Prospect Manager and Research Analyst

The Prospect Manager and Research Analyst plays a key role on the Advancement Operations team, reports to the Sr. Director of Advancement Services, works closely with the Associate Vice President for Advancement Operations and supports the work of senior leaders, development and engagement professionals by providing high quality research and prospect management reports and other deliverables.

The Analyst’s primary responsibility is the identification, research, and tracking of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects, helping the advancement division build fundraising capacity and successfully acquire support for the projects, programs and priorities of the University. The Analyst also plays an integral role in both the administration of prospect/moves management processes and the coordination of related data. This position supports additional departmental projects including report and list creation, enhancing systems data and maintaining constituent records.

Responsibilities:

Prospect Identification and Research

• Proactively identify and qualify prospects and help expand, organize and prioritize prospect pools to grow the prospect pipeline and ensure the best prospects are actively qualified and managed by development officers.
• Mine internal databases, external publications, online resources, and leadership networks to identify individual, corporate, and foundation prospects for major gift solicitation assignments.
• Perform prospect research, analyze, synthesize and summarize information in the form of written, high quality prospect profiles and reports.
• Prepare detailed, accurate research briefings for Executive Leadership and gift officers for the purposes of donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Record, organize and maintain prospect information in electronic files, paper files, and other information systems.
• Independently monitor new research trends and techniques and communicate with team. Support regular evaluation of research tools and products, and make recommendations on new resources as appropriate.

Prospect Management

• Curate major gift portfolios and monitor and facilitate all constituents going in and out of Belmont’s prospect management program.
• Mentor and train Advancement staff on best practices in data management, industry standards, and evolving trends.
• Coordinate monthly Prospect Management Team meetings and semi-annual portfolio reviews with gift officers and Advancement leaders.
• Conduct data entry and maintain data integrity practices associated with relationship management, prospect tracking, and portfolio maintenance.
• Complete various prospect management tasks, including (but not limited to) prospect coding, tracking, status monitoring, reporting, and the review of dynamic information such as contact notes and account comments.

Advancement Operations

• In partnership with Advancement Operations leaders, develop, document and implement research and prospect management policies and procedures.
• Cross-train with other Advancement Operations staff and assist with records management and gift processing during busy periods. Share responsibility for database integrity efforts.
• Provide training and supervision to student workers when needed.
• Lead and support special projects as needed.
• Participate in professional organizations (Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, etc.) and network with peers to keep on top of the latest trends in prospect management and tools and resources for prospect research.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree is required, master’s is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of fundraising experience in prospect research or a related field (competitive/business intelligence, market research or library science), preferably in higher education and/or a performing arts organization

Qualifications

• Excellent writing, analytical and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive research and produce in-depth, accurate prospect analysis and profiles.
• Knowledge of research techniques, methodology, and online and print resources, including commercial software to identify prospects through constituent list segmentation, wealth screening, and peer screening. Experience with LexisNexis is preferred.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and experience with relational database software and electronic database screening.
• Understanding of wealth indicators and market trends, and the ability to interpret financial data.
• Knowledge of moves management and prospect management best practices.
• Ability to organize and manage a diverse range of assignments and projects with high efficiency, yet thorough attention to detail and timely follow-through.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment and the ability to respond effectively to high-pressure situations.
• Strong ethical sense to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• The successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, students, faculty, and administrators) in a highly collaborative environment with diplomacy and tact.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal office hours of 8:00am – 4:30pm during busy seasons.