Manager, Development Prospect Research, Development

Vera Institute of Justice•Washington, DC

1d•$100,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Development Prospect Research advances Vera’s fundraising goals by managing prospect identification, research, and qualification strategies across institutional, major, and principal giving, as well as strategic board development. The role supports frontline fundraisers with strategic insight and timely analysis to build and advance a pipeline of funders aligned with Vera’s mission. Working closely with the Development and Executive teams, the Manager develops tools and processes to ensure prospect data is well-curated, actionable, and integrated into the department’s broader strategy. The position leads prospect research and due diligence, partners with fundraisers and program staff on donor strategy, develops research systems and data practices, and manages portfolio and pipeline assessment. The role reports to Vera’s Washington, DC office. Employees follow a hybrid schedule, generally working in the office 10 days per month on an alternating schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 6 or more years of relevant experience; applicable work or life experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
Five or more years of experience in development prospect research, donor intelligence, or related nonprofit fundraising roles.
Expertise in donor research methodology and practice, including wealth indicators and data analysis.
Experience with a broad range of subscription research tools.
Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and provide analysis.
Resourcefulness in pursuing knowledge.
Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-up skills, with the ability to meet deliverable due dates.
Initiative, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Commitment to protecting donor data and sensitive or proprietary information.
Willingness to learn new systems and technology.
Commitment to Vera’s mission of advancing justice and equity, with an inclusive and culturally competent approach to work.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and build systems that support strategy and growth.
Commitment to learning and professional growth in prospect development and philanthropy.

Nice To Haves

Strong communicator who can collaborate across teams and present findings concisely and compellingly.

Responsibilities

Lead prospect identification, qualification, and due diligence for individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
Research and synthesize philanthropic capacity, affinity, giving history, networks, and engagement opportunities to support fundraising strategy.
Develop prospect profiles, briefing materials, and strategic recommendations for development leadership, executive staff, and board engagement.
Identify and prioritize high-potential prospects using wealth screening, database analysis, and external research tools.
Provide research support for donor meetings, events, board recruitment, and other strategic engagement opportunities.
Partner with frontline fundraisers, development leadership, and program staff to align prospect strategies with fundraising and organizational priorities.
Recommend donor capacity, inclination, and engagement opportunities to inform cultivation and solicitation.
Share prospect intelligence, relationship insights, and emerging funding opportunities with key stakeholders.
Lead targeted prospecting initiatives to find new donors aligned with priority programs, geographies, and fundraising goals.
Develop and optimize research systems, workflows, and data management practices to improve efficiency, consistency, and data quality.
Partner with Development Operations to maintain accurate prospect data, ratings, and relationship intelligence in the CRM.
Evaluate and recommend research tools, subscriptions, and vendors, and train staff on prospect research methods and best practices.
Lead relationship-mapping and network-analysis initiatives and stay current on prospect research and philanthropy trends, technologies, and practices.
Build, assess, and sustain a diverse, high-quality pipeline of prospective donors.
Work with fundraisers and leadership to develop and optimize prospect portfolios based on capacity, affinity, and readiness.
Oversee prospect ratings, wealth screening, moves management, and research tracking to support portfolio growth and fundraising performance.
Analyze donor and prospect trends and establish practices that strengthen pipeline management, data integrity, and fundraising effectiveness.