Senior Director, Prospect Management
About The Position
The Senior Director, Prospect Management leads portfolio strategy and prospect management efforts that strengthen fundraising effectiveness and pipeline growth. Partnering closely with development leadership, this role enhances portfolio quality, drives prospect movement, and supports campaign readiness. This leader sets direction for prospect management practices, ensures strong data integrity and governance, and leverages insights to guide strategic decision-making. The role also develops a high-performing team and fosters consistent, collaborative support across fundraising units. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated success implementing prospect management programs in complex advancement environments using a liaison service structure.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, philanthropy, data analytics, or a related field
- Four or more (4+) years of experience in prospect management, prospect research, advancement services, fundraising operations, or a related field with progressive leadership responsibilities
- Expertise in prospect management, portfolio strategy, and lifecycle progression
- Strong analytical and data skills, including use of CRM systems and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau)
- Ability to translate data into actionable fundraising strategies and priorities
- Advanced CRM proficiency (Blackbaud or similar) and commitment to data quality and standards
- Collaborative, consultative partnership style with fundraising leaders
- Effective communication and change management skills
- Proven team leadership, coaching, and development experience
- High level of discretion and professionalism with confidential information
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree and/or relevant professional training or certifications in advancement services, analytics, CRM administration, or related areas
- 5+ years of progressive professional experience in prospect management, advancement operations, fundraising strategy, or a closely related function
- Experience supporting multiple fundraising teams in a consultative or shared services model
- Familiarity with Blackbaud CRM (or similar) and business intelligence tools
- Demonstrated success improving processes, governance, and adoption of best practices
- Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., CASE, APRA)
Responsibilities
- Partners with development leadership to enhance prospect engagement, movement, and pipeline health
- Oversees prospect assignment, governance, and lifecycle management practices
- Ensures data integrity, documentation standards, and effective use of CRM systems
- Collaborates cross-functionally to align prospect development and pipeline strategy
- Develops and leads a high-performing prospect management team
- Promotes compliance with institutional policies and professional standards
- Leads a liaison-based prospect management and portfolio strategy model aligned to unit and institutional fundraising priorities
- Plans, directs, and oversees portfolio and pipeline analysis using analytics and dashboards (e.g., Tableau) to support strategic decision-making and performance evaluation
- Performs all other duties as assigned
- Supports strategic initiatives, projects, and leadership reporting
- Advances process improvements, training, and adoption of best practices
- Maintains documentation and ensures continuity during peak periods or transitions
- Represents prospect management in meetings, committees, and working groups to support alignment and collaboration
Benefits
- Benefits overview available at https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
