Prospect Manager

University of the Cumberlands•Williamsburg, KY

15h

About The Position

The Prospect Manager plays a critical role in advancing the University of the Cumberlands’ philanthropic success by identifying, researching, and managing prospective donors with high giving capacity and philanthropic interest. This is a new and foundational position responsible for building processes and procedures to conduct in-depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations; developing and managing prospect pipelines; and partnering closely with Major Gift Officers to ensure portfolios are actively managed and aligned with institutional fundraising priorities. Through data-driven analysis and collaborative portfolio management, the Prospect Manager helps ensure that the right prospects are identified, assigned, cultivated, and advanced through the donor pipeline in support of the University’s mission and strategic goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
2–5 years of experience in prospect research, prospect management, advancement operations, or a closely related field.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and present actionable insights.
Proficiency with CRM systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information ethically and professionally.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or an advanced degree in research, data analytics, nonprofit management, or a related field is a plus.
Candidates at the 2–3 year mark with strong research fundamentals and a demonstrated aptitude for the role are encouraged to apply.
Candidates at the 4–5 year mark with demonstrated experience researching high-net-worth individuals and working alongside frontline fundraisers will be considered for the upper end of the compensation range.
Higher education or nonprofit experience preferred; transferable experience in financial research, business intelligence, or related fields will be considered.
Familiarity with Blackbaud NXT and ResearchPoint preferred but not required — training support available for the right candidate.
Experience supporting major gift or campaign fundraising efforts.
Familiarity with wealth screening, predictive analytics, and prospect scoring methodologies.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Collaborative mindset with a service-oriented approach to supporting fundraising teams.
Interest in building foundational systems and processes in a newly created role.
Commitment to the mission, values, and Christian identity of the University of the Cumberlands.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive research on high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations to identify philanthropic capacity, interests, and connections to the University.
Utilize internal databases, public records, wealth screening tools, and external research resources to develop detailed prospect profiles.
Analyze giving patterns, philanthropic affiliations, business interests, and personal connections to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date prospect research records in the University’s CRM system.
Manage and monitor prospect pipelines to ensure a healthy flow of prospects at all stages of the donor lifecycle (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship).
Partner with Major Gift Officers to develop, assign, and refine prospect portfolios based on capacity, affinity, and strategic fit.
Track prospect movement, engagement activity, and next steps to ensure timely and intentional progression through the pipeline.
Recommend prospect assignments, reassignments, or disqualifications based on data, performance, and institutional priorities.
Serve as a strategic partner to Major Gift Officers by providing research insights, portfolio analysis, and prospect strategy recommendations.
Support Major Gift Officers in developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for top prospects.
Monitor portfolio activity to ensure Major Gift Officers are actively managing their portfolios and meeting engagement expectations.
Prepare prospect briefings, dashboards, and reports for frontline fundraisers and Advancement leadership.
Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and confidentiality in all prospect research and management activities.
Develop and deliver regular reports on pipeline health, portfolio performance, and prospect movement to Advancement leadership.
Stay current on best practices in prospect research, wealth screening, and portfolio management in higher education advancement.
Support special research projects, campaign planning, and strategic initiatives as needed.