Prospect Development Analyst

University of Wisconsin Stout • La Crosse, WI

21d

About The Position

The Prospect Development Analyst (PDA) ensures donor-facing fundraisers, including the President and Vice President of the UW Alumni & Friends Foundation/Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Development for University Advancement, have the research needed to develop informed strategies and cultivate meaningful philanthropic relationships. The PDA identifies prospective donors, updates donor records, assesses giving capacity, and recommends individual giving strategies. This role also manages all portfolios, including quarterly meetings and classification updates. Additionally, the PDA provides donor data analytics, conducts wealth screenings, generates reports, and performs external research to identify high-potential donors. Collaborating with the Development Team and Advancement Services, the PDA develops tools, training, and standards to maintain donor data integrity. This position also serves as a strategic advisor to fundraisers, ensuring prospect pipelines align with institutional priorities and goals. The mission of the UWL University Advancement Division is to strengthen relationships with university stakeholders and manage engagement and fundraising activities to secure resources and support for the university’s mission and vision. Advancement is an integrated function of communications, alumni relations, and fundraising which coordinates images, messages, and constituency engagement activities to disseminate critical information, create powerful experiences, and offer essential services to key constituencies. UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013. The review of applications starts on November 17, 2025 . Applications received on or before November 17th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or three years of related experience.
• Proven experience in prospect development, wealth screening, and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
• Measurable written and verbal communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality related to sensitive donor information.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and internet search techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or another CRM such as Sales Force, etc.
• Proficiency in donor data analytics.
• Experience with online and paid research tools (e.g. LexisNexis, ResearchPoint, iWave, DonorSearch).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Familiarity with predictive analytics and data modeling techniques in philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Data Analytics & Predictive Modeling: Utilize predictive modeling and advanced data analytics to identify high-potential donors and inform solicitation strategies. Analyze research data to assess fundraising strategies. Collaborate with the Director of Advancement Services regarding data health and research projects. Monitor and communicate new research trends and techniques. Design and produce accurate reports for moves management.
• Portfolio Management & Optimization: Build, evaluate, and manage prospect portfolios and pipelines. Ensure accurate and up-to-date prospect research for assigned individuals, foundations, and companies, including maintaining and updating portfolio classifications to align with development recommendations. Lead or support quarterly portfolio review meetings to assess composition, activity, and prospect identification. Perform ongoing data analysis to refine development strategies. Develop and refine a system for monitoring fundraiser portfolios, ensuring an optimal balance of assigned prospects.
• Ethics, Compliance, & Training: Ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards, including APRA best practices and data privacy regulations. Stay updated on Blackbaud and prospect research best practices. Attend professional development events. Maintain membership with APRA. Train and mentor staff on prospect research techniques and wealth indicators. Maintain prospect research Standard Operating Procedures. Participate in meetings with Blackbaud consultants as needed.
• Database & Technology Expertise: Assist with data entry, records management, and pipeline/opportunities updates. Update constituent records in the donor database, ensuring data accuracy. Cross-train with staff and provide backup support as needed. Maintain expertise in Raiser’s Edge, NXT, and ResearchPoint. Serve as the internal expert on prospecting tools such as ResearchPoint. Investigate additional research tools, such as iWave, and DonorSearch, to enhance our capabilities in the future. Generate queries, exports, reports, and prospect lists for development officer travel planning and other fundraising initiatives.
• Prospect Research & Donor Profiles: Analyze internal and external data to identify major gift prospects by region and affinity. Conduct prospect research on individuals and institutions. Create and maintain donor and prospect profiles with biographical, philanthropic, and financial data. Support annual planning and portfolio updates through data analysis and wealth screenings. Provide strategic guidance to fundraisers on prospect pipeline development and engagement strategies.

Benefits

• paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days
• after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees