Prospect Research Associate

Indiana University Foundation • Bloomington, IN

1d • $48,000 - $50,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position offers a work-from-home schedule after an in-person onboarding, with periodic on-site team meetings and all-staff events. Candidate must reside in the state of Indiana or be willing to relocate by first day of employment. The salary range for this role is $48,000-$50,000. The Indiana University Foundation is seeking a Research Associate to support the Prospect Management and Research team by tracking the accomplishments and life events of alumni and donors, as well as assessing their interest and ability to provide support to Indiana University. The Research Associate will provide timely insights that help fundraisers engage donors more effectively and meaningfully. Reporting to the Associate Director, Research, this position focuses on identifying, interpreting, and communicating relevant information to meet the fundraiser's needs. In this role, you will regularly monitor established news and research sources to identify achievements, leadership changes, business activity, and life events connected to IU alumni, donors, and affiliated organizations. You will analyze and summarize findings using professional writing skills, and share insights through email alerts, prospect summaries, and database updates that directly inform relationship-building and outreach strategies. Your work ensures fundraisers have the right information at the right time to support meaningful donor conversations. This role requires collaboration with fundraisers, prospect managers, and colleagues across the advancement services team to understand priorities, clarify requests, and deliver accurate, well-organized information. While much of the work involves focused, independent research, the position is collaborative and service-oriented, centered on responding to fundraiser needs and contributing to shared fundraising goals. The ideal candidate is a curious, detail-oriented, and self-motivated professional who enjoys reading and interpreting information, writing clear summaries, and supporting Indiana University’s mission through thoughtful communication and attention to detail.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years of equivalent work experience preferred. Combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Strong professional writing skills, with the ability to clearly summarize and communicate insights for fundraiser use.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a busy professional environment.
• High attention to detail and demonstrated accuracy in documentation and data entry.
• Proficiency with CRM, internet research tools, and web-based platforms; experience with Artificial Intelligence tools is a plus.
• Technical aptitude and comfort learning new systems; additional technical skills are welcomed and supported through team collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment when working with colleagues, fundraisers, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of general fundraising and prospect management principles.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical information use, and continuous improvement.
• Genuine interest in supporting Indiana University’s mission and contributing to philanthropic success.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in advancement services, research, data management, communications, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with Artificial Intelligence tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Regularly monitor established news and research sources to identify achievements, leadership changes, business activity, and life events connected to IU alumni, donors, and affiliated organizations.
• Analyze and summarize findings using professional writing skills, and share insights through email alerts, prospect summaries, and database updates that directly inform relationship-building and outreach strategies.
• Collaborate with fundraisers, prospect managers, and colleagues across the advancement services team to understand priorities, clarify requests, and deliver accurate, well-organized information.

What This Job Offers

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