foundations and help strategize approaches.
• Use wealth screening tools, databases, and open-source intelligence to evaluate giving capacity and affinity, and any potential reputational risks.
• Portfolio & Strategy Support
• Partner with leadership to develop and refine prospect portfolios.
• Provide strategic research briefings ahead of donor meetings for the Vice President of Development, President of the Council, Board members, and other senior personnel for meetings, events, trips, and other engagement opportunities.
• Identify major prospect interests and proactively suggest strategies and opportunities for targeted prospect engagement.
• Monitor and analyze portfolio activity to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities, and systematically track progress and cultivation moves.
• Support campaign planning through data-driven insights on donor potential and segmentation.
• Data Management & Reporting
• Oversee accurate and timely entry of prospect data into the CRM.
• Partner with database administrators to ensure data integrity and consistent use of coding, rating, and tracking systems.
• Run database reports and create targeted lists as requested by leadership.
• Process Development, Leadership & Collaboration
• Establish and refine best practices for research methods, ethics, and documentation.
• Train and mentor junior staff or interns as needed.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Development on prospect lists for CFR Fellows and participate in prospecting check-in meetings with fellows as needed.
• Stay current with trends in philanthropy, wealth indicators, and data privacy standards.

Benefits

• In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

What This Job Offers

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