Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I)

CSU Careers•Fullerton, CA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility. A strong foundation of supporters is essential to enhancing academic innovation, empowering students, transforming campus structures, and enriching the community. Through gifts large and small, Cal State Fullerton elevates the potential of our remarkable students. The office of Central Development within the Division of University Advancement is dedicated to increasing community, tradition, and contributions to the University by working together with the campus community. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Relevant education and/or experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Under direct supervision, performs entry-level technical and professional work within the advancement field including gathering and analyzing data; producing reports; assisting in advancement activities; representing the university and ensuring compliance with terms and conditions and applicable regulations and laws.
Performs less complex assignments following detailed and established procedures.
Work is regularly reviewed for understanding of professional concepts and compliance with policies and procedures.
General professional knowledge of advancement and fundraising tactics.
Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and potential donors.
Ability to follow guidelines and provide input and feedback.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a donor and stakeholder service-oriented approach.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Analytical and math skills to complete research and reconcile financial accounts.
Organizational skills to plan, organize, and prioritize work.
Ability to use technology and relevant software packages.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
A valid California driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience with research and the ability to perform data analysis, as well as experience using ResearchPoint, LexisNexis, and WealthEngine.
Work experience in nonprofit or public organizations that receive donated funds, with an understanding of how those funds are solicited, allocated, and used.
Possess knowledge of creating both general and detailed research biographical profiles, and be able to maintain files, records, and the confidentiality of prospect information and development records.
Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and RE software, along with familiarity with engagement scoring, machine learning approaches to donor modeling, or network analysis.

Responsibilities

Conducting research, analysis, and reporting on individuals, corporations, and foundations to inform fundraising strategies and enhance donor engagement.
Analyzing existing constituent data to identify new prospects.
Preparing research on assigned prospects.
Supporting strategic fundraising initiatives, including campus-wide comprehensive or capital campaigns.
Collaborating closely with Advancement leadership and the Development team to ensure fundraisers are equipped with accurate, actionable, and timely information.
Building and maintaining strong prospect pools and guiding data-driven fundraising strategies.
Prospect portfolio distribution and other prospect report distribution to University Advancement staff.
Gathering, compiling, and analyzing prospect research data.
Assisting in the coordination of prospect identification.
Donor prospect reporting and analysis.
General office coordination.
Travel and procurement card tracking.
Other duties as assigned.
Must be able to work annual commencement ceremonies.