Prospect Researcher (26-27)
About The Position
Mission: The Prospect Researcher provides critical donor research and data support to the IDEA Advancement by validating and researching individual and institutional prospects. Reporting to the Director of Prospect Strategy and Research, the Prospect Research Specialist serves as the primary research contact to the front-line fundraisers, conducting in-depth research to assess giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and affinity to the organization. Supervisory Responsibilities: This role does not require any supervisory responsibilities. Location: This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate. Travel Expectations: Occasional travel (less than 10%) for meetings, site visits, or collaboration.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2-3 years of experience in prospect research, development, or related field
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Commitment to handling sensitive information with discretion and integrity
- Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple projects
- Outstanding interpersonal skills necessary to interface with a diverse group of colleagues and constituents as well as the ability to lead and build consensus among colleagues.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in Salesforce CRM system
- Experience in prospect research and management within an Advancement setting
- Expertise with prospect research tools and methodologies – preferably iWave, LexisNexis, RelSci.
- Familiarity with conducting research on both individual AND institutional prospects and donors
- Familiarity with the Texas philanthropy landscape
Responsibilities
- Serve as the main point of contact for the front-line fundraisers’ reactive prospect research requests, delivering timely and accurate research profiles, briefings, and analyses on existing and prospective donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations).
- Conduct routine donor screening for regular prospect identification. Proactively identify and validate new prospects from internal pools (unassigned constituents, annual giving donors, lapsed prospects, and other sources) and assign validated prospects to the front-line fundraisers.
- Provide portfolio review support to the Director of Prospect Strategy and Research by preparing materials, tracking and delivering follow-up actions, and updating CRM records as needed.
- Assist with large-scale research projects (e.g., board relationship mapping, event attendee screening, regional screenings, campaign or initiative-specific research etc.).
- Support the maintenance of prospect research resources and subscriptions.
- Maintain the integrity and strategic utilization of Advancement’s CRM by ensuring accurate, timely updates to constituent records, including research findings, wealth indicators, and engagement insights
- Collaborate with the Director of Prospect Research and Strategy to develop, implement, and continuously refine all prospect research and portfolio management systems, processes, and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Perform other prospect research and management duties as assigned to support Advancement goals.
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
