Job Description
SUMMARY
The Prospect Researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and managing information on current and prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. This role supports the Division of Advancement’s strategic priority of expanding the Foundation’s base of support by identifying and qualifying new prospects and ensuring high-potential prospects are effectively queued for gift officer portfolios.
The Prospect Researcher upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality in accordance with the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) guidelines and plays a critical role in enabling relationship-building and fundraising success through high-quality research and data stewardship.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prospect Research and Analysis (50%)
- Produce timely, in-depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations using a wide range of biographical, organizational, and financial sources.
- Utilize online databases, internet resources, library and government records, and other public information repositories.
- Analyze and document complex information to assess financial capacity, philanthropic interests, giving propensity, and organizational or personal linkages.
- Extract and record key data to inform donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
Prospect Identification and Development (30%)
- Proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects ($25,000+) using internal database research and external research methodologies.
- Apply advanced research techniques, electronic searches, and data mining strategies to build a robust pipeline of potential donors.
- Develop and maintain a sufficient pool of qualified prospects to support fundraising initiatives.
Pipeline Management and Prioritization (15%)
- Collaborate with leadership to support prospect pool and pipeline prioritization.
- Ensure prospect research findings—including ratings, interests, and affiliations—are accurately recorded and maintained in the CRM.
- Develop and implement strategies to ensure newly identified prospects are accessible for cultivation by fundraising staff.
Division Support (5%)
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Division of Advancement.
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Demonstrated experience in prospect research, development, library research, or a related information field, preferably within a patient advocacy or human health environment.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and legal documents (e.g., SEC filings, real property records).
- Proven ability to identify philanthropic patterns, relationships, and giving potential.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to tailor content to specific audiences.
- Experience developing proactive prospecting methodologies, including database queries and data mining.
- High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and timely data records.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and professionalism.
- Commitment to discretion, confidentiality, and ethical research practices.
- Self-motivated, curious, persistent, and results-oriented.
- Knowledge of APRA ethics standards.
- Fundraising, peer-to-peer fundraising, major gifts, corporate fundraising, or special events experience is a plus.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- 3–5 years of prospect research experience, preferably in a human health or patient advocacy setting.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience identifying, qualifying, and segmenting donor pools.
- Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
- Familiarity with web-based research tools used to build prospect profiles.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- None.
MANAGES
- 0 direct reports.
TRAVEL, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Full-time position (35 hours per week), with flexibility and occasional evening or weekend work required due to events.
- Work involves prolonged periods of computer use and document review.
- Occasional standing, movement, and lifting up to 30 pounds for event setup (e.g., boxes, tables, chairs).
- Telework privileges may be requested in accordance with Foundation policy; satisfactory performance and excellent customer service are required.
- Regular attendance at Foundation meetings, trainings, and events is expected.
Pay Range
- $60,000 - $65,000
