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Development Research Analyst

Employer
Furman University
Location
South Carolina, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Date posted
Jan 11, 2021

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Development Research Analyst

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Job Title:
Development Research Analyst

Job Family:
Professionals

Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full time

Compensation Grade:
5S

Pay Type:
Salary

Department:
Prospect Development

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Prospect Development, the Development Research Analyst is responsible for assisting the Director in implementing and maintaining a comprehensive program of prospect research, identification, and analysis to support the fundraising efforts of Furman University. The Analyst will conduct proactive and reactive prospect research using a variety of free and fee-based resources, identify new prospects through innovative identification processes, and assist in the development of prospect strategies for principal, major and leadership gift prospects.

The Analyst must have excellent organizational skills, be an effective writer, demonstrate sound judgment on matters requiring discretion and be persistent and imaginative in devising new ways to secure and analyze information of critical importance to Furman University's fundraising efforts. All work conducted by this position must meet the highest standards of confidentiality, quality, accuracy, and timeliness.

Job Description:

Prospect Research

Conduct research and write reports on principal, major and leadership gift prospects as requested. Assess that requests are appropriate prior to beginning research, and work with requesters to negotiate deadlines and the scope of work when necessary.

Manage a research request queue and respond to a variety of requests including requests for the Board of Trustees, Furman University President, and Development leadership. Prioritize daily tasks independently.

Keep abreast of staff activities and travel, as well as department and university fundraising priorities. Collaborate often with gift officers, serve as a prospect research resource to Development staff and assume primary responsibility for meeting prospect research needs.

Complete research by reviewing biographical and demographic information, internal Development files, online databases and other print and online resources. Conduct wealth and asset analysis using a variety of resource data, including compensation, stockholdings, real estate information, financial documents and annual reports. Interpret and synthesize accumulated information to make independent evaluations of donor capacity, inclination and readiness. Assess philanthropic tendencies and engagement opportunities.

Demonstrate proficiency with using different research resources including advanced searching techniques with online databases. Exercise discretion in determining which research resources will be most effective under the circumstances. Independently monitor new research trends and techniques and communicate with staff. Support regular evaluation of research tools and products, and make recommendations on new resources as appropriate.

Demonstrate a mastery of Raiser's Edge and other internal databases. Update record information directly in Raiser's Edge in partnership with Development Systems, adhering to all processes and procedures. Share responsibility for database integrity efforts.

Independently utilize a variety of resources, including but not limited to news alerts, publications, wealth lists, and vendor services to provide updates to gift officers and staff on existing prospects and also discover new donors.

Support gift officer learning of basic research techniques and communicate Research policies, procedures and services when appropriate. Train staff on information resources and financial terminology involved in any vendor screening process. Educate and/or train on how best to access research data within Raiser's Edge.

Accurately and efficiently obtain information from, and add information to, internal Development files.

Prospect Identification

Identify, analyze and qualify prospects at a regular rate (10+ per month for principal and major gift prospects) through a variety of prospect identification methods. These methods include gift report analysis, Raiser's Edge data mining, donor list prospecting, event list prospecting, input from frontline fundraisers and online database/wealth screening prospecting.

Following established departmental policies, evaluate philanthropic capability and exercise independent judgment in estimating a five-year capacity rating for all newly-identified prospects. Record estimated research ratings in Raiser's Edge.

Assist in the management and completion of large advanced prospect identification projects, including analysis of screening results. Assist in the analysis and prospecting of any other advanced projects, such as the results of a peer rating and screening event or a comprehensive constituent data collection effort.

Support regular wealth screening efforts of subsets of Raiser's Edge, including annual screening of parent constituents. As assigned, take the lead, in consultation with the Director, establishing the criteria for the screening list, conducting the screening and importing the results back into the database, disseminating the results, and parsing the list for prioritization of research and discovery.

Record and maintain new discovery information in Raiser's Edge.

Initiate and/or help design new prospect identification and qualification projects as needed to fulfill the information needs of Development fundraisers and leadership. Identify and pursue opportunities to streamline the delivery of and increase accessibility of information. Share new resources within the Director of Prospect Development that could be used to determine capacity & inclination.

Support the dissemination of new prospects to frontline fundraisers, and participate in discovery review meetings as available.

Other Responsibilities

Participate in training and education opportunities offered by Development, Furman University, and appropriate professional organizations (APRA, CASE, AFP, etc.).

Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines for CASE and APRA, as well as Furman's standards for ethics and data privacy. Must be able to handle confidential information with tact and discretion.

Participate in staff meetings, monthly Principal Prospect meetings and any additional committees or meetings, as appropriate, to assist in prospect identification, tracking and development plans to solicit or engage prospects.

Perform other duties as needed.

Education/Skill Requirements:

Bachelor's degree required.

This position requires a minimum of two years in development research or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Preference given to candidates with an understanding of and competency with APRA's Body of Knowledge.

Experience with Raiser's Edge/Blackbaud software highly desirable. Experience in a higher education sector preferred.

Qualifications:

  • Possess an understanding of the critical role of prospect research in fundraising and knowledge of fundraising concepts, processes and terminology.


  • Demonstrated ability to utilize electronic and web-based databases to conduct research. Familiar with a broad range of research techniques, including traditional text and periodical-based research, and the use of such other sources as legal and financial documents, real estate records and the Internet. Expert use of computers, including desktop systems and online databases.


  • Proficiency in synthesizing material from multiple sources, the ability to discern relevant facts, and excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills.


  • Initiative and ability to learn quickly, prioritize tasks, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work well under pressure, build effective relationships, work independently and function in a team environment.


  • Possess strong problem-solving abilities and be able to exercise independent judgment and initiative. Attention to detail is critical. Must be able to resolve issues, represent findings, and possess the ability to interpret research user needs.


  • Must understand and practice confidentiality and ethical information collection.


  • Have persistence and be enthusiastic about learning.


Education Requirements:
Bachelors (Required)

Certification Requirements:

Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open ended):


To apply, visit https://furman.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Furman_Careers/job/Main-Campus/Development-Research-Analyst_R001046

Furman is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and staff. The University aspires to create a community of people representing a multiplicity of identities including gender, race, religion, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, geographic origin, socioeconomic background, ideology, world view, and varied abilities. Domestic partners of employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits.

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