Donor Prospect Research Specialist (Advancement Professional I)
About The Position
The Donor Prospect Research Specialist supports University Advancement by conducting research, analysis, and reporting on individuals, corporations, and foundations to inform fundraising strategies and enhance donor engagement. This position focuses on analyzing existing constituent data to identify new prospects, preparing research on assigned prospects, and supporting strategic fundraising initiatives, including campus-wide comprehensive or capital campaigns. The Donor Prospect Research Specialist collaborates closely with Advancement leadership and the Development team to ensure fundraisers are equipped with accurate, actionable, and timely information. This role requires skills in research and data analysis to help build and maintain strong prospect pools and to guide data-driven fundraising strategies. This position is also responsible for prospect portfolio distribution and other prospect report distribution to University Advancement staff. Responsibilities also include gathering, compiling, and analyzing prospect research data, assisting in the coordination of prospect identification, donor prospect reporting and analysis, general office coordination, and travel and procurement card tracking. Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field, or relevant education and/or experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with research and the ability to perform data analysis.
- 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.
- Knowledge of creating both general and detailed research biographical profiles.
- Ability to maintain files, records, and the confidentiality of prospect information and development records.
- Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and RE software.
- Familiarity with engagement scoring, machine learning approaches to donor modeling, or network analysis.
- A valid California driver’s license.
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.
- 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.
Benefits
- An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
- Dental and Vision coverage
- Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
- Retirement plan through CalPERS
- Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
- FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
- Employee Assistance Programs
- 15 paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
