Senior Prospect Development Analyst

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Advancement Office engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. The Prospect Development and Decision Support (PDDS) team maximizes the value of fundraising data and systems to Advancement staff and the University. We offer insight derived from analytics and qualitative research to drive fundraising strategy. We help staff members to work more effectively with data and technology through staff education programs, process and system design services, and change management planning. Working at the individual, team, and organizational level, we help make Advancement staff informed, efficient, and successful in their efforts to maximize the University of Chicago’s fundraising and engagement potential. This role conducts biographical and financial research on individuals, corporations, and/or foundations to support fundraising. Identifies prospective donors using research and analysis through use of standard procedures. Forecasts and measures the effectiveness of the fiscal year and overall campaign progress, which will help employees in the position acquire higher-level knowledge and skills.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework in project management, business, finance, economics, analytics, library and information science, or non-profit management.
• Minimum two years of work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar field.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's donor relationship management system.
• Proficient in a Microsoft Windows environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Self-motivated and take initiative.
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.

Responsibilities

• Improves the depth and quality of the University’s pool by leveraging internal data and publicly available information to ascertain donor interests and financial capacity.
• Partners with fundraisers and Prospect Development teams to efficiently help principal gift donors find the path to a rewarding philanthropic relationship with the University of Chicago.
• Using diverse tools and resources, employs financial and biographical research methods to ensure that fundraisers are engaged in the most value-added activities, and prospects receive the requisite attention and cultivation.
• Reviews, analyzes, and synthesizes information about individuals and groups of donors to assess philanthropic capacity and inform fundraising strategy.
• Actively monitors news publications, tying developments and trends back to work being done by the University.
• Creates briefing materials for the University President and senior leaders across the organization.
• Proofs and edits colleagues’ documents in accordance with team standards.
• Provides research and strategy support to the Principal Gifts team and develops deep understanding and knowledge of the principal gifts pool.
• Conducts audits and maintains data, especially as it relates to the top of the prospect pyramid.
• Participates in efforts to educate ARD colleagues on prospect development, the nature of wealth as it relates to philanthropy, and the University’s prospect pool.
• Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
• Develops, maintains, and updates information on new and existing prospects, solving problems as they arise.
• May provide guidance to analysts, train staff members on fundraising, report writing, and research.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

What This Job Offers

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