Prospect Development Analyst

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Prospect Development Analyst provides strategic research, analysis, and data-driven insights that strengthen the major and principal gift pipeline. This position identifies and evaluates prospective donors, monitors, and informs and delivers actionable intelligence to front-line fundraisers and University leadership. Through a combination of research, data analytics, visualization, reporting, and fundraiser collaboration, the Prospect Development Analyst supports the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors to achieve the University’s philanthropic priorities and fundraising goals.

Requirements

• Experience with prospect development principles, including identification, capacity, affinity, engagement indicators, and database marketing methods essential to donor pipeline development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion, sound judgment, and a high degree of professionalism.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize complex information from diverse sources to support fundraising strategy and inform decision-making.
• Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel), and relational data base skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, ensuring the quality, consistency, and reliability of constituent information.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present research findings clearly and build effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• APRA Body of Knowledge Level I competencies in prospect research and data analytics, or demonstrated foundational knowledge equivalent to industry standards in prospect development.
• Familiarity with AI tools, assistants, and agents, and an interest in learning their application to prospect discovery, research automation, and fundraising analytics.
• Understanding of statistical techniques, predictive modeling, stochastic modeling, or data visualization, with exposure to tools such as R, SPSS, Tableau, or Salesforce Analytics Cloud.
• Knowledge of business intelligence processes and their application to advancement, prospect identification, and portfolio strategy.
• Experience analyzing complex financial, business, and wealth-related documents, including SEC filings, real estate records, business ownership, and philanthropic giving histories.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and evaluates prospective donors based on giving capacity, affinity, and engagement.
• Analyzes and interprets information to collaborate with Prospect Development Colleagues to help inform prospect strategy and portfolio development.
• Uses research, data analysis, reporting tools, and emerging technologies to develop the intelligence to inform a healthy major gift pipeline.
• Works with colleagues and student employees to develop large scale data projects to maintain the quality, accuracy, and reliability of constituent and prospect data.
• Enters, updates, and maintains constituent and prospect data in the Philanthropy and Engagement data structures.
• Prepares, verifies, and updates data related to donor capacity, engagement, interests, philanthropic activity, and relationships, helping to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of information used to support fundraising and prospect development initiatives.
• Shares prospect research, identification results, and actionable insights with Philanthropy and Engagement fundraising staff through training, written reports, presentations, meetings and discussions.
• Participates in continuous professional development to enhance analytical, communication, and collaborative skills essential to prospect development and fundraising success.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed