Development Prospect Research Intern

About the role

The Development Prospect Research Intern supports the work of our National Development team. We are seeking a curious, detail-oriented, and analytical person to join our team and help us identify philanthropic leaders, corporations, and foundations with a connection to our mission.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep-dive research on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects using internal databases, tools, and open-source intelligence (LinkedIn, SEC filings, news archives).
• Analyze key indicators and public giving histories to estimate major gift interest and potential.
• Identify "warm leads" by finding connections between our networks and potential major donors or partners.
• Assist in drafting concise, actionable research briefings that adhere to established templates to prepare leaders for high-level donor meetings.
• Monitor funder sites, news, and social media for RFPs or important events—such as business sales or philanthropic awards.
• Maintain and audit prospect data within our CRM and digital filing systems, ensuring that dashboards and pipeline reports reflect current information.
• Aid in developing and documenting improved methods to analyze and track the large volume of information we process in support of our mission.
• Follow ethical guidelines and data privacy regulations in the handling of any sensitive information.

Qualifications

• Motivated by mission-driven work and aligned with Per Scholas’ mission.
• Ability to work a minimum of 20 hours per week within the Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm window (timezone is flexible).
• Curious mindset - you enjoy connecting the dots and digging through archives and records.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to synthesize data.
• Proficient in Google Workspace - Google Docs, Sheets, Calendars, etc.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Currently enrolled in a degree-seeking institution.
• Degrees that align: Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy, Public Affairs, Nonprofit Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public & Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership (Nonprofit focus), Public Policy & Administration (Nonprofit track), Public & Nonprofit Administration.
• Preferred but not required: Familiarity with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) or prospect research tools (e.g., iWave, Foundation Directory).

Benefits & Perks

• Holidays & PTO: Over 40 days of paid time off each year through a mix of holidays, vacation, and sick/personal time!
• Full-Time Benefits Eligible employees also receive 80 Wellness Hours to use for Sick, Safe, or Personal reasons and accrue Vacation at a rate of 8 hours at the beginning of every month, supporting rest, recharge, and work-life balance. Vacation accruals increase with tenure.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple medical plans through Cigna or Kaiser Permanente (where available), with options to fit your needs. Eligible employees also have access to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that reimburses eligible out-of-pocket expenses, up to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for families.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Two dental plan options and a vision plan. Employees who waive medical coverage receive employer paid dental and vision premiums.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a current 100% employer match on contributions up to 6%, eligible employees are offered entry and full vesting after 90 days with the company.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential, 24/7 access to counseling, legal support, and financial resources for employees and their household members.
• Parental Leave: Up to 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave to support employees as they welcome a new child and bond with their family.
• Additional Benefits & Perks: Access to employer-paid life and AD&D Insurance, as well as employer-paid short-term disability coverage, with the option to elect additional life coverage and long-term disability insurance. Flexible Spending accounts are available for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses. Per Scholas also offers a range of voluntary benefits, including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Legal Services, and Pet Insurance. Additional resources include healthcare concierge support, financial wellness tools, and employee discount programs.