Discovery Officer

Marymount University • Lexington, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role focuses on qualifying, managing, and advancing donor relationships through proactive outreach, portfolio management, and data‑driven fundraising strategies. The position supports annual fund efforts by conducting donor discovery, securing gifts through targeted multi‑channel outreach, and strengthening stewardship and retention, while maintaining accurate CRM records and tracking performance metrics. It also plays a key role in leveraging data, technology, and emerging tools such as analytics and AI to improve donor segmentation, pipeline movement, and operational efficiency, working closely with advancement colleagues and external vendors to support scalable, ethical, and effective fundraising initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Comfort working with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce NPSP, or similar).
• Interest in technology and emerging tools in philanthropy (AI, predictive analytics, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Team-oriented mindset with eagerness to learn and grow in advancement work
• Proficient skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint.
• Workday proficiency related to the role

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to data analysis, business intelligence tools, or CRM reporting.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, or donor relations.
• Familiarity with privacy and ethical standards in data and AI use.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to prospective donors to qualify and disqualify individuals based on giving capacity, affinity, and readiness.
• Document and evaluate discovery conversations to inform next steps, including referral, cultivation, solicitation, or removal from pipeline.
• Manage a portfolio of annual fund and leadership annual giving prospects, with responsibility for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with advancement colleagues to move qualified prospects into appropriate gift officer portfolios when warranted.
• Execute targeted outreach strategies (calls, emails, virtual meetings) to secure annual fund gifts and increase donor participation.
• Support annual giving campaigns across digital, direct mail, and multi-channel efforts.
• Assist with stewardship and retention efforts to strengthen long-term donor relationships.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, including detailed contact reports, qualification outcomes, and engagement history.
• Leverage data to segment donors, prioritize outreach, and inform engagement strategies.
• Track and report on key performance metrics, including qualification rates, donor movement, and portfolio activity.
• Support data hygiene efforts, including imports, standardization, and ongoing record maintenance.
• Serve as a liaison with external vendors (e.g., data services, AI consultants, telefunding partners) to support donor outreach and analytics initiatives.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure alignment with internal fundraising goals.
• Assist in preparing data and documentation for AI-driven prospecting, analytics, and process automation.
• Document fundraising workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and data integrity.
• Research and apply emerging trends in data usage and technology to strengthen donor qualification and engagement strategies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and flexible benefits program designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of our benefit-eligible faculty, staff, and their eligible dependents.
• Retirement plan includes a diversified portfolio of investment options, with a University match of up to 3% of employee pretax contributions for full-time employees.
• Competitive health and welfare benefits.
• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, allowing up to two remote workdays per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees