Manager, Development Prospect Research, Development

Vera Institute of Justice•Brooklyn, NY

1d•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 with Development and Executive teams, the Manager develops tools and processes to keep prospect data curated, actionable, and integrated into departmental strategy. The position leads research and due diligence for individual, foundation, and corporate donors; provides prospect profiles, briefing materials, and recommendations; and supports donor meetings, events, and board recruitment. It partners with fundraisers, leadership, and program staff on prospect strategy, targeted prospecting, and engagement opportunities. The Manager also improves research systems and CRM data practices, evaluates research tools and vendors, trains staff, leads relationship mapping and network analysis, and oversees prospect portfolios, ratings, wealth screening, moves management, and pipeline analysis. The role reports to either Vera’s Brooklyn, NY office (preferred) or Washington, DC office. Vera employees follow a hybrid schedule and work in the office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience; applicable work or life experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
At least 5 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, including the ability to meet deliverable deadlines.
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, and an inclusive, 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 inform 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 strategy with organizational and fundraising priorities.
Recommend donor capacity, inclination, and engagement opportunities to inform cultivation and solicitation.
Share prospect intelligence, relationship insights, and emerging funding opportunities with stakeholders.
Lead targeted prospecting initiatives 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 in prospect research methodologies and best practices.
Lead relationship-mapping and network-analysis initiatives and stay current on trends, technologies, and practices in prospect research and philanthropy.
Build, assess, and sustain a diverse, high-quality pipeline of prospective donors.
Partner 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 policies and practices that strengthen pipeline management, data integrity, and fundraising effectiveness.