Associate Director, Prospect Intelligence

About the Department

North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 with the purpose of creating economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina. Today, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina, with more than 40,500 high-performing students, more than 10,000 preeminent faculty and staff and more than 310,000 dedicated alumni. NC State is a Research One (R1) university known for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We’re also at the forefront of teaching and discovery in agriculture, business, design, education, humanities and social sciences, natural resources, textiles and veterinary medicine. NC State is consistently named as one of the best values in higher education, and many of our programs are ranked at the top of their respective disciplines. We take a great deal of pride in our collaborative, supportive and collegial team culture. All staff are provided opportunities for training and professional development, with an eye to personalized career growth.

The mission of University Advancement at NC State is to amplify the university’s local and global impact by nurturing lifelong relationships, championing philanthropy and strengthening the Wolfpack community. The division is composed of six teams — Advancement Services; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving; Finance, Administration and Talent Management; Principal Gifts Program; University Development; and University Special Events and Experiences — that build relationships across the university and beyond to ensure a best-in-class experience for alumni, friends and donors. University Development raises philanthropic support for university goals and priorities that benefit NC State’s students, faculty, campus and, ultimately, the state of North Carolina by working closely and strategically with teams throughout University Advancement and within the university’s colleges, units and programs. The department includes the offices of Central Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Development Communications and Stewardship, Gift Planning and Prospect Development.

Essential Job Duties

The Associate Director of Prospect Intelligence leads the research and analytics function within Prospect Development, advancing a sophisticated, data‑informed approach to prospect identification, principal‑gift strategy, and pipeline development. This role manages the philanthropic research team, oversees principal‑level research deliverables, and builds the office’s analytics and predictive modeling infrastructure to support University Advancement’s strategic priorities. Reporting to the Director of Prospect Development, the Associate Director works collaboratively with the Principal Gifts team and college‑ and unit‑based development officers. As a key leader within Prospect Development, they train team members, elevate research standards, and drive innovation through advanced analytics, visualization, and emerging technologies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Principal Gift Strategy

• Lead leadership ($1M – $4.9M) and principal ($5M+) gift research, conducting in‑depth biographical, financial, and network analysis on top prospects.
• Partner with fundraisers and leadership to shape strategy discussions and donor‑facing planning.
• Synthesize strategic insights that inform cultivation, solicitation, and long‑term relationship management.
• Deliver intelligence in narrative and visual formats, including dashboards and portfolio insights.
• Oversee research standards, workflows, and ethical compliance for the principal‑gift pipeline.

Analytics, Predictive Modeling & Data Strategy

• Provide strategic direction for predictive modeling by identifying gaps, defining required insights, and determining how models should support prospect scoring, wealth indicators, and donor‑retention strategy.
• Guide staff in the development and implementation of models, dashboards, and data visualizations, ensuring outputs are actionable and aligned with fundraising priorities.
• Shape the analytics roadmap by setting priorities for new tools, reports, and data products that strengthen portfolio optimization and campaign planning.
• Translate complex findings into clear recommendations that inform prospecting, pipeline development, and leadership decision‑making.
• Oversee systems for monitoring wealth, assets, and market activity to surface timely insights affecting capacity and inclination.

Team Leadership, Training & Innovation

• Supervise and mentor the philanthropic research team, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.
• Serve as the primary trainer for advanced research methods, particularly for the $1M+ pipeline.
• Advance the office’s AI, technology, and analytics roadmap in partnership with the Director of Prospect Development.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging tools and platforms; serve as subject matter expert for key systems.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within Prospect Development.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and synthesize complex biographical, financial, and network research on high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on principal gift-level prospects ($5M+).
• Strong ability to analyze large and complex datasets, apply critical thinking, and translate findings into clear, actionable insights that inform fundraising strategy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with frontline fundraisers, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, determine scope and timelines, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work across data systems and tools, understand data structures, and develop scalable solutions that improve research and analytics workflows.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex research and data in clear, concise, and compelling formats for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to connect disparate pieces of information, identify trends and opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations to support prospect strategy and portfolio management.
• Experience with or demonstrated ability to develop and apply predictive modeling, prospect scoring, and data segmentation techniques. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Excel, or similar platforms).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring, training, or supervising staff, with the ability to elevate team performance and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment.
• Experience in higher education fundraising.
• Familiarity with NC State University.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday; 8:00 am-5:00 pm and other hours as needed to fulfill the duties of this position. Flexible work arrangements available.

Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three professional references.